A Myrtle Beach tradition

Since 1951

70th Annual

May 16-18, 2025

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The Beach's longest-running event is back!

This annual celebration heralds the unofficial arrival of the summer season by welcoming back visitors and locals with a great weekend full of family fun events. From exciting live music to awe-inspiring displays by the U.S Army's Golden Knights, there's a ton to enjoy!

FAMILY FUN

SUN FUN FESTIVAL OMAR SHRINERS PARADE

SATURDAY, MAY 17
10 A.M.
Celebrate the return of a Myrtle Beach tradition at the Sun Fun Festival, featuring the festive and family-friendly Omar Shriners’ Parade marching from 8th Ave. N to 15th Ave. N. With colorful floats, fun costumes, and high-energy entertainment, it’s a can’t-miss kickoff to a weekend full of classic beachside fun.
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AERIAL DISPLAY

U.S. Army Golden Knights

Friday, May 16
9 p.m.
SATurday, May 17
4 p.m.
The US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will be landing on the beach in front of Plyler Park. The best views will be from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk between 9th Ave and the SkyWheel. Their famous Pyro Jump will be Friday night at 9 p.m. Bring the kids, as this is an experience they will never forget!
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FAMILY FUN

SUN FUN FAMILY FESTIVAL

FRIday, May 16
5-9 P.M.
SATURday, May 17
12-9 P.M.
SUNday, May 18
2-6 P.m.
Come enjoy the classic fun that Sun Fun is known for with a weekend full of family-friendly activities! Enjoy free games in Plyler Park, fun photo ops, face painting, stilt walkers, balloon twisters, free crafts and games for kids, and more—all oceanfront and full of sunshine.
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LIVE MUSIC

ON THE BORDER EAGLES TRIBUTE

SUNDAY, MAY 18
3-6 p.m.
On The Border delivers the ultimate Eagles experience, capturing the sound, spirit, and soul of one of rock’s most iconic bands. From “Hotel California” to “Take It Easy,” their spot-on harmonies and expert musicianship make every show a nostalgic journey for fans of all ages.
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LIVE MUSIC

swinging' medallions

FRIDAY, MAY 16
6-9 p.M.
Since the early 1960s The Swingin’ Medallions from Greenwood, S.C., have been wowing crowds with their captivating performances. Their hit song “Double Shot (of my Baby’s Love)" became a million seller in 1966, and has been a party classic for college students for decades. Now they bring a high-energy show to the stage each time with a set that includes Beach music, classic R&B and other great tunes to shag dance to.
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LIVE MUSIC

TOO MUCH SYLVIA

SATURDAY, MAY 17
6-9 p.m.
Too MUCH SyLvia, celebrated for their engaging live performances and strong vocal harmonies, have been entertaining audiences for over three decades. Inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2019, they continue to captivate fans with their energetic shows and a diverse setlist that promises something for everyone.
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MORE SUN & FUN EVENTS

The Sun Fun Festival is just the start of the great events happening around the Myrtle Beach area. With Cinco de Mayo and other spring happenings in full swing, you can find tons to do this weekend along the Grand Strand. Check out all the latest events by visiting VisitMyrtleBeach.com!

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THE HISTORY

Decades of Sun, Fun & Excitement!

The Sun Fun Festival has quite a history in our beach town, with the inaugural event held in the summer of 1951 to welcome tourists back to Myrtle Beach for the summer season.

The early festivals featured family-friendly activities in and around the Myrtle Beach Pavilion, like parades and human checkerboard games. The first Miss SC pageant was held here in 1952, judged by bestselling author Mickey Spillane, who called Murrells Inlet home, followed by the Miss Sun Fun and Miss Bikini Wahine pageants sponsored by Hawaiian Tropic.

Back then, it’s said that there was even a “local law” enacted just during the festival that required everyone to wear shorts or a bathing suit. If not, they would be fined, which served as a fundraiser to help build the area’s first hospital, Ocean View Memorial Hospital.

Our event consistently named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events, would continue to thrive for 60 years, with parades, live music, sandcastle contests, and more. The event took a sabbatical for a few years in 2011, returned to the beach in 2016, and today continues a great tradition enjoyed by generations of beachgoers.

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Take a walk down memory lane with tons more photos of Sun Fun Festival Days of the past in our photo gallery.

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  • The Sun Fun Parade, 1961
  • MISS USA 1957 IN the SUN FUN PARADE
  • 1975 MISS BIKINI WAHINI PAGEANT
  • MISS U.S.A. ON THE BEACH DURING SUN FUN
  • The Sun Fun Parade, 1991

MORE PHOTOS

Take a walk down memory lane with tons more photos of Sun Fun Festival Days of the past in our photo gallery.

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AREA EVENTS

Want more sun 
& more fun?

The Sun Fun Festival is just the start of the great events happening around the Myrtle Beach area.

With the Myrtle Beach Classic golf tournament in town and other spring happenings in full swing, you can find tons to do this weekend along the Grand Strand.

Check out all the latest events by visiting VisitMyrtleBeach.com!

SEE MORE EVENTS
©2025 Sun Fun Festival
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