Veteran visitors to the Grand Strand know that the Myrtle Beach area is something of a melting pot, with a wide range of nationalities and cultures represented on our beautiful, 60-mile stretch of the Carolina coast. And in late September in North Myrtle Beach, thousands will fill the downtown streets to celebrate two of the most prominent cultural influences on the Grand Strand — Irish and Italian.
Set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, the 16th Annual Irish Italian International Festival will feature food from local eateries and vendors, live entertainment on two stages, arts & crafts vendors, street performers, and more, all presented rain or shine along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Further, a children’s area will delight the youngest of festival attendees with family-friendly entertainment, rides, inflatables and more. And one event perk sure to please the roughly 15,000 people expected to attend— festival admission and parking are free of charge.
For those with a competitive spirit, the Irish Italian International Festival will feature a number of ways to claim bragging rights. Participating local restaurants will compete for honors including Best Entrée, Best Dessert and Best Decorated Booth. And for interested (and hungry) festival-goers, the Claudio’s Spaghetti Eating Contest will award the first competitor to clear his or her plate — hands-free — with a stylish plaque.
Here’s a quick rundown of the festival’s entertainment schedule:
Irish Stage
10 a.m. Entertainment TBA
10:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
10:45 a.m. Entertainment TBA
11:15 a.m. Entertainment TBA
11:45 a.m. Entertainment TBA
1 p.m. Entertainment TBA
Italian International Stage
10 a.m. Entertainment TBA
10:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
10:45 a.m. Entertainment TBA
11:30 a.m. Entertainment TBA
1 p.m. Entertainment TBA
2 p.m. Spaghetti Eating Contest
2:45 p.m. Entertainment TBA
For more information on the 2019 Irish Italian International Festival, visit the event’s web page. To get the latest news and updates regarding the festival, keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page.
Book your late-September visit to Ocean Reef Resort today — and get ready to experience some international fun at the 16th Annual Irish Italian International Festival. When the day is done, head home to the comfortable accommodations and wide-ranging amenities found at the resort — and rest up for another day of adventure on the Grand Strand.
