Walk down Main Street in Ocean Drive on a November night and you will hear it before you see it: a horn line, a rolling rhythm-and-blues groove and the soft shuffle of loafers on a wooden floor. Beach music is not a memory in North Myrtle Beach. It is still played, still danced to and still celebrated by people who learned the shag as teenagers and by younger dancers who are discovering it for the first time.
Every November, that whole world comes together for the Carolina Beach Music Awards. Fans know them as the Cammys, and in 2026 the 32nd annual show returns to the Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing on Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m. It is part awards ceremony, part concert and part family reunion for a regional music scene that has been going strong for generations.
Whether you grew up on beach music or you are simply curious about the sound that defines this stretch of coast, here is a guide to the awards, the history behind them and the best ways to make a weekend of it.
Carolina Beach Music Awards 2026 at a Glance
| Detail |
What to know |
| Event |
32nd annual Carolina Beach Music Awards |
| Date and time |
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. |
| Venue |
Alabama Theatre, Barefoot Landing, 4750 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach |
| Box office |
(800) 342-2262 |
| More information |
cammy.org |
| Who is honored |
Performers, songwriters, radio personalities, DJs, dancers, producers, engineers, promoters and Hall of Fame inductees |
Ticket prices vary by seat and year, so check with the Alabama Theatre box office for current pricing and availability. The Alabama Theatre seats close to 2,000 guests, but the best seats for the Cammys tend to go early.
What Are the Cammys?
The Carolina Beach Music Awards honor the people who keep beach music alive. According to Destination North Myrtle Beach, the show recognizes performers, producers, writers, industry leaders and Hall of Famers, celebrating a tradition that its fans proudly note is older than rock and roll. The awards began in 1995 under the name the Cammys, short for Carolina’s Magic Music Years, and the nickname stuck.
The show did not start on the beach. The Horry Independent has reported that the first ceremonies were held in Salisbury, North Carolina, and then in Charlotte before the awards moved to North Myrtle Beach in 1998. It was a natural homecoming. Ocean Drive was one of the places where this music first found its audience, and North Myrtle Beach has been the Cammys’ home ever since.
Awards cover categories such as song, album, vocalist, group, entertainer, DJ, club and radio station. According to the CBMA’s own materials, members of its academy, a mix of industry professionals and fans, vote on most categories, while Hall of Fame selections are made by the organization’s boards. The ceremony is a chance to hear many of the region’s best-loved bands perform on one stage in a single afternoon.
A Short History of Beach Music and the Shag
Beach music grew out of the rhythm-and-blues records that young people heard on jukeboxes in beachfront pavilions and dance halls along the Carolina coast in the years after World War II. According to Visit Myrtle Beach, the sound began evolving in the mid-1940s, though the term beach music itself did not come into wide use until the 1970s. Ocean Drive, along with Carolina Beach in North Carolina, is often named among the places where it mattered most.
The music came with a dance. The shag is a smooth, shuffling partner dance built for sand-dusted floors and hot summer nights, more about footwork and connection than flashy spins. South Carolina named the shag its official state dance in 1984, and in 2001 the state adopted beach music as its official popular music. Today you will find shaggers of every age on the dance floors of Ocean Drive, and many clubs offer lessons for beginners who want to learn the basic step.
If you want to see that culture up close, our guide to Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach is the place to start, and our article on the heart of Ocean Drive looks at how the neighborhood keeps its rhythm.
The CBMA Weekend in Ocean Drive
For many fans, the awards show is the finale of a full weekend. In 2025 the CBMA weekend ran from Thursday through Sunday, with the Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort serving as host hotel, dancing at clubs including Fat Harold’s Beach Club, the OD Beach Club and the Galleon, a Saturday showcase with a pig pickin’ that raised money for the organization’s scholarship fund, and an after-party following the Sunday ceremony. The 2026 weekend schedule had not been posted when we checked, so look for updates at cammy.org.
Fat Harold’s Beach Club
No visit to Ocean Drive during Cammys weekend is complete without a stop at Fat Harold’s on Main Street. It is home to the Ocean Drive Shag Club, and Destination North Myrtle Beach notes that it offers free shag lessons. Even if you never leave your bar stool, an evening watching longtime dancers glide across the floor is a lesson in local history.
