Think about it: we’re taking stock of the summer season, reaping the bounty of our fields, and taking a breather from some oppressive heat. However, you know that pit-of-the-stomach uneasy feeling folks experience, where even the most beautiful fall is just a precursor to some brutal winter weather? Yeah, we don’t get that here.
It’s all good, all the time.
Anyway, Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort fits you right in the center of all the action — be it a harvest, art, wine, music or food festival — with great off-season rates on accommodations and packages that will leave you with a little more cash in your pocket to splurge for that pumpkin spice latte.
See below for a list of all the upcoming fall festivals in and around the Grand Strand.
Sweater optional.
National Sculpture Society 82nd Annual Awards Exhibition 8/8-11/1 at Brookgreen Gardens: This ongoing, traveling exhibit showcases the best in the world of sculpture and is not to be missed.
Music on Main Concert Series 5/14-10/1 in North Myrtle Beach: This summer event extends into fall with a new live band playing in town every Thursday night.
10th Annual Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival 9/4-9/5 at Horry Georgetown Technical College: All the best things about festivals rolled into one — food, music, drinks, arts and crafts, more food and a car show. If you’re on a cook team, prizes are big!
5th Annual Coastal Uncorked Food, Wine and Spirits Festival 9/4-9/6 at Broadway at the Beach: It’s like a booze cruise, but on land. Trolley around town tasting wines and sampling goodies. Take advantage of the $20.10 chef’s tasting menu available at participating restaurants around town. You cannot beat that deal.
SOS Fall Migration 9/18-9/27 in North Myrtle Beach: Shaggin’ in the streets? You bet. Fun Sunday and Fun Monday promise dancing, music, food and drinks for a cast of thousands.
24th Annual St. Johns Greek Festival 9/24-9/27 at St. John's Greek Orthodox Church: Spanakopita. Gyros. Baklava. What can’t the Greeks do? Enjoy great food, music and culture at this annual festival.
40th Annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival 9/25-9/27 at Huntington Beach State Park: Get back in touch with Atalaya’s artistic roots at this annual fest featuring more than 100 artisans selling their handiwork. Food and music will also be plentiful.
25th Annual Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art 9/25-10/17 in Pawleys Island: Perhaps the biggest Pawleys even of the year, the 25th celebration promises big acts, beautiful art and all the other attractions that make festivals such a hit with everyone.
12th Annual Irish Italian International Festival 9/26 in North Myrtle Beach: Soda bread and soppressata? Believe it at this recurring melding of cultures. Food, entertainment, craft vendors and a spaghetti eating contest ensure all with enjoy the craic.
Seacoast Artists Guild Arts and Crafts Festival 9/26-9/27 at Market Common Myrtle Beach: If it’s part of a guild, you know it’s going to be good. Market Common, already a hot spot, becomes even more attractive with some of the finest artists and craftspeople in the region gather to sell their goods.
16th Annual Pawleys Island Wine & Food Gala 10/1 in Pawleys Island: Part of the annual Festival of Music & Art, this is the sort of art you can eat. Or d’oeuvres and some of the world’s best wines will be on hand for your tasting pleasure. Tickets are $100 and come with a commemorative wine glass.
8th Annual Oktoberfest 10/2-10/3 at Market Common Myrtle Beach: Raise a stein in Valor Park and say prost! to great German music, beer and food, as well as face painting, a pumpkin patch and decorating, inflatables and more.
California Roots The Carolina Sessions 10/3 at the former site of Myrtle Beach Pavilion: A huge lineup of rock, reggae and world music that comprises “California roots” is back on the East Coast by popular demand. Get tickets soon to be a part of this memorable experience.
5th Annual Grand Strand Mustang Stampede & Ford Car Show 10/3 at Broadway at the Beach: As if it need be mentioned, but we’re talking about cars not horses — yet proceeds go to benefit actual horses. Got that? A can’t-miss event for any self-respecting car fan, come to gawk at some major muscle and enjoy a cruise and socializing with others as passionate as you are.
Harvest Home Weekend Festival 10/3-4 at Brookgreen Gardens: As autumnal as can be, this fest features hay rides, scarecrow building, pumpkin painting, food and entertainment at beautiful Brookgreen. The zoo will feature additional activities such as special animal programs and a swamp tour.
Gaither Fest 10/9-10/10 Wondering where to go to dinner? Why not all the restaurants? Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to taste food from all over the region, as well as drinks, entertainment and kids’ activities. It’s in its 32nd year for a reason.
11th Annual Little River ShrimpFest 10/10-10/11 at the Little River Waterfront: Celebrate the freshest of the fresh seafood with music, drinks, arts and crafts, kids activities, and of course, delicious seafood on the beautiful waterfront.
Downtown Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest 10/10-10/11 at Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: One doesn't always equate a drinking festival with family friendliness. But here’s where it is. Huge and hugely popular, you’ve got beer and sausages for the adults as well as petting zoo, pony rides and more for the little ’uns.
Cruisin the Beach 10/15 at Broadway at the Beach: Harken back to a time when locals and visitors alike would cruise the streets to show off their vehicular prides and joys. Now a proper car show, enjoy raffles, food and drinks, vendors, and of course, cars, cars and more cars.
Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon 10/17-10/18 starting at Coastal Grand Mall: Believe us, there’s nothing “mini” about 13.1 miles. But it sure is beautiful along that oceanfront. Walkers welcome, and all will enjoy the course entertainment and post-race beach party.
6th Annual Myrtle Beach Wine Fest and Taste of The Market Common 10/17 at Market Common: It’s like the universe has been listening to our pleas of “more food and wine fests!” Because here’s another great one. Grab a $5 glass and hit pay-as-you-go tasting stations featuring generous 2 oz. pours. Live music will be featured, and for those not considered oenophiles, there will be beer.
The Endless Summer Festival 10/31 in North Myrtle Beach: Only in the Grand Strand can we hold something called “Endless Summer” in certifiable late autumn. But that’s how we do. Food, drinks, crafts and entertainments all toast a time of year where both pumpkins and flip-flops peacefully coexist.
See what we mean? There’s a little something for everyone on this list, and staying at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort means you can get to it all with little hassle and lots of perks. Every autumn welcomes more activities, so you know it’s only going up from here. Happy fall, y’all!
(Posted: 8/25/15)
