Summer isn ‘t over – stick around, it’s just getting good!
August 2026 | Grand Strand, South Carolina
There’s a certain magic to August on the Grand Strand that locals know well and visitors quickly discover. The Fourth of July crowds have thinned, the ocean has reached its warmest temperatures of the year, and the coast settles into a comfortable, sun-soaked rhythm that’s hard to beat. School is about to start, which means this is your last best chance to squeeze every drop out of summer — and the Grand Strand gives you plenty of ways to do it.
Here’s what’s happening in August 2026 and how to make the most of it.
The Beach: Still the Main Event
It sounds obvious, but August is genuinely one of the best months to be on the sand. Ocean temperatures in August are among the warmest of the entire year, making every swim feel like a reward. The wide, sandy shores stretch across all 60 miles of the Grand Strand, and whether you prefer the lively scene near the Boardwalk or a quieter stretch north toward Cherry Grove or south toward Pawleys Island, there’s a spot for every pace.
For fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, head to the beach early in the morning or just before sunset — the light is beautiful at both ends of the day, and you’ll have far more room to spread out.
Recurring Weekly Events: Free Fun All Month Long
Music on Main — North Myrtle Beach
Every Thursday night in August, downtown North Myrtle Beach hosts Music on Main — free outdoor concerts from 7 to 9 PM at the Horseshoe on Main Street. The rotating lineup features beach music, R&B, rock, and country, making it a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Grab dinner on Main Street first and walk over for the show. It doesn’t get more classic Grand Strand than this.
Fireworks at Barefoot Landing
Part of the SummerFest series, Barefoot Landing’s weekly fireworks display lights up the night sky over the lake every Monday at 10 PM, with live music, street performers, and a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the evening. Arrive early to shop or grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants — the whole complex comes alive on fireworks nights.
Fireworks at Broadway at the Beach
Every Tuesday night in August, Broadway at the Beach caps the evening with a fireworks show over the lake at 10 PM. With its mix of restaurants, attractions, and shopping, it’s easy to build a full evening around this one.
Family Fun Night at Myrtle Waves
Every Friday through August 16th, Myrtle Waves Waterpark hosts Family Fun Night with discounted tickets, food specials, and character appearances starting at 3:00 PM — a perfect way to cool off on a hot afternoon before the weekend.
Signature August Events
Craftsmen’s Summer Classic — August 1–2
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
The Craftsmen’s Summer Classic brings the Grand Strand’s favorite art and craft festival to life once again, with aisles filled with pottery, jewelry, clothing, woodwork, glass, fine art, photography, home décor, and seasonal specialties. Whether your style is classic or contemporary, practical or whimsical, there’s something for every taste and budget. It’s a great indoor option if you need a break from the August sun, and a perfect place to find something unique to bring home.
Summer Light: Art by Night — Through August 22
Brookgreen Gardens, Pawleys Island area
On select evenings through August 22nd, Brookgreen Gardens comes alive with glowing art installations, live music, and a magical atmosphere during Summer Light: Art by Night — a unique blend of art, nature, and summer night magic. Brookgreen is one of the true gems of the Grand Strand — a nationally acclaimed sculpture garden and wildlife preserve that’s worth visiting any time of year. The evening light series takes it to another level entirely.
Atlantic Beach Gullah Geechee Festival
Atlantic Beach, 30th Avenue South
The Atlantic Beach Gullah Geechee Festival celebrates the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee people with a weekend of cultural expression, live music, traditional food, local art, and community connection, all in the historic beachfront town of Atlantic Beach. This is one of the most meaningful and distinctive events on the Grand Strand calendar — a window into the deep cultural roots of the South Carolina coast. Exact dates were still to be confirmed at press time; check local listings for updates.
World Amateur Handicap Championship — August 31–September 4
Various Courses, Grand Strand
The month closes out with one of the biggest golf events in the country. The 42nd Annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship runs Monday, August 31 through Friday, September 4, welcoming golfers from around the world to “The Golf Capital of the World” for a week-long tournament experience. With around 3,000 participants drawn together by a love of the game, it’s one of the premier amateur golf events in the world — competitive, welcoming, and uniquely Myrtle Beach. Even if you’re not playing, the energy around town that week is something to experience.
Don’t Miss: Local Favorites Worth Your Time
South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend August is when South Carolina’s annual Tax-Free Weekend occurs, giving shoppers the chance to pick up back-to-school items and more without paying sales tax. With all the shopping options on the Grand Strand — from outlet centers to local boutiques — it’s a great excuse to browse.
Calabash Seafood The Grand Strand has earned a strong reputation for its Calabash-style seafood — a local tradition of lightly frying fresh seafood that draws visitors from all over the country. August is peak season for the buffets and seafood houses that line the coast. Don’t leave without making time for at least one proper Calabash meal.
Dolphin Watching August is an ideal time for dolphin watching, as warm waters attract large pods of dolphins to the area. Dozens of local tour operators run morning and afternoon excursions along the coast and through the inlets. It’s a reliably wonderful experience for kids and adults alike.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball The Myrtle Beach Pelicans play at Pelicans Ballpark near Broadway at the Beach, and a summer night at the ballpark is a classic Grand Strand experience — often paired with dinner nearby before or after the game. Minor league baseball at its best: laid-back, affordable, and genuinely fun.
Myrtle Beach State Park If you haven’t visited the State Park recently, August is a great time to make the trip. This peaceful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush forests, scenic trails, a fishing pier, and educational programs for all ages — a completely different pace from the main strip, and only a few miles away.
A Few Tips for August on the Grand Strand
August is the final push of peak summer season, and the Grand Strand will be busy — especially in the first few weeks before school starts. A few things to keep in mind:
- Make reservations. Popular restaurants fill up quickly on summer evenings. If you have a specific place in mind, book ahead.
- Hit the beach early or late. Midday heat and crowds peak between 10 AM and 3 PM. Early mornings and late afternoons are cooler, less crowded, and frankly more beautiful.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen. August heat and humidity on the South Carolina coast are serious. Drink water constantly, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, and give yourself breaks from the sun.
- Watch for afternoon storms. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common in August. They typically pass quickly, but keep an eye on the sky if you’re out on the water or in an exposed area.
- Enjoy the transition. By mid-August, something shifts on the Grand Strand — the crowds ease a bit, the pace relaxes, and the coast settles into that golden end-of-summer feeling. If you can extend your stay into late August, it’s often the sweetest time of the whole season.
August on the Grand Strand is summer at full throttle, then summer at its most golden. Whether you’re here for the events, the golf, the seafood, the music, or simply the beach, there’s no better place to let the season linger a little longer.
The Grand Strand will be here when fall arrives. Make the most of every August day while it lasts.
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