2026 Is Set to Shine: New Events and Attractions Elevate the Myrtle Beach Experience
Table of Contents
The Grand Strand has always known how to put on a show. In 2026, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are stepping into a new season filled with anniversaries, grand openings, and experiences that promise to bring even more energy to the coast. From legendary stages and championship golf to modern attractions and family entertainment, the coming year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.
For visitors planning a beach getaway and locals who love seeing the area evolve, 2026 offers a calendar and collection of experiences that reflect just how vibrant this coastal destination has become.
A Milestone Year for Live Entertainment
Few venues capture the spirit of Myrtle Beach quite like The Carolina Opry Theater, and 2026 marks a remarkable milestone. Celebrating 40 years of live entertainment, the theater is unveiling a concert season filled with nationally recognized performers, Grammy-winning artists, country favorites, and music legends. The upcoming lineup promises a year-long celebration of music that continues the venue’s tradition of bringing world-class performances to the Grand Strand.
Just down the coast, the beloved Carolina Country Music Festival returns for its 11th year from June 4–7, 2026. Known for drawing massive crowds to the oceanfront, this festival blends beach days with unforgettable nights of live music. With major headliners such as Blake Shelton, Post Malone, Luke Bryan, and Riley Green, the event remains one of the most anticipated weekends of the year for both visitors and residents.
Meanwhile, a revitalized downtown Myrtle Beach performing arts center is in development through the transformation of the historic Broadway Theater. The future 300-seat venue will become part of the growing Arts and Innovation District, offering an intimate setting for performances and cultural events while adding a fresh creative energy to the city’s downtown.
Sports and Competition Take Center Stage
Golf fans will once again turn their attention to the coast when the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic returns May 7–10, 2026. Held at the renowned Dunes Golf & Beach Club, this PGA TOUR event continues to attract top professional golfers and enthusiastic fans. Now in its third year, the tournament has grown into a signature sporting event that reinforces Myrtle Beach’s reputation as the Golf Capital of the World.
Baseball lovers will also notice exciting improvements at Pelicans Ballpark. A $20 million renovation is underway, bringing enhanced seating, upgraded suites, field improvements, and expanded meeting spaces. Scheduled for completion in spring 2026, the upgrades ensure that game days along the Grand Strand remain a favorite pastime for families and sports fans alike.
New Experiences for Families and Visitors
Myrtle Beach’s tradition of family-friendly entertainment continues to evolve in creative ways. Family Kingdom Amusement Park celebrates its 60th anniversary by introducing a new custom single-rail roller coaster. Rising 100 feet above the park and reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour, the new ride blends modern thrill with classic seaside amusement. Additional new rides are also planned, making summer 2026 especially exciting for visitors of all ages.
At Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, the celebration continues with the attraction’s 15th anniversary and the debut of a South Pacific-themed addition. The vibrant luau-inspired segment brings colorful costumes, energetic dance, and dramatic fire performances to an already popular show, enhancing the immersive experience for guests.
A different kind of outdoor beauty awaits at Brookgreen Gardens, where a stunning new welcome center and a $17 million conservatory have opened. With expanded educational spaces, a grand hall, and ever-changing botanical displays, the gardens offer a peaceful and visually striking retreat. Plans for a future butterfly center and immersive exhibits promise to make this beloved destination even more captivating.
New Ways to Play, Relax, and Connect
Looking ahead, several new venues will expand the ways visitors spend their time beyond the beach. The PicklePort, a premier pickleball facility scheduled to open in fall 2026, will feature climate-controlled indoor courts, covered outdoor courts, and welcoming social spaces. Designed for both competitive play and casual fun, the venue reflects the sport’s rapidly growing popularity across the region.
In North Myrtle Beach, Alley Oops is bringing its lively “Dine. Bowl. Play.” concept to town in spring 2026. Combining dining, bowling, arcade games, and virtual reality experiences, the venue will offer a dynamic indoor entertainment option for families, groups, and evening outings.
Together, these additions paint a picture of a destination that continues to reinvent itself while honoring the traditions that made it beloved in the first place.
A Year Worth Planning For
From major concerts and sporting events to new attractions and cultural spaces, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year along the Grand Strand. Each new experience adds another reason to visit, another story to tell, and another memory waiting to be made by the ocean.
Visitors planning their 2026 getaway will find more to see, do, and enjoy than ever before. Whether attending a concert, cheering at a tournament, exploring gardens, or enjoying a family night out, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach continue to prove that the best beach vacations offer far more than sand and waves.
When planning your stay, Thomas Beach Vacations offers oceanfront condos and beach homes perfectly located near the area’s top events and attractions. Call (866) 249-2100 to reserve your vacation and experience firsthand why 2026 is set to be one of the most exciting years yet along the Carolina coast.