Live music North Myrtle Beach brings incredible sounds to your vacation every single night! Here at Salty Stay, we’ve watched thousands of guests fall in love with the amazing music scene that makes this coastal town so special. Our luxury vacation rentals put you right in the heart of all the action, with first and second-row ocean properties just steps from the best live music venues in town.
From the famous Music on Main Concert Series to intimate piano bars, North Myrtle Beach offers something for every music lover. Whether you’re staying at our Seas The Day villa or relaxing at Salt Life, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore honkytonks, seafood shacks, and rooftop clubs that showcase everything from beach music and R&B to country and rock. Our spacious homes with game rooms, pools, and hot tubs give you the perfect place to unwind after dancing the night away to your favorite variety bands or tribute acts.
Best Live Music Venues in North Myrtle Beach
1. Music on Main Concert Series
The Music on Main Concert Series stands out as North Myrtle Beach’s most beloved live music tradition! Every Thursday evening from June through September, this free outdoor concert series transforms the iconic Horseshoe on Main Street into an incredible music festival. The city proudly presents this amazing event that brings locals and visitors together under the open sky.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: The Horseshoe, 11 S. Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach
⏰ Opening Hours: Thursdays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (June – September)
📞 Contact: +1843-663-0046
The rotating lineup features talented bands playing beach music, R&B, rock, and country that gets toes tapping and hands clapping. Bring your beach chairs and enjoy the rhythms while the street closes to traffic for this special community gathering. The Horseshoe parking lot closes at 2:00 PM each Thursday for setup, so plan accordingly!
Learn more about Music on Main
2. 88 Keys Piano Bar
Step into the magical world of 88 Keys Piano Bar, where talented pianists create unforgettable musical experiences! This intimate venue offers the perfect atmosphere for couples and music lovers who appreciate skilled piano performances and sing-along fun.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (396 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 6613 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
📞 Contact: +1843-712-1726
⏰ Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The cozy setting and talented pianists make this venue special for guests who want to enjoy quality music in a more relaxed environment. You’ll love the interactive atmosphere where guests can request their favorite songs!
Learn more about 88 Keys Piano Bar
3. House of Blues Myrtle Beach
House of Blues delivers world-class live entertainment in an iconic venue that showcases famous names and up-and-coming talent! This legendary spot features a 2,000-seat concert hall plus multiple stages throughout the restaurant for incredible musical experiences.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (4906 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 4640 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-272-3000
⏰ Opening Hours: Check website for show schedules
From rock and country to blues, jazz, and R&B, House of Blues hosts the best artists across all genres. The Southern-style restaurant with patio also features live entertainment, making it perfect for dinner and a show!
Learn more about House of Blues Myrtle Beach
4. Alabama Theater
The Alabama Theater has been entertaining guests since 1993 with exciting variety shows and guest artists! This 2,250-seat venue brings the biggest names in country, Motown, and pop music to North Myrtle Beach.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (3258 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate to expensive
📍 Location: 4750 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-272-1111
⏰ Opening Hours: Check show calendar
The theater produces amazing shows like ICONIC and The South’s Grandest Christmas Show. The Guest Artist Concert Series brings legendary acts like The Beach Boys, Jo Dee Messina, and Oak Ridge Boys to the stage!
Learn more about Alabama Theater
5. Fat Harold’s Beach Club
Fat Harold’s Beach Club holds the title as the home of the Shag dance! Since 1962, this legendary club has been a cornerstone of Carolina beach music culture, inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame in 1996.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
💵 Price Level: Budget friendly
📍 Location: 212 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-249-5779
⏰ Opening Hours: Mon 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Tue-Sat closed, Sun 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM)
This classic venue features talented DJs spinning beach music, with occasional live bands for special Shag events. Named CBMA Club of the Year 13 times, Fat Harold’s offers an authentic taste of North Myrtle Beach music history!
Learn more about Fat Harold’s Beach Club
6. Spanish Galleon
The Spanish Galleon brings art deco style and amazing live entertainment to North Myrtle Beach! This nearly 19,000-square-foot club inside the Ocean Drive Golf and Beach Resort has been vital to shag dancers since 1991.
⭐ Rating: 3.8/5 (68 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 98 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-249-1048
⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by season
The large dance floor and stage host beach music bands, variety acts, and talented DJs. The Spanish Galleon also connects to The OD Beach Club and HOTOS for even more entertainment options!
