Movies at McLean Park: A Summer Tradition in North Myrtle Beach

Some evenings are stitched together with the sound of the surf curling into the sand and the laughter of children chasing fireflies through warm twilight air. In North Myrtle Beach, the day doesn’t end when the sun kisses the horizon; it simply changes its tune. Just when you think you’ve wrung the last bit of joy out of the sunlight, night falls and the magic of summer begins all over again—this time under the open sky, on a blanket spread across soft grass, with a movie flickering into life among the old trees of McLean Park.

Summer in North Myrtle Beach isn’t just about the beach towels, surfboards, and lazy afternoons on Main Street. It’s about community moments that feel like scenes from an old southern novel—where neighbors and visitors gather in the cooling evening air to share simple joys. One of those most beloved traditions is Movies at McLean, a free event hosted by the City of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department, offering families and friends a way to come together for an unforgettable night under the stars.

What to Expect at Movies at McLean Park

Every second Friday of the month from May through October, McLean Park transforms into a moonlit cinema experience, right in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is anything but stiff—it’s warm, easy, and filled with the kind of laughter that only bubbles up when no one is worrying about tomorrow. Families lay down blankets or set up lawn chairs, young kids wrestle over popcorn bags, and couples tuck into cozy corners of the park to enjoy a night that feels a little like stepping back in time.

The 2025 movie lineup promises an all-ages selection of feel-good films that are just right for balmy summer nights. Movies start at dusk, around 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM depending on sunset times. The park, located at 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach, is the perfect venue, surrounded by moss-draped trees and a small pond where ducks paddle lazily as if they too were settling in for the show.

Outside food is welcome, but you won’t need to bring much if you stop by local favorites first. Grab a wood-fired pizza from Benito’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta, located just minutes away, or fill a picnic basket with sweet treats from Sweet Molly’s Creamery at Barefoot Landing. For something a little heartier, pick up juicy burgers and hand-cut fries from River City Cafe, an iconic local favorite for casual eats.

Parking at McLean Park is plentiful, and the event is pet-friendly—so long as your four-legged friend stays on a leash and doesn’t mind a little crowd excitement. No alcohol is permitted, keeping the atmosphere wholesome and family-focused. And best of all, each movie night includes special pre-show activities like face painting, games, and sometimes even appearances by local mascots or entertainers to keep the little ones busy before the main feature begins.

Local Attractions to Pair with Your Movies at McLean Evening

A perfect summer evening in North Myrtle Beach doesn’t have to stop when the credits roll. After the movie, take a short drive or stroll to the OD Pavilion Amusement Park, open during the summer months with old-school rides like bumper cars, Ferris wheels, and classic carnival games that light up the night.

If you’d rather relax after the movie, wander over to Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, an oceanfront spot known for its live music and casual beachy vibe—ideal for a late-night drink or dessert while the Atlantic hums in the background.

For those looking to turn their evening into a full coastal getaway, Main Street itself offers live bands, food trucks, and ice cream shops like Melt, known for their handmade cones and fresh ingredients. It’s a walkable wonderland on warm nights, with just the right mix of energy and small-town ease.

Before heading back to your rental or home away from home, take a moment to sit by the McLean Park pond or under one of its majestic oaks. These are the kinds of nights that linger in the heart—where the screen flickers off, but the memories stay bright for years to come.

Make Movies at McLean Part of Your North Myrtle Beach Tradition

Movies at McLean isn’t just an event—it’s a chance to touch something enduring, something rooted in community spirit and coastal charm. It’s sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers who feel like friends by the end of the night, laughing under the stars with your kids, or maybe just holding hands a little tighter with someone special as the credits roll. It’s one of those rare moments when life feels exactly as it should: simple, beautiful, and shared.

If you’re planning your visit to North Myrtle Beach, make sure to carve out time for one of these magical movie nights. You’ll find that the sparkle of a summer evening, a good story, and the ocean breeze create a kind of joy that no theater can match.

For the perfect vacation home or condo to call your own while you’re here, Thomas Beach Vacations offers over 400 properties across North Myrtle Beach—from cozy cottages to spacious oceanfront estates. Visit www.northmyrtlebeachvacations.com or call (866) 249-2100 today to plan your stay and start building summer memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.