Whether you’re searching for the perfect seasonal beer, have a hankering for some downhome cooking, are craving ethnic cuisine, have the desire to do good or want to indulge in some fresh seafood, fall is the season for food festivals at the beach. Check out some (or all!) of the great options coming this autumn.

Around the World

St. John’s Greek Festival
This festival is all about Greek culture, cuisine and family fun. Enjoy gyros, baklava, spanakopita and more. Don’t forget the Greek beers, wines and ouzo shots.
September 28–October 1. St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 3301 33rd Ave. N., Myrtle Beach. Thursday–Saturday. Visit website for times and prices. (843) 448-3773, www.stjohn-mb.org

Festa Italiana
This festival will feature authentic Italian foods like meatball heroes, sausage and pepper sandwiches, Neapolitan style pizza, chicken Parmesan and ravioli, as well as desserts, beer and wine.
October 7 & 8. Grand Park at The Market Common, Myrtle Beach. Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, noon–7 p.m. $1. (843) 333-7059, www.marketcommonmb.com

Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest
This event is back to help usher in fall and a season of delicious brews. The day will include lots of great beers to choose from.
October 13 & 14. Valor Park at The Market Common, Myrtle Beach. Friday, 4–9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Visit website for prices. (843) 839-3500, www.marketcommonmb.com

And From Our Own Backyard

Loris Bog-Off Festival
Enter your own bog for competition or just enjoy sampling the many different varieties of this downhome dish.
October 21. Downtown Loris. Saturday, 9 a.m. Free. (843) 756-6030, www.lorischamber.com

A Taste of the Sea

Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival
After the success of the inaugural event, this festival will hit the shore again. The fun will include a variety of seafood vendors, beer and wine.
October 6 & 7. Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, between 8th and 9th avenues N., Myrtle Beach. Friday, 6–9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Free. www.myrtlebeachboardwalk.com

ShrimpFest
Celebrate this favorite crustacean with lots of fresh local seafood served up by your favorite waterfront restaurants. This street festival is the place to be for great food.
October 14 & 15. Historic Little River Waterfront, 4460 Mineola Ave., Little River. Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $5. (843) 249-6604, www.littlerivershrimpfest.org

North Carolina Oyster Festival
This long-standing tradition is back and will bring together culinary delights, great music, unique shopping and, of course, oysters. Bring your beach chair and settle in for great music and food. October 21 & 22. 8 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach. Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 for adults; free for kids under 12. (910) 754-6644, www.ncoysterfestival.com

Good Eats for Good Causes

Pawleys Island Food & Wine Gala
This benefit for the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art allows attendees to sample over 100 wines and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
October 5. The Reserve Golf Club, 18 Reserve Drive, Pawleys Island. Thursday, 7 p.m. $100. (843) 262-8911, www.pawleysmusic.com

Chilympics
A benefit for the Grand Strand Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, this annual event in its 18th year will include New South beer, music, local arts and crafts vendors and tons of delicious chilis vying to be number one. October 8. Hot Fish Club, 4911 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet. Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free entry; $2 chili ticket; $3 beer ticket. (843) 504-0396, www.surfridergrandstrand.org

Signature Chefs Auction
This event pays tribute to the culinary excellence of area chefs while raising money for March of Dimes. There will be samplings of signature dishes during a lively cocktail reception.
October 12. Myrtle Beach Marriot Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, 8400 Costa Verde Drive, Myrtle Beach. Thursday, 6–11 p.m. Visit website for ticket info. (843) 438-1113, www.marchofdimes.org

Taste of the Town
Raising funds for St. Andrew Catholic School, try lots of great eateries under one roof. Make a stop at the Beer and Wine Garden to complete your experience.
October 17. Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach. Tuesday, 4–10 p.m. $6 at door; $1/food ticket. (843) 448-6062, www.totmb.com

South by Southeast Music Feast
Admission to this concert by the Steel City Jug Slammers includes dinner, delicious brews from New South, snacks, desserts and a fantastic concert. Proceeds benefit local music education programs. November 4. Myrtle Beach Train Depot, 851 Broadway St., Myrtle Beach. Saturday, 6 p.m. $20. ww.southbysoutheast.org

Souper Supper
Enjoy soups, bakery items, cool beverages and more inside the new HGTC Culinary Institute. Proceeds benefit the American Culinary Federation Myrtle Beach Chapter.
November 5. HGTC Culinary Institute, 920 Crabtree Lane, Myrtle Beach. Sunday, noon–3 p.m. $12 for adults; $7 for children. (843) 424-5335, www.myrtlebeachacf.com