Things to do in January in Myrtle Beach
It’s a new year, the sun is shining, the air is brisk, and the streets are looking for people to fill them. Even throughout the winter, The Beach hosts year-round events to attract tourists, celebrate the holidays, and keep the good times rolling. Although some seasonal summer activities may be closed down, you can still find numerous attractions, shows, shopping centers, and restaurants that are open and ready to serve.
We have collected all upcoming events in one place so you know what to plan your trip around this January.
Events
January 9-19
If you are a food lover, there truly is no better time to visit South Carolina than in January. From the 9th to the 19th visit participating casual and fine dining restaurants as they provide special dishes and multi-course meals to celebrate Restaurant Week. Each location will have a fixed-priced menu, allowing you to explore the region’s culinary expertise. Local favorites such as Black Drum Brewing, Landry’s Seafood, and Voodoo Brewing Company are just some participating establishments. The goal of the 11-day event is to position South Carolina as a top food destination across the U.S., so beat the crowds and discover what we have to offer now before people start flocking! Reservations are strongly encouraged, as restaurants will fill up quickly.
January 10-12
Calling all boat and water lovers! At the Myrtle Beach Convention Center will be the Boat and Sportsman Expo, where you not only can explore a variety of beautiful boats, but participate in several seminars. The three-day event will hold different talks by captains and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to discuss topics such as Kayak Fishing in the Low Country, Techniques for King Mackerel, Intro to Boating Safety, Inshore Fishing ‘Carolina Style’, Tarpon Fishing Techniques, and many more. Anyone can attend with a ticket of just $10 at the door. The expo will be on Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Check the website for seminar times.
January 24 and 25
The longest-running shag dance contest in the U.S. is The National Shag Dance Championships (NSDC) which holds its qualifying rounds at the end of January every year in Myrtle Beach. For dancers and dance lovers alike, the competition will have you on your toes. The event will start Friday at 7 pm, where you can shag with local celebrities until the competition commences at 8 pm. Following on Saturday will be a blast to the past with former champions of the NSDC. Tickets can be purchased online or bought at the door. If you’re invested enough, return to The Beach again on March 6-8, 2025, for the NSDC finals.
January 16-19
January is the month of shag at The Beach. Join the Society of Standers (SOS) annual shag dancing event at the Spanish Galleon in North Myrtle Beach for a laid-back atmosphere full of groovy music and new dance moves. The society comes together three times a year which is when the clubs and participating lounges switch over completely to beach and shag music. All membership cardholders will be able to attend the dance event and participate in the society’s winter workshop.
January 25
Myrtle Beach has seen few movies and music videos made in its territory, but the ones that have featured The Beach have always been remembered. SHAG, made in 1989, is being screened at RipTydz Oceanfront Grille on January 25 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Myrtle Beach History Trolley Tours. The tours take guests around the city and explain historical accounts dating back to WWII. Guests who grab tickets to the film screening will have an accompanying meal and a brief historical overview of the movie by the creator and narrator of the Trolley Tours. The event will start at 2 pm.
Celebrations
January 17-21
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grand Strand’s Freedom Week, which commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Participate in events every day of the week such as a celebration kickoff, community youth fair, commUnity ecumenical service, food drive, and more. The week-long celebration will take place at different locations across the city, so check out this page to learn more and RSVP to events. Freedom Week will be hosted by the Carolina African American Heritage Foundation, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Myrtle Beach.
January 18
The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will take place on January 18 at 10 am. Local high school marching bands, community groups, and floats will participate in celebrating and remembering MLK. Details about the starting point and route of the parade will be released soon.
Shows
Sunday, January 26th at 4pm at Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre
The Long Bay Symphony (LBS) presents [Sero-Tune-In] (aka the chemical feeling your brain produces when you hear a feel-good tune), a family concert intended to both educate and engage audiences in a fun, interactive way! In partnership with the Champion Autism Network, this concert is offered as a sensory-relaxed experience with auditorium accommodations made to suit people of all ages and abilities:
- Lights up, quiet space provided
- Noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys available
- Limited general admission seating so you can choose the most comfortable seats for your family
- An instrument petting zoo will be held prior to the concert
Hosting tribute bands and comedy shows in January, book your trip with a weekend in mind so you can make it to one of these performances! All shows will start at 7 pm.
January 11: The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston.
January 18: Ricky Mokel - I Think About Stuff Tour. The comedy show is done by Ricky Mokel, a seasoned comedian returning to the Alabama stage who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years.
January 25: Let’s Hang On Frankie Valli Tribute. The performance starts at 7 pm.
The second half of January is filled with various tribute bands that will have you singing the night away! All performances will start at 7 pm.
January 18: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone live at the Opry
January 18: Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago
January 24: Lotus Land: The American Rush Tribute
January 25: Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
January 26: Piano Men: A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel
January 30: Lorrie Morgan and T. Graham Brown live at the Opry
January 31: Bruce in the USA - The World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
