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3 Big Reasons To Visit The Grand Strand in May
May 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months of the year along the Grand Strand, bringing together a lineup of events that highlight everything people love about the coast—sports, culture, community, and a little bit of adrenaline. Whether you're planning a vacation or looking for a reason to get out and explore locally, this month delivers something for everyone.
BIG EVENTS, BIG ENERGY
Kicking things off is the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic, which continues to draw national attention as top golf talent hits the greens. With its combination of high-level competition and relaxed coastal atmosphere, it’s quickly becoming a signature event for the area. Not long after, the Grand Strand shifts gears with the return of Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally 2026. This iconic event brings thousands of riders to the coast, filling the streets with energy, live entertainment, and a strong sense of community that motorcycle enthusiasts look forward to every year. Coastal Traditions & Local Flavor Rounding out the month is a longtime favorite, the World Famous Blue Crab Festival. Held along the waterfront in Little River, this event blends fresh seafood, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly fun. It’s the perfect way to experience the laid-back charm and coastal culture that define the Grand Strand.
Reason 1 - OneFlight Myrtle Beach Classic
Myrtle Beach has long been known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” but in 2024, it reached a new milestone with the debut of the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic - its first-ever PGA TOUR event. While still relatively new, the tournament is already carving out a reputation as one of the most exciting additions to the professional golf calendar, blending top-tier competition with the laid-back energy of the coast. What makes the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic stand out is its unique balance of prestige and approachability. The event brings in elite PGA TOUR players competing for FedExCup points, delivering the kind of high-level golf fans expect on a national stage. At the same time, its setting along the Grand Strand gives it a more relaxed, fan-friendly atmosphere compared to some of the TOUR’s more traditional stops.
SPECTATORS' EXPERIENCE - For spectators, the experience goes far beyond watching great golf. The classic will be held at Dunes Golf and Beach Club, a championship golf course known for its beauty along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Guests can walk alongside the fairways for an up-close view of the action, settle into premium hospitality tents for a more elevated experience, or explore fan zones filled with local food, drinks, and entertainment. The tournament has quickly become a social event as much as a sporting one, drawing crowds and creating an energizing buzz. The 2026 classic is scheduled to be headlined by actor Kurt Russell and tennis ace John McEnroe. 2025 notable attendees included celebrities Kevin Costner, Vanna White, Haley Joel Osment, Jennie Garth, and David Arquette. Comedy legend Bill Murray made a surprise appearance, participating in the festivities and interacting with fans.
LOCAL INFLUENCE - Proceeds from the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic are designated to nearby benefit nonprofit charitable organizations, including one that is near to our hearts at Garden City Realty: the Champion Autism Network (CAN). CAN was founded here in Surfside Beach in 2012 to foster inclusive communities where all people CAN happily live, work, and play, by building a worldwide network of autism champions. Garden City Realty was the first real estate and property management company to become certified in its autism awareness program.
Whether you're a dedicated golf fan or just looking for a lively coastal event, the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic offers something distinctive: world-class competition paired with an unmistakable local vibe.
For tickets, schedule, and event details, visit ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic.
Reason 2 - Bike Week 2026 SPRING RALLY
Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2026 is set to return May 8-17, 2026, bringing hundreds of thousands of riders to South Carolina’s Grand Strand. Known as one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the United States, this iconic event combines scenic coastal rides, live entertainment, and decades of history. Whether you're planning to attend or just curious about its origins, here’s everything you need to know about this year's 87th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week, including its history, attendance, and what to expect this year.
