Mark your calendars! The City of North Myrtle Beach will be hosting its 20th Annual Irish Italian International Festival for one day only, this September 28th. This vibrant celebration will take place on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be chock-full of exciting live entertainment, inspiring arts and crafts, and tasty food vendors.
First held in 2003, this festival is meant to bring people of different cultures together over Irish-American and Italian-American food and entertainment. Over the years, the festival has expanded to include a variety of additional cuisines and cultures, now drawing in around 15,000 people per year. With festival-favorite food, kid-friendly activities, a collection of arts and crafts vendors, and two stages hosting live music performances, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy!
Multicultural Music
Strolling down Main Street, let your ears be transported to the rolling green fields of Ireland or the cobblestone walkways of Rome. Across two stages, local artists connect with their Irish or Italian heritage by performing culturally inspired music and all-American favorites.
The featured performers are sure to amaze on the Irish stage, located across from Flynn’s Irish Tavern. Beginning at 10 a.m. Barleyjuice, a Celtic rock band, is starting the festival off with a bang! It wouldn’t be a truly Irish celebration without the iconic bagpipes, which will be played by Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes and Drums. Later in the day, the vibes will switch to reggae by Treehouse and smooth R&B by the Reggie Sullivan Band.
There will be a medley of musical excellence on the Italian stage, located near Hillside Drive. Offering authentic Italian tunes, Vince Chiarelli will be the opening act to spearhead a day of lively music. With Southside Saints and Six Piece Suits playing a variety of genres throughout the day, you are sure to be up and out of your seat!
Delicious Competition
With authentic bites from food truck vendors and some delicious competition, you’re encouraged to show up with an empty stomach! Throughout the day food, vendors will compete behind the scenes for the title of Best Entree, Best Decorates, or Best Dessert.
The 20th Annual Irish Italian International Festival’s Spaghetti Eating Contest calls all pasta lovers to try their hand in a tasty challenge sponsored by Ledo Pizza! The first competitor to clear their plate wins the grand prize and unlimited bragging rights (until next year’s competition). Head over to the Info Booth between 10 a.m. and noon on festival day to sign up with no registration fee. The contest begins at about 1:30 p.m. at the Italian stage located at Hillside Drive (400 Main Street - in front of Hope Taylor and Company).
The Need-To-Know
With around 15,000 people flocking to Main Street throughout the day, here are some of the best public parking options:
- Public Parking lot beside Convenience Store & More: 250 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
- McLean Park: 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
- 1st Ave North & Ocean Blvd. Lot
- 1st Ave South & Ocean Blvd. Lot
Keep the Good Times Going
Although the festival only lasts for one day, rain or shine, the fun doesn’t have to end there. North Myrtle Beach has a rich culture to explore and plenty to do for the whole family, and you can keep exploring North Myrtle Beach’s Irish pubs and Italian restaurants to keep the festivities rolling.
Flynn’s Irish Tavern serves a famous Guinness Irish Stew that you can wash down with a pint of Guinness. And over at Molly Darcy’s, dive into Irish cuisine and a large drink selection topped off with live music after dark.
For Italian fare, Sarabella’s Italian Deli serves classic sandwiches for lunch. Grab an authentic slice at either Benito’s Brick Oven or Kings Pizza. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes at Crave or The Original Umberto's, and treat yourself to dessert at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard.
After you’ve had your fill, find a place to stay in some of our luxury beachfront accommodations, and peruse our essentials packing list to get you prepped for your visit.
