The Canadian-American Days Festival in Myrtle Beach

South Carolina has invited Canadians down to the beach to celebrate the beginning of Spring each year for more than forty-five years at their Canadian-American Days Festival in Myrtle Beach.  This festival is held annually around the middle of March.  The festival, which last eight days, has been named as one of the Top 20 Events by Southeast Tourism Society.  Families from Canada get a chance to visit warmer climes because the event is held during their Winter school holiday, and St. Patrick's Day is also celebrated at this festival. 

Shag Dance US Championships

Before the acivities begin, Myrtle Beach hosts the Shag Dance US Championships. These started in the 1930s and involve hopping from one foot to the other, rhythmically.  Other before-the-festival events include Taste of the Coast (restaurant samplings), the Festival Brass pops concert, and the Can-Am Cup yacht races. 

Opening Events

The opening events are held at  the site of the former Myrtle Beach AFB.  There are PGA golf challenges, an Air Force band, history and culture day at the Huntington Atalaya castle, a kite-flying festival, children's Olympics, boat and walking tours, treasure hunting on the beach, seafood, auto races, parades, concerts every night and fireworks.  A lot of these events are free but tickets are required to prevent overcrowding.  Tickets are given out two weeks prior to the festival.  Cruises, dinners and concerts require admission fees. 

Event Schedule

The Canadian-American Days Festival is a moving feast, and it can occur with slightly different beginning and end dates each year, but keep mid-March open because it usually occurs during March. The festival is great fun for the entire family, so whether you are Canadian or American, you are sure to have days of fun at this exciting festival!.