There’s nothing better than a fall festival—though the days may be shorter, the air is crisper, and the air is filled with feel-good vibes and the promise of foliage, cider, and pumpkin picking on the horizon. However, there’s more to autumn festivals than fall-themed events—one only needs to visit the amazing city of Myrtle Beach to see how fall fun can be celebrated through a plethora of fun, community-oriented events.

Home to a number of fall festivals throughout September, October, and November, Myrtle Beach is veritable who’s who of fun fall fests—but don’t expect any haunted hayrides here. Instead, the vibrant beach town presents a program of lively festivals meant to celebrate its history, culture, and heritage—and are welcome to all looking to experience some of the area’s best music, food, culture, and beachy brand of fun.

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A (Chili) Cook-Off For The Ages

More than just your friendly neighborhood chili eating contest, the 55th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off is returning to Myrtle Beach with the Beach ’N Chili Fest. This year, hundreds of competitors will face off in one of the best cook-offs in the country for the ultimate title of World Champion—and guests have the delicious task of tasting them all at this epic three-day event.

• Where: Burroughs And Chapin Pavilion Place, 812 North Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach
• When: September 23, 2022 @11AM through September 25, 2022 @6PM
• Things To Do: Chili tastings; beer gardens; food trucks; live music and entertainment; retail and craft vendors; car shows; kids’ zone, and more
• Admission: Free general admission; People’s Choice Chili Sampling and Judging starts at $15 (5 samples) and up and can be purchased online

A Bi-Cultural Celebration

The 18th Annual Irish Italian Festival represents some of the very best from these two amazing cultures—all in one day. An epic North Myrtle Beach event visitors will not want to miss full of delicious fest foodie faves and marvelous multicultural vibes, this late-September festival is as fun as it is unique.

• Where: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
• When: September 24, 2022, from 10 AM-4 PM
• Things To Do: Art and craft vendors; food stalls; live entertainment; street performers; spaghetti eating contest; competition for Best Vendor, Best Decorated, and Best Dessert
• Admission: Free

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A Piece Of Myrtle Beach History

A celebration of culture, history, and togetherness, the 2nd Annual Myrtle Beach Fall Jerk Fest is an eclectic fest packed with plenty of fun and activities. Aimed to honor the revitalization of Myrtle Beach’s historic Broadway Street in conjunction with an homage to African and Taíno culture and heritage, this delish event is a delightful mashup of food, fun, culture, and entertainment.

• Where: Broadway Street, downtown Myrtle Beach
• When: October 2, 2022, from 12 PM-10 PM
• Things To Do: Food trucks; retailers; entertainment; Jerk cuisine; Wine Walk and Hors d’oeuvres tasting (Adults 21+ only)
• Admission: General Admission is free; for $20 (plus fees), adults 21+ can purchase a Wine Ticket which includes exclusive wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres on Broadway Street. Tickets can be purchased online.

Celebrate Local Seafood

An open-air event celebrating the very best of Myrtle Beach seafood, the ILove Seafood Fest is a feel-good event full of great atmosphere and even better cooking—and one of the best ways to have a fabulously fresh “ocean to plate” experience in downtown MB.

• Where: Burroughs And Chapin Pavilion Place, 812 North Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach
• When: October 1-2, 2022
• Things To Do: Tribute ceremony honoring first responders; largest Low Country Boil; live music; amazing fresh seafood meals
• Admission: General Admission $10 (plus fees); VIP Ticket $50 (plus fees) and includes open bar and Captain’s Seafood Platter; VIP Elite $65 (plus fees) and includes an exclusive seating area, top shelf open bar, and Freshest Catch Seafood Platter. General Admission weekend passes and VIP passes are available. Tickets can be purchased online.

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Shrimp On The Riverfront

Can’t make the ILove Seafood Fest? Then head to the next best thing: the 17th Annual Little River ShrimpFest. A historic (and mouthwatering) Little River waterfront event just 15 short minutes from MB, this foodie fest is a rollicking mix of fab (sea)food and time-honored beach music heritage celebrating the music of all genres. And while seafood of all types is on the menu, shrimp is the definite star of the show: lovingly showcased through unique dishes and highlighted at local restaurants.

• Where: Historic Little River Waterfront, 4468 Mineola Ave, Little River SC
• When: October 8-9, 2022 9AM-5PM
• Things To Do: Exclusive shrimp dishes; food, retail, and craft vendors; live music and entertainment; family-friendly events; stilt walkers, shrimp cook-off
• Admission: $5 per person; Children 12 & under are free. Advance tickets may be purchased online.

Jazz It Up, MB-style

An annual celebration of culture, heritage, community—and, of course, the smooth, soulful sounds of local jazz, the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival is one of the city’s most popular fall festivals. Located at the iconic Charlie’s Place on historic Carver Street in downtown Myrtle Beach, this outdoor event is a good time for all.

• Where: Carver Street, Myrtle Beach
• When: October 14-16, 2022
• The Details: Live music; amazing food; cool, jazzy vibes
• Admission: Unknown

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Ghosts, Pirates, And A Trolley Tour

Though the Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates & Historic Families trolley ride runs through the spring, it gains a special significance throughout the fall months due to its focus on local ghost and pirate lore. A little spooky, a bit historical, and a lot of fun, this two-hour tour takes visitors past some of the area’s best attractions from Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet--and beyond. Visitors who love Murrells Inlet should be sure to return and check out Brew at the Zoo on November 5, 2022

• Where: Visitors meet in from of Grand 14 Theater at The Market Common and board the trolley at @9:45AM
• When: Tours run every Thursday throughout the fall
• The Details: Ghost stories, pirate lore, and the historical past of local, influential families are presented in a two-hour tour past some of the area’s best attractions, with stops at various scenic sights
• Admission: Tickets are $30 for all (can be purchased online)

Though Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is usually known as a vibrant, bustling, and oh-so-beachy summer destination, the diverse community really comes alive in fall with a number of festivities meant to celebrate the area’s culture, heritage, and history. And while these festivals may not exactly be your typical pumpkin picking/haunted hayride autumn events, they are incredibly fun and unique ways to celebrate autumn with a bit of fun, flair, and a lot of community spirit.