Learn more about Spanish Galleon
7. Pirate’s Cove Bar & Grill
Pirate’s Cove Bar & Grill has been a Main Street staple for decades! This casual venue features a large stage and dance floor downstairs, plus a rooftop bar that’s perfect for enjoying music under the stars.
⭐ Rating: 3.8/5 (247 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Budget friendly
📍 Location: 205 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-249-8942
⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by season
This ultra-casual bar and grill hosts acts of all sizes, mostly on weekends during season. The rooftop location above Daisy Duke’s Saloon adds extra excitement to the nightlife scene!
Learn more about Pirate’s Cove Bar & Grill
8. Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar
Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar combines great food with amazing live entertainment! This Key West-styled venue has four locations, with the Shops on Main location offering the perfect blend of indoor/outdoor seating and nightly entertainment.
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5 (3133 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 408 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: +1843-448-4881
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The wide variety of nightly entertainment and beachside atmosphere make Dirty Don’s a popular choice for live music lovers who also want great seafood!
Learn more about Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar
9. Buoys Bar & Grill
Buoys opened in 2018 and quickly became a must-visit beach bar! Located in a renovated building that’s been part of the community since the 1950s, Buoys offers live music every Thursday through Saturday.
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 (3856 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 93 S Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-663-0330
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The Boulevard patio features live soloists and duos, creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoying great food and cold drinks while listening to talented musicians.
Learn more about Buoys
10. OD Pavilion on the Horseshoe
The OD Pavilion claims to operate “the last open-air dance pavilion on the East Coast!” This oceanfront venue on the Horseshoe hosts DJ shag dancing and live bands for special occasions.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (129 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 91 S Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-280-0715
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
This family destination combines live music with a grill, ice cream shack, and all the memories of summer wrapped into one fun location right on the beach!
Learn more about OD Pavilion
11. 8th Ave Tiki Bar
The 8th Ave Tiki Bar creates a tropical atmosphere perfect for enjoying live music! This unique venue features a daily lineup that brings talented performers to the tiki bar setting.
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 708 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: +1843-712-2340
⏰ Opening Hours: Mon 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Tue-Sun closed)
The tiki theme and oceanfront location create the perfect backdrop for enjoying solo acoustic guitarists and variety performers in a relaxed island atmosphere.
Learn more about 8th Ave Tiki Bar
12. Black Drum Brewing
Black Drum Brewing combines craft beer with live music for a perfect evening out! This local brewery features live performers alongside their amazing selection of craft beers.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 (669 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 9750 Queensway Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
📞 Contact: +1843-282-8080
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The brewery atmosphere creates a relaxed setting where you can enjoy locally crafted beers while listening to talented musicians perform.
Learn more about Black Drum Brewing
13. Crooked Hammock Stage at Barefoot Landing
The Crooked Hammock Stage at Barefoot Landing offers live music in the beautiful outdoor shopping complex! This venue brings live entertainment to diners and shoppers in the scenic waterfront setting.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (4463 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 4924 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-962-7238
⏰ Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The outdoor setting at Barefoot Landing creates magic when combined with live music, great food, and the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway views.
Learn more about Crooked Hammock Stage
14. Harold’s On The Ocean (HOTOS)
Harold’s On The Ocean provides oceanfront entertainment with occasional live music during season! Located adjacent to the Spanish Galleon, HOTOS offers another great option for live entertainment.
⭐ Rating: 3.9/5 (776 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 100 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-249-1048
⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by season
The oceanfront location and connection to other entertainment venues make HOTOS part of the amazing Main Street live music scene.
Learn more about Harold’s On The Ocean
15. The OD Beach Club
The OD Beach Club rounds out our list with occasional live music performances during the busy season! This venue connects with the Spanish Galleon complex for multiple entertainment options.
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5 (1489 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 98 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1800-438-9590
⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by season
The beachfront location and connection to other live music venues make The OD Beach Club part of the vibrant Main Street entertainment district.
Learn more about The OD Beach Club
Tips for Enjoying Live Music in North Myrtle Beach
From our experience hosting guests at Salty Stay, we’ve learned the best ways to enjoy the incredible live music scene. Here are our insider tips to make your musical adventures even better!
Best Times to Visit: The live music scene really comes alive during spring and fall when the weather is perfect and crowds are manageable. Summer brings the most variety with the Music on Main Concert Series and annual festivals, while winter offers more intimate venue experiences.
