I’m already counting down the days until next year.
We’re right in the heart of festival season, with what seems like an endless number of country music festivals to choose from – and more popping up every year.
In such a crowded landscape, it can be tough for festivals to set themselves apart. But over the past decade, one that’s been able to do just that is Carolina Country Music Fest in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
This year was my first year going to Carolina Country Music Fest, but as soon as I heard Myrtle Beach, I was in. I grew up going to Myrtle Beach every summer, and the opportunity to head to a country festival on the beach (and get out of Nashville during CMA Fest…) sounded like the perfect vacation.
And I wasn’t disappointed.
I’ve been to a lot of festivals at this point. Some good, some bad, but it’s safe to say that it takes a lot to impress me at this point. But I couldn’t have been more impressed with what they’ve built in Myrtle Beach.
The festival takes place in the heart of Myrtle Beach, on Ocean Boulevard and just steps away from the beach, the pier, and plenty of attractions within walking distance of the festival grounds. (It’s also right next door to the Bowery, one of the most historic bars in country music and the place where Alabama got their start as the house band before becoming the most successful group in country music history).
But step inside the festival grounds and before the music even starts you’ll see why Carolina Country Music Fest has cemented its place as one of the top festivals of the year.
From a Wellness Ranch & Spa where festival goers can relax, get their hair and makeup done or even get an IV or an ice bath to help them recover, to fully air-conditioned tents to beat the summer heat, to an onsite Jack Daniels Party Tent that hosted everything from dueling pianos and karaoke to singles mixers and late-night honky tonks, and even a massive cornhole tournament, the festival really goes above and beyond to make sure everyone’s comfortable and has a great time.
Then, of course, there’s the music: With multiple stages to choose from, there was always something for everyone, but the action on the main stage never disappointed.
From newcomers like Stella Lefty to legendary artists like Tracy Lawrence and Rodney Atkins, and of course the massive headliners like Riley Green, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and Post Malone, Carolina Country Music Fest consistently attracts the top talent in country music while drawing acts from Nashville, Texas and beyond to ensure that there’s truly something for everyone, no matter what your taste in country music. Whether you were there for Flatland Cavalry or Locash, one thing was certain: You were in for a great show.
And we can’t talk about 2026 Carolina Country Music Fest without talking about the biggest star of the weekend: Randy.
By now I’m sure you’ve seen the videos of Randy, who went massively viral (even my mom was texting me about him during the festival) after he chugged a bottle of tequila that was handed to him by Luke Bryan.
Randy became an overnight celebrity, and every time I opened social media somebody else was posting their pictures with the newest star.
I talked to Randy the day after his viral moment, and he was already ready to get back out in the crowd and enjoy the rest of the festival. What an absolute legend.
Of course one of the best parts of a festival is getting to discover new artists, and there were plenty to discover at Carolina Country Music Fest. We got to sit down with a few of them and get to know some incredible up-and-coming talent alongside some of the biggest names in country music, while also getting to explore some of the best that Myrtle Beach has to offer.
We went moonshine tasting with Drake White at the new Ole Smoky distillery at Broadway at the Beach, went mini golfing with The Wilder Blue at Ripley’s Crazy Golf, rode the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel with Myles Morgan, checked out the iconic Pier 14 with Slater Nalley, and even went on a helicopter ride with Rut Spence.
We also got to hang out on some of the 60 miles of beach to talk with artists like Chris Janson, Lauren Alaina, Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry, Zach John King, Stella Lefty, Ashley Cooke, Alexis Wilkins, and Chandler Carpenter & the Reckless Souls.
You can check out all of our interviews from the festival over on our YouTube page, and make sure you check out our Instagram and X (Twitter) pages for more content from our time in Myrtle Beach.
It’s safe to say that Carolina Country Music Fest easily won me over and became one of my favorite country music festivals in the country, and I can’t wait to get back next year and do it all over again.
Until next year, Myrtle Beach.
