The history of Labor Day dates back to the 1880s; as trade unions increased their numbers in America, workers wanted a way to celebrate their efforts. While the exact history of the holiday is still debated — some credit Secretary of the Central Labor Union Matthew Maguire with proposing a National holiday honoring workers, while others claim American Federation of Labor Leader Peter J. McGuire was the first to propose the idea — it’s purpose remains clear.
Labor Day in South Carolina is a celebration of the American workforce that simultaneously, unofficially, traditionally marks the end of summer and the heavy tourist season. In Horry County, Labor Day weekend is filled with fireworks, festivals and many other types of outdoor events. In fact, there’s no shortage of fun activities going on in the Grand Strand in honor of hard workers everywhere.
Here are the best Labor Day weekend events going on September 1st – 4th, 2017!
For the foodies out there “Coastal Uncorked” is a 3-day event taking place in the parking lot behind Pavilion Park Central, near the Welcome Center on the 21st Avenue side of Broadway at the Beach. Highlights of this event include a dessert and moonshine mixology competition on Friday, a Brews ‘N the Beach craft beer event on Saturday, and the popular Grand Wine Tasting event on Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the event website at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-coastal-uncorked-food-wine-spirits-festival-tickets-34368731802.
The Myrtle Beach Speedway will be hosting an “International Culture Music and Food Festival” from 11am – 11pm on Saturday, September 2nd. There is a $5 admission fee with all children 5 and under free. The festival will offer authentic international cuisines, vendors selling arts and crafts, entertainment for kids of all ages.
Also worth checking out is the “Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival,” that will be held near Market Commons, right outside Horry-Georgetown Technical College on Friday from 6-9pm and noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2nd . Attendees are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes, appetite and a blanket or chair and enjoy live entertainment while sampling delicious barbecue and refreshing beverages. Please visit http://www.myrtlebeacheventinfo.com/ to learn more.
La Belle Amie Vineyard will be hosting a “Labor Day Saturday Music & Cookout