Getting Around: Most Main Street venues are within walking distance of each other. Our Seas The Day and Waves of Fun properties put you right in the heart of the action, while Salt Life and Tiki Time give you easy access with just a short drive or rideshare trip.
What to Expect: North Myrtle Beach music venues range from casual beachside bars to upscale theaters. Beach music and shag dancing are local traditions, but you’ll also find country, rock, R&B, and pop trios at various venues.
Planning Your Evening: Check the Calendar of Events for special concerts and festivals. Many venues have different entertainment on different nights, so planning ahead helps you catch your favorite acts.
Parking Tips: During Music on Main concerts, parking fills up early. The Horseshoe lot closes at 2:00 PM on Thursdays, and Main Street closes to traffic at 4:30 PM. Plan to arrive early or use alternative parking areas.
For more local insights, check out our best places for live entertainment guide and explore our restaurants and bars section for dining options near your favorite music venues.
Final Thoughts
Live music North Myrtle Beach creates the soundtrack for unforgettable vacation memories! From the free Thursday night concerts at the Music on Main series to intimate piano bar performances at 88 Keys, this coastal paradise offers incredible musical experiences every night of the week.
Staying at Salty Stay puts you in the perfect position to enjoy all these amazing venues. Our luxury vacation rentals like Seas The Day and Waves of Fun offer first-row ocean views and entertainment-packed game rooms where you can continue the party after the music ends. Salt Life and Tiki Time provide the ideal retreat with pools and hot tubs perfect for relaxing after dancing the night away to steel drums or variety bands.
Whether you’re here for the annual festivals, hoping to learn the Carolina Shag, or just want to hear some great cover performances and tribute bands, North Myrtle Beach delivers the musical experience you’re looking for. The combination of talented musicians, beautiful venues, and the magic of ocean breezes creates something truly special that keeps guests coming back year after year.
Ready to experience the best live music North Myrtle Beach has to offer? Book your stay with us at saltystay.com and let the rhythm of the coast become the soundtrack to your perfect beach vacation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free live music event in North Myrtle Beach?
The Music on Main Concert Series is absolutely the best free live music in North Myrtle Beach! Every Thursday from June through September, this amazing outdoor concert series brings talented bands to the Horseshoe on Main Street. From our experience hosting guests at Salty Stay, this weekly event creates the most magical atmosphere with beach music, R&B, rock, and country performances under the open sky.
Where can I hear live beach music and learn the Carolina Shag?
Fat Harold’s Beach Club is the perfect place to experience authentic beach music and shag dancing! As the home of the Shag since 1962, this legendary venue offers the real North Myrtle Beach experience. The Spanish Galleon also hosts shag events and National Shag Dancing Competitions. Our guests love spending evenings at these classic venues learning South Carolina’s official state dance.
What live music venues are walking distance from Main Street?
Most of the best live music venues cluster around Main Street and Ocean Drive! You can easily walk between Fat Harold’s Beach Club, Pirate’s Cove Bar & Grill, Spanish Galleon, OD Beach Club, Buoys, and the OD Pavilion. From our Seas The Day and Waves of Fun properties, you’re just steps away from this incredible concentration of live music venues.
Are there live music venues suitable for families?
Absolutely! The Music on Main Concert Series is perfect for families with kids – just bring your beach chairs and enjoy free outdoor concerts. The Alabama Theater and House of Blues offer family-friendly shows, while venues like the OD Pavilion combine live music with family activities like mini-golf and ice cream. Check out our family activities guide for more ideas.
What types of live music can I expect in North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach offers incredible variety! You’ll hear classic beach music and Carolina Shag tunes, country and rock bands, R&B and pop trios, solo acoustic guitarists, steel drums, and tribute bands. The music scene includes everything from intimate piano bar performances to large outdoor festivals. Each venue has its own character – from honkytonks and seafood shacks to upscale theaters and rooftop clubs.
When is the best time to experience live music in North Myrtle Beach?
Summer brings the most variety with the Music on Main series running June through September, plus annual festivals and events. However, many venues offer live music year-round, and spring and fall provide perfect weather with fewer crowds. Winter can be great for more intimate venue experiences. From our experience at Salty Stay, every season offers something special for music lovers visiting North Myrtle Beach.
