You don’t have to leave town to make the most of Labor Day weekend and take some time to reward yourself for all your hard work this year. From gospel music and classic cars to baseball, fireworks and a final long weekend on the sand, there are plenty of activities happening right here at home Sept. 4-7.
Labor Day may be known as the unofficial end of summer, but along the Grand Strand, September still means warm ocean water, sunny beach days and a full calendar of things to do. So, grab the family, call some friends and celebrate the holiday weekend in your own backyard.
Root, Root, Root for the Pelicans | Sept. 4-6
There are only a few more chances to cheer on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans this season.
The Pelicans take on the Columbia Fireflies Sept. 4-6 at Pelicans Ballpark for their final homestand of the 2026 season. Friday night’s game includes post-game fireworks, giving families a chance to combine baseball with a little Labor Day weekend sparkle.
Sunday marks the final game of the season, so put on your Pelicans gear and help send the team into the offseason with plenty of hometown support.
End Summer with a Bang
What would Labor Day weekend at The Beach be without fireworks?
The holiday weekend brings opportunities to look to the sky as fireworks help mark the unofficial end of summer. In addition to Friday night's post-game fireworks at Pelicans Ballpark, special Labor Day weekend displays are planned at area entertainment destinations.
Barefoot Landing will light up the lake with its Labor Day weekend fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, while Broadway at the Beach plans to illuminate Lake Broadway at 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6. Both shows are free and weather permitting.
Pack a little patience along with your lawn chair — holiday weekend traffic and parking can be busy — and make an evening of it by grabbing dinner or visiting a local business before the show.
Start the Weekend on a High Note at Waves of Praise | Sept. 4-5
Labor Day weekend gets an uplifting start in downtown Myrtle Beach with the Myrtle Beach Waves of Praise Gospel Fest.
The free celebration brings gospel music, worship and community to Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, 812 N. Ocean Blvd. Main-stage performances begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, with additional activities surrounding the celebration.
It’s a great opportunity for local families to head downtown, enjoy live music and experience an event that brings the community together right along the oceanfront.
Watch the Fords Roll into Town | Sept. 5-13
Labor Day weekend also kicks off a brand-new reason for auto enthusiasts to get out and cruise.
Fords at the Shore begins Saturday, Sept. 5, launching nine days of car shows, cruises, meetups and special events celebrating Ford and Mustang enthusiasts. Ford and Ford-associated vehicles — including Lincoln, Mercury, Edsel and more — will be part of the festivities. This event replaces Mustang Week with more classic muscle cars, or rolling masterpieces, with a more family-friendly, quieter vibe.
Events will take place at locations throughout the Grand Strand before the week culminates with the 16th Annual Grand Strand Stampede All Ford Show at Broadway at the Beach on Sept. 12.
Even if you don’t own a classic Mustang or vintage Ford, it’s an opportunity to check out some impressive vehicles and welcome fellow car enthusiasts to our community.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
With millions of people traveling to the Grand Strand each year to enjoy what we have in our backyard, Labor Day weekend is a good excuse to experience the destination like a visitor.
Spend a morning on the beach, walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, visit an attraction you haven’t been to in years, book a tee time, take the kids to play mini golf or try a local restaurant that’s been sitting on your must-visit list.
And don't put away the beach chairs just because the calendar says September. Some of our best beach weather is still ahead.
After Labor Day, Some Beach Rules Relax
Here’s another reason for locals to love the arrival of September: some summertime beach restrictions end after Labor Day.
In North Myrtle Beach, the seasonal rule prohibiting dogs on the beach between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. runs from May 15 through Labor Day. After the holiday, dogs can once again enjoy the beach throughout the day, although they must remain on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
North Myrtle Beach's summertime restrictions on larger shading devices also run through Labor Day. After the holiday, tents and other permitted shading devices can return to the beach, making those long September beach days a little easier for families.
In Surfside Beach, dogs are prohibited on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. After the holiday, leashed dogs are once again permitted throughout the day.
Rules differ depending on where you are along the Grand Strand, particularly when it comes to tents and shading devices, so always check the rules for your specific municipality or beach area before setting up for the day.
What About Free Parking?
Labor Day does not mark the end of paid parking in the City of Myrtle Beach.
The city's seasonal pay-to-park period continues through Oct. 31, meaning seasonal public parking meters and pay stations become free beginning Nov. 1. Paid parking resumes March 1.
So, while you'll have to wait a little longer for that particular off-season perk, Labor Day does usher in the beginning of a great time to be a local at The Beach.
Summer Isn't Over Just Yet
Labor Day may be summer's unofficial farewell, but anyone who lives here knows September can be one of the best months to enjoy the Grand Strand.
The water is still warm. The beach is still calling. Fall festivals and events are just getting started. And after Labor Day, some seasonal beach restrictions begin to ease.
So don't rush summer out the door. Celebrate the long weekend close to home, support local businesses and events, and enjoy everything that makes living at The Beach special.
