The City of North Myrtle Beach hosts the popular Irish Italian International Festival that brings approximately 15,000 people from near and far to celebrate and honor different cultures. This 19th annual event will feature art and craft vendors, festival food, street performers, two stages of live entertainment, a children’s area with inflatables, and so much more!

According to Angel Sylvester, Special Events & Programs Director, City of North Myrtle Beach| Parks & Recreation, festival  attendees can look forward to live music from Brendan O’Connor; The Byrne Brothers (multi-award-winning Irish family band from Donegal now based in Orlando Florida); 1916, a high energy Celtic punk band; and Chocolate Chip & Co., a local favorite, among others.

Additionally, food vendors will compete for the elite title of Best Entrée, Best Decorated, and Best Dessert and will be cooking up traditional Irish and Italian dishes, according to Sylvester.

Festival-goers can also join in the hilarious 18th annual Festival Spaghetti- Eating Contest, sponsored by Ledo Pizza.  First to clear their plate (without using their hands) wins bragging rights and a plaque! Participants may sign up at the Info Booth between 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the festival. No entry fee. Once registered, participants should arrive at the Hillside Drive Stage by 2 p.m. 

The contest begins at about 2 p.m. at the Hillside Drive Stage (400 Main Street — in front of Hope Taylor and Company). Parking is available in the lot beside Convenience Store & More: 250 Main Street, and North Myrtle Beach Family Practice (Dr. Ramsbottom’s office) parking lot: 86 Cedar Avenue. Also, public parking can be found at McLean Park, 93 Oak Drive, in addition to the Bi-Lo Shopping Center on Main Street. So, come on out, mingle, eat, listen to good music, and have fun! 

Irish Italian International Festival
Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
Saturday, September 30. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free.
(843) 281-2662 | nmb.us