Other Shag Clubs Along Main Street
Duck’s Beach Club and the OD Arcade & Lounge are two more Ocean Drive names that shaggers know well, and both have been gathering places during the Society of Stranders festivals. Hours and schedules change by season, so check before you go, especially on Sunday and Monday nights.
Beach Music All Year: SOS and Beyond
The Cammys are one of several beach music gatherings in North Myrtle Beach each year. The Society of Stranders, known simply as SOS, grew out of reunions of people who spent their youth dancing in Ocean Drive and has become one of the biggest shag gatherings anywhere. Its Spring Safari is held in late April and early May, and its Fall Migration fills Main Street every September. Our guide to the SOS Fall Migration explains how to plan around it.
Between festivals, live music fills the town year-round. Our roundup of live music venues in North Myrtle Beach lists more places to hear bands, and our Myrtle Beach events calendar highlights concerts and shows across the Grand Strand.
The Alabama Theatre sits at Barefoot Landing on the Intracoastal Waterway, so it is easy to turn the awards into a full afternoon and evening. Arrive early to stroll the boardwalk around the lake, browse the shops and grab lunch on the water. Our local’s guide to Barefoot Landing covers restaurants and shops in detail.
Across the waterway, Barefoot Resort & Golf is home to four courses by famous designers, and an early round on Sunday morning pairs nicely with an afternoon at the Cammys. Our story on the history of Barefoot Resort & Golf explains what makes each course special. The Alabama Theatre also launches its holiday season in November, so visitors who extend their stay may be able to catch a Christmas show as well. Check the theatre’s schedule for dates.
Where to Stay for the Carolina Beach Music Awards
Ocean Drive is the heart of the beach music scene, and staying there means you can walk to Main Street clubs after the show. Windy Hill is the closest beach section to the Alabama Theatre and Barefoot Landing. Crescent Beach sits comfortably between the two, and Cherry Grove on the north end offers quieter mornings and marsh views when you need to rest your dancing feet.
Groups of friends who travel together for the Cammys often book oceanfront homes with room for everyone and a big deck for a pre-show gathering. Couples may prefer oceanfront condos, where you can come home from Main Street and fall asleep to the ocean. For the rest of the trip, see our pillar guide to things to do in Myrtle Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Carolina Beach Music Awards in 2026?
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The 32nd annual Carolina Beach Music Awards are Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
How do I buy tickets to the Carolina Beach Music Awards?
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Tickets are sold through the Alabama Theatre box office at (800) 342-2262. More information about the show and the surrounding weekend is available at cammy.org. Prices vary by seat, so check current availability.
Why are the Carolina Beach Music Awards called the Cammys?
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The awards began in 1995 as the Cammys, short for Carolina’s Magic Music Years. The show started in North Carolina and moved to North Myrtle Beach in 1998.
What is the official state dance of South Carolina?
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The shag became South Carolina’s official state dance in 1984. In 2001 the state adopted beach music as its official popular music. Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach is one of the best places to see the shag danced today.
Where can I learn to shag in North Myrtle Beach?
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Fat Harold’s Beach Club on Main Street in Ocean Drive, home of the Ocean Drive Shag Club, offers free shag lessons, according to Destination North Myrtle Beach. Call ahead for the current lesson schedule.
Come for the Cammys, Stay for the Shag
The Carolina Beach Music Awards are a celebration of a sound and a dance that grew up on this coast. Spend Sunday afternoon cheering for the region’s best bands, then follow the music back to Main Street and let the beach take care of the rest.
If you are planning to be in town for the Cammys, our oceanfront homes and condos in North Myrtle Beach put you close to the Alabama Theatre and the shag clubs of Ocean Drive. Browse beach homes and condos at www.northmyrtlebeachvacations.com or call our North Myrtle Beach team at (843) 273-3001, and we will help you find the right fit for your group.
Sources: Destination North Myrtle Beach event listing (2026); Carolina Beach Music Awards (cammy.org) FAQ and 2025 weekend schedule; The Horry Independent; Visit Myrtle Beach. Event times, ticket prices and weekend activities can change, so confirm with the Alabama Theatre and the CBMA before you go.
