You can always find plenty of fun at and around Bay View on the Boardwalk, but some weekends are bigger than others. Located in the heart of the downtown oceanfront district, Bay View on the Boardwalk puts you in the middle of all the action, especially some of the great festivals on the Grand Strand. Here’s a sneak peek at some events in 2017 to look forward to as you plan your next Myrtle Beach vacation:
* Art in the Park: If you haven’t been fortunate enough to visit Myrtle Beach during one of these arts and crafts festivals, make sure you can make it to this year’s. Featuring top makers from all over the East Coast, this six-weekend event takes place in the scenic locales of Chapin Park in downtown Myrtle Beach (April 8-9, June 10-11) and Valor Park at The Market Common (April 15-16). In the fall, there are three more festival weekends to look forward to. Visit www.artsyparksy.com for more info.
* Baseball: The fervor that surrounded the Chicago Cubs’ historic World Series win has ties to the Grand Strand. The minor league Myrtle Beach Pelicans happens to be the Advanced Class A farm club of the Cubs. The Pelicans haven’t had to endure quite as long of a championship drought as their major league affiliate; they’ve won the Carolina League championship the past two seasons! Win or lose, they always put on a great family-friendly show. The Pelicans open the season at home on April 5 in an exhibition against the Charleston RiverDogs and play through Labor Day weekend at TicketReturn.com Stadium near Broadway at the Beach. Visit http://www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com for schedule and ticket info. If you prefer a collegiate sports atmosphere, the defending College World Series champion Coastal Carolina Chanticleers play their spring games in nearby Conway. Find their info at www.goccusports.com.
* Carolina Country Music Festival: The Third Annual CCMF looks to be even bigger and better than the past two, which have drawn rave reviews from country music fans and artists. The 2017 headliners include South Carolina’s own Darius Rucker, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean. There’s also a good chance you discover some new favorites and see some up-and-comers, as more than 30 bands in all will play on the main stage on the downtown oceanfront. Crowds of more than 30,000 are expected again for the 2017 event, which will be held June 8-11. Purchase your tickets at www.ccmf.com.
* Hot Summer Nights: Head down to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for free entertainment all summer long. Featuring a Kids Festival on Mondays, Fireworks on Wednesdays, and concerts nearly every other night of the week, there’s something fun going on in the downtown district from June through Labor Day weekend. Be sure to check the upcoming schedule for special events you and your family will not want to miss. Visit www.myrtlebeachdowntown.com.
* Salt Games: Surfers, skaters and fitness buffs are flocking to this beach-themed Olympic-style event that features a wide variety of sporting events on the sand, surf and streets of downtown Myrtle Beach. CrossFit, beach volleyball, skateboarding and surfing are among the athletic competitions and exhibitions. Equally impressive and entertaining are the hot dog eating competition, bikini contest and live music presented. There are also fun and games for kids at this event. Salt Games is happening June 3-4. Visit www.thesaltgames.com.
* World Famous Blue Crab Festival: Formerly known as the Little River Blue Crab Festival, this popular event promises tons of flavorful fun in its 36th year of existence. More than 50,000 attendees descend on the tiny fishing village to taste one of the town’s chief exports – the blue crab. Try She Crab Soup, Crab Cakes, Deviled Crab and more. Plus, there will be live music, arts and crafts vendors, and children’s activities at the festival going on May 20-21. Visit www.bluecrabfestival.com.
After a fun day or night out at these festivals, you can stroll back to your comfortable accommodations at Bay View on the Boardwalk to recharge and get ready to do it all again the next day. There’s always something going on in Myrtle Beach, and Bay View on the Boardwalk is the place to experience it all.