Start planning your ultimate South Carolina adventure with a free copy of the 2025 Vacation Guide. Request your free copy, view the guide online or download a PDF version below.
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
As the birthplace of the Carolina shag, you’d expect to find lots of places offering beach music and a dance floor to practice South Carolina’s official state dance. North Myrtle Beach doesn’t disappoint.
But dance clubs aren’t the only arts offerings in this beach town. Here are some of the places you can go to listen to music, learn about the history of the area and take in the talents of local, regional and national artists.
The Bowery
A North Myrtle Beach landmark for more than 75 years, this restaurant and bar is a tradition with beach vacation regulars. Once home to country music and Southern rock band Alabama, the music venue is still packing the house with its current band, The Bounty Hunters.
Fat Harold's Beach Club
The birthplace of the Carolina Shag, people come to dance and enjoy beach music as it's meant to be heard.
Another wildly popular shag-dancing venue, Fat Harold's was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame in 1996. DJs spin tunes seven nights a week, and bands perform for the big events.
OD Pavilion
Established in 1926, OD Pavilion was the first open-air beach music pavilion. Step and glide to the sound of beach music and the cool ocean breeze at this shag hot spot.
House of Blues
There's not a bad seat in House of Blues concert hall in North Myrtle Beach.
Co-founded by Dan Aykroyd, co-star of the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, the House of Blues offers concerts, events, a Sunday gospel brunch and murder mystery theater.
Duck’s Beach Club
This shagger favorite offers live entertainment every week and a full calendar of events like SOS and DJ Throwdown.
Alabama Theatre
One The Show at Alabama Theatre blends music, dance and stunning visuals for an unforgettable show for an unforgettable show.
Its fully staged variety show features dance, comedy and a wide array of music, from country and gospel to Broadway, pop and rock. The Alabama Theater also presents concerts with guest artists like the Oak Ridge Boys, the Righteous Brothers, the Temptations and Four Tops.
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.