WHAT TO EXPECT - Myrtle Beach Bike Week, also called the Spring Beach Rally, caters to all types of riders, from cruisers and touring bikes to sport and adventure motorcycles. The rally spans roughly 10 days and features:
- Bike show custom builds, including at Harley-Davidson Myrtle Beach
- Live music and nightlife, including Drunken Jack's Restaurant & Lounge
- Incredible award-winning dining in the south end, such as Wicked Tuna, Lee's Inlet Kitchen, or Fire to Table
- Scenic rides along the Grand Strand, including Crude's 15th Annual Veteran Ride
- Events in Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk and North Myrtle Beach
THE HISTORY OF MYRTLE BEACH BIKE WEEK - The story of Myrtle Beach Bike Week is one of evolution, community, and a deep-rooted passion for the open road. It began in 1940 as a simple, grassroots gathering. At the time, it was little more than a hot dog roast on the beach, where a small group of riders came together to enjoy the ocean breeze and camaraderie. Over the decades, that modest cookout grew into a recognized tradition. By the 1950s, local businesses began catering to bikers, helping establish the infrastructure that would support the rally’s expansion. Attendance surged throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with riders traveling from across the United States and Canada. More than 80 years after its start, Myrtle Beach Bike Week remains a cornerstone of motorcycle culture in the United States. It’s where tradition meets modern riding culture, bringing together generations of enthusiasts in one place. From its humble beginnings on the beach to a 400,000+ rider annual phenomenon, the rally remains a bucket-list experience for many motorcyclists nationwide.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT - Myrtle Beach Bike Week is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country. The Spring Rally attracts 400,000+ attendees, and the Fall Rally attracts 200,000+ attendees. Garden City Realty hosts many rally visitors, and we recommend the following if you're traveling to the area:
- Book accommodations early - availability fills quickly
- Plan routes ahead of time to avoid congestion - U.S. 17 is the main route that runs from Little River to Georgetown
- Check local event schedules for daily activities
Visitors staying in Garden City, Surfside Beach, or Murrells Inlet often enjoy easier access to key rally locations with slightly less congestion than central Myrtle Beach.
Reason 3 - WORLD FAMOUS BLUE CRAB FESTIVAL
If you’re looking for a can’t-miss coastal tradition, the 44th Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival is the place to be. Held along the historic Little River Waterfront in Little River, South Carolina, this longtime favorite has become one of the largest and most beloved festivals in the Southeast. Each year, visitors gather to enjoy everything that makes the coast special. From fresh local seafood and scenic waterfront views to live music and a lively festival atmosphere, the Blue Crab Festival offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with family and friends while soaking in the charm of Little River. Beyond the food and entertainment, guests can also browse hundreds of talented crafters and merchants, making it easy to shop for unique handmade items, gifts, and local treasures. Whether you come for the blue crab, the music, the shopping, or simply the waterfront experience, this festival delivers a memorable day on the Grand Strand.
Proudly voted Best Annual Event/Festival on the Grand Strand by Sun News readers, the Blue Crab Festival continues to be a treasured tradition for locals and visitors alike. If you haven’t experienced it yet, this is your sign to add it to your calendar.
PLANNING YOUR DAY:
- Held on May 16 and May 17, 2026, the event venue is held at Historic Little River Waterfront, 4468 Mineola Avenue in Little River.
- Parking is available in designated lots and includes shuttle rides to and from the festival gates.
- Many Myrtle Beach and south end locals attend the festival, including Garden City Realty guests. For reservations, call 843-652-2555.
- Purchase your tickets here
HOW IT BECAME WORLD FAMOUS - What began in 1981 as a small waterfront gathering has grown into the now world-famous Blue Crab Festival - one of the Southeast’s premier events, drawing visitors from near and far. From the very beginning, the festival’s mission was simple: bring people to the historic waterfront to support local restaurants, businesses, accommodations, and the community as a whole. In its earliest days, just a handful of eager vendors set up beneath the moss-draped live oak trees, unknowingly laying the foundation for a beloved tradition. Over the years, the festival expanded to include live music and entertainment, an impressive variety of food showcasing local seafood specialties, and a diverse collection of talented artists and crafters. Now, forty-four years later, the Blue Crab Festival has become a cherished annual tradition. Families plan their vacations around it, and it's more than 250 merchant spaces that routinely sell out by March. As one of the longest-running street festivals in the Southeast, it continues to bring people together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories.
Posted on 04/16/2026 in Grand Strand # grandstrand
