Labor Day weekend is the Grand Strand’s last big blowout of the summer, and Myrtle Beach goes all out to send the season off right. Between fireworks over the ocean, free concerts, a final Pelicans homestand, and a beach that’s still warm enough for one more swim, it’s one of the busiest — and most fun — weekends of the year. Here’s your local’s guide to what’s happening and how to make the most of it.
When Is Labor Day 2026?
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2026, with the biggest crowds arriving Friday, September 4 through the holiday Monday. If you’re visiting, expect packed beaches, busy restaurants, and heavier traffic on Ocean Blvd and Highway 17 — especially Friday afternoon and Saturday.
Fireworks Shows You Don’t Want to Miss
Labor Day weekend brings multiple free fireworks displays up and down the Grand Strand:
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans Postgame Fireworks — Friday, September 4, following the Pelicans’ final regular-season homestand against the Columbia Fireflies at Pelicans Ballpark.
- Barefoot Landing Fireworks Spectacular — Saturday, September 5 at 10 p.m., over the lake in North Myrtle Beach. Free and open to the public, weather permitting.
- Surfside Beach End-of-Summer Fireworks Festival — Sunday, September 6, 5–9 p.m. at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, with live music, food and craft vendors, a kids’ zone, and fireworks over the ocean around 9 p.m.
- Broadway at the Beach Fireworks — Sunday, September 6 at 10 p.m.
More Ways to Celebrate
Fireworks aren’t the only draw this weekend:
- Springmaid Pier End-of-Summer Glow Party — Saturday, September 5, 7–10 p.m. A neon-lit oceanfront party right on the pier.
- Fords at The Shore — Kicks off Saturday, September 5 and runs through September 13, bringing Ford owners and fans together at venues across Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Surfside Beach.
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans Final Homestand — The Pelicans host the Columbia Fireflies Friday through Sunday at Pelicans Ballpark to close out the regular season, with fireworks Friday night.
Local Tips for Labor Day Weekend
- Book dinner reservations early — popular spots along Ocean Blvd and the MarshWalk fill up fast on holiday weekends.
- Arrive early for fireworks viewing spots, especially at Barefoot Landing and Surfside Beach Pier, which draw big crowds.
- Expect heavier traffic on Highway 17 and Ocean Blvd Friday afternoon through Saturday — give yourself extra time getting around.
- The ocean is still warm through September, so it’s a great last weekend for swimming before summer winds down.
However you spend it, Labor Day weekend is one of the best times to experience Myrtle Beach like a local — sun, fireworks, and one last taste of summer before fall settles in.
Dennis Stemmle is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lecturer at Coastal Carolina University. He writes about travel, college success, and entrepreneurship.