Winter Concerts & Holiday Shows in North Myrtle Beach: A Season of Sparkle and Song
✨ A Coastal Winter Wonderland
There’s something magical about North Myrtle Beach in winter. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the ocean glows with a softer shade of blue. Locals trade their swimsuits for cozy sweaters, and the rhythm of life slows down—only to pick up again when the curtain rises on the city’s holiday entertainment season.
From late November through December, the Grand Strand transforms into a stage alive with music, laughter, and twinkling lights. Families gather, couples stroll hand in hand down Main Street, and everywhere you go, there’s a familiar carol drifting through the air. If summer is for sun and surf, winter here is for sparkle and song.
This season, North Myrtle Beach offers a lineup of concerts and performances that rival any big city—only with the warmth and Southern hospitality that make this coastal town so beloved.
🎭 Alabama Theatre: The South’s Grandest Christmas Tradition
Located in the heart of Barefoot Landing, the Alabama Theatre has been the crown jewel of Myrtle Beach entertainment since 1993. Each winter, it shines brightest with its legendary show, The South’s Grandest Christmas Show — a holiday spectacular blending comedy, dancing, and soaring vocals into a two-hour celebration that leaves audiences spellbound.
Expect a mix of classic carols, modern holiday hits, and gospel harmonies that fill the theatre with warmth and joy. The sets are dazzling, the costumes shimmer, and the live orchestra keeps the energy alive from curtain to close. It’s a show for all generations—grandparents, parents, and little ones alike—and a tradition that feels like coming home.
Tickets sell fast, especially for weekend performances in December. You can check schedules and book online directly through the Alabama Theatre’s official site or stop by Barefoot Landing to soak up the lights, shops, and restaurants before showtime.
🎅 The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
Just a short drive south on Highway 17 lies another Grand Strand institution: The Carolina Opry. For over 35 years, Calvin Gilmore’s award-winning theatre has enchanted audiences with its mix of country, pop, and gospel — and when Christmas arrives, it transforms into a wonderland of sight and sound.
Known locally as “The Christmas Show of the South,” this production features more than 35 talented singers, dancers, and musicians performing under a canopy of 35,000 twinkling lights. From snow falling over the audience to a live brass section that swings from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey, it’s the kind of spectacle that captures the childlike joy of the holidays.
If you’ve never seen it, make this the year. For families visiting from out of town, plan a stop at Pirates Voyage Dinner Show nearby for another round of festive adventure before returning to your Thomas Beach Vacations oceanfront condo for cocoa and Christmas lights on the balcony.
🎤 Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre: Christmas on Main
New to the scene but already a local favorite, the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre brings a personal touch to North Myrtle Beach entertainment. A Grand Strand legend, Greg Rowles—longtime star of The Alabama Theatre and a beloved community figure—now hosts his own show, Christmas on Main, just steps from the oceanfront.
This event feels like a hometown gathering: warm, funny, full of heart. The show blends traditional carols with country charm, gospel harmonies, and a dose of Greg’s signature storytelling. Every song carries a sense of nostalgia, the kind that reminds you what the season is all about—faith, family, and community.
You can learn more or grab tickets directly from the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre website.
🎸 Holiday Vibes at the House of Blues
Not all holiday music comes wrapped in tinsel and choirs. At House of Blues Myrtle Beach, the season rocks a little harder. Each December, this Barefoot Landing landmark hosts a lineup of live shows and special events—from tribute bands and gospel brunches to seasonal blues and rock concerts.
The vibe is laid-back and electric. Picture a night out with friends, warm drinks in hand, and a guitar solo that shakes the lights overhead. If you’re looking for a break from tradition—or just want a dose of live energy after a day exploring Barefoot Landing—this is your spot.
And when the last encore fades, the walk back to your Thomas Beach Vacations rental will feel as festive as the show itself.
🏖️ Plan Your Stay with Thomas Beach Vacations
Whether you’re here for the lights, the laughter, or the music, the holidays in North Myrtle Beach have a way of warming the soul. Each venue offers something unique: a story told in songs and lights, a celebration of community, and a reminder that joy often comes in the simplest moments.
If you’re planning to attend one—or all—of these shows, stay close to the fun with Thomas Beach Vacations. Choose from over 400 vacation homes and condos, from oceanfront escapes to cozy family villas. After an evening of Christmas cheer, there’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of the waves just beyond your balcony.
Book early for the best selection at NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com
or call (866) 249-2100 to plan your festive getaway today. This season, let the beach be your backdrop—and the music your memory.
Winter Concerts & Holiday Shows in North Myrtle Beach
When the sea breezes turn crisp and the sand cools underfoot, North Myrtle Beach reveals a side of itself that’s often overlooked. It’s not just a summer paradise but a winter wonderland of lights, music, and laughter. The holidays here are painted with Southern charm, where ocean tides meet Christmas carols, and neon marquees welcome visitors to some of the best live entertainment in the South.
This guide is your ticket to the season’s brightest stages. From the glittering productions at Alabama Theatre to the soulful beats at House of Blues and the timeless holiday magic at The Carolina Opry, we’ll show you why North Myrtle Beach is the place to be when the stockings are hung and the air smells faintly of pine and ocean salt.
🎭 The Alabama Theatre’s Christmas Extravaganza
Step inside the Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing, and you’ll be swept into a swirl of sequins, harmonies, and holiday cheer. Their famous “South’s Grandest Christmas Show” has been delighting audiences for nearly three decades. It’s not just a performance—it’s a tradition. Imagine dazzling dancers stepping in rhythm with carolers, all under a kaleidoscope of lights that sparkle like the stars over the Atlantic.
Families love the humor sprinkled in by Ricky Mokel, the resident comedian who brings the down-home laughs that keep audiences chuckling even as the singers belt out “O Holy Night.” For many locals, attending this show is as essential as trimming the tree, and visitors quickly discover why. It’s the perfect blend of spectacle and Southern hospitality.
🎶 House of Blues Holiday Concerts
If your holiday spirit leans more toward rhythm and blues than tinsel and sleigh bells, the House of Blues at Barefoot Landing is your stop. Known for its rustic, Delta-inspired atmosphere and stained-glass accents, the venue hosts a lineup of holiday concerts that mix gospel, rock, and soul. Their legendary Gospel Brunch gets a seasonal twist in December, with choirs raising the rafters in joyful celebration.
Beyond brunch, the House of Blues welcomes touring acts that bring holiday sets—sometimes jazzy, sometimes rocking, but always spirited. Nothing beats sipping a warm drink while tapping your foot to a bluesy take on “Silent Night.” It’s Christmas with grit, soul, and plenty of rhythm.
✨ The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
No holiday in North Myrtle Beach would be complete without the Carolina Opry Christmas Special. This is where tradition meets grandeur. Calvin Gilmore’s theatre turns into a winter spectacle with elaborate sets, angelic voices, and a full orchestra that makes each note shimmer like frost on the dunes.
Think of it as Broadway with a Southern accent. The show has been praised as a top area attraction for good reason. From heartwarming renditions of classics to contemporary holiday hits, the Carolina Opry makes December nights feel unforgettable. It’s an experience that lingers long after the final curtain falls.
✨Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre Christmas on Main
Tucked right along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre brings holiday spirit center stage with its beloved Christmas on Main show. Hosted by longtime local favorite and Grand Strand entertainer Greg Rowles, this production mixes toe-tapping music, heartfelt storytelling, and a big dose of small-town cheer. With classic carols, sparkling costumes, and the kind of humor and warmth that only a seasoned Southern showman can deliver, it feels less like a performance and more like being invited into a neighbor’s living room—if that neighbor happened to be backed by a world-class cast. It’s the kind of show where the audience leaves humming, smiling, and maybe carrying just a little more Christmas spirit than when they walked in.
🎄 Local Holiday Performances & Community Shows
Alongside the big stages, North Myrtle Beach shines with smaller, heartwarming performances that stitch the community together. Local churches host candlelight concerts, schools present charming holiday pageants, and community groups bring traditional plays to life. Stop by the city’s facilities like the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center or check the city’s holiday calendar—you might stumble upon a cozy performance that feels like home, even if you’re miles away from yours.
📝 Tips for Enjoying Holiday Entertainment in North Myrtle Beach
Winter at the beach calls for a little planning. Book your tickets early, especially for Alabama Theatre and Carolina Opry shows, as they can sell out quickly. Layer up—outside it may be cool, but inside the theatres, the lights and crowd bring warmth. And remember: holiday shows pair perfectly with an evening stroll under the Barefoot Landing Christmas lights or a hot cocoa at River Street Sweets.
🎁 Wrapping It All Up
The holiday shows of North Myrtle Beach aren’t just about music and performance. They’re about gathering—friends, families, and strangers alike—under one roof to share in the season’s joy. Whether you prefer the polished glamour of Alabama Theatre, the soulful beats of House of Blues, or the timeless grandeur of the Carolina Opry, you’ll leave with your heart a little lighter and your spirit lifted high.
And when the applause fades and the curtain closes, you’ll find the ocean still waiting outside, whispering like a carol sung just for you. It’s the kind of holiday memory that only North Myrtle Beach can offer.
📞 Plan Your Holiday Stay with Thomas Beach Vacations
If you’re ready to experience the magic of holiday shows by the sea, let Thomas Beach Vacations be your host. With cozy condos and spacious beach homes, you’ll have the perfect retreat after a night of entertainment. Book your holiday escape at NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com or call us at (866) 249-2100. The stage is set, the lights are shining—come be part of the show.
Cozy Winter Escapes in North Myrtle Beach: Why the Off-Season Shines
Quiet Beaches, Big Breaths
Winter wraps North Myrtle Beach in a calm you can hear—gulls gliding, waves rolling steady, and the kind of sky that makes you walk farther than you planned. With fewer crowds, the shoreline in Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill feels like a private invitation. Bring a sweater, grab a thermos, and let the Atlantic set the pace.
Sunrises burn soft and low, and sunset turns the water to brushed copper. It’s a season made for long conversations and longer looks—wide-open sand, easy parking, and space to breathe in salt air like good medicine.
Comfort Food & Warm Lights
When the breeze asks you to come indoors, North Myrtle Beach answers with cozy dining rooms and plates that behave like hugs. Settle in at Hoskins Restaurant on Main Street for seafood and Southern classics, or toast an evening at 21 Main at North Beach when the night calls for white tablecloths. Prefer the ocean right outside the window? Try Snooky’s Oceanfront for chowders, oysters, and the unbothered rhythm of the surf.
If dinner demands a dockside breeze without the chill, pull up a chair at Boardwalk Billy’s on the marina—casual, friendly, and generous. Stocking the condo? Do it the local way with Boulineau’s groceries and the fresh catch from Platt’s Seafood.
Indoor Fun on Breezy Days
Cooler weather is curtain time. Catch a live show at the Alabama Theatre, enjoy the incredible adventure of Pirates Voyage crews battle on land, on deck, in water, and high above a full-sized pirate ships in a 15-foot deep indoor hideaway lagoon, or check the concert calendar at the House of Blues in Barefoot Landing. Little travelers can cash in arcade tickets and big smiles at the classic OD Pavilion Arcade, while everyone appreciates a warm tasting flight at Duplin Winery.
Prefer a quiet evening in? Grab a seafood haul, light a candle, and claim the dining table for board games as the ocean does its soft percussion outside your window.
Winter belongs to wanderers. Meander the boardwalks and shops at Barefoot Landing, where covered walkways and lakeside views make for easy afternoons. If the sun peeks through, aim for the marsh overlooks at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve—a short drive that pays off with quiet paths and coastal birds going about their day.
Wellness, Spas & Slow Mornings
Off-season is prime time for taking care. Book facials, massages, or a group session at Touch MedSpa, then linger over espresso at Be Known Coffee Company before a long walk on a nearly empty beach. Early to bed, late to rise, repeat as needed.
A Simple 3-Day Winter Plan
Day 1: Arrive and exhale. Sunset stroll on Ocean Drive, then seafood and pie at Hoskins Restaurant.
Day 2: Morning beach walk and coffee at Be Known Coffee Company. Browse Barefoot Landing, wine tasting at Duplin Winery, then a show at the Alabama Theatre or House of Blues.
Day 3: Late breakfast, nature walk at Heritage Shores, and a slow drive along the Intracoastal before one last look at the water.
Where to Stay
For a winter escape that feels like a deep breath, book an oceanfront condo or a cozy beach home with Thomas Beach Vacations. We’ll match you with the right view, the right kitchen, and the right distance to the shoreline you came for. Call (866) 249-2100 and let our local team plan your off-season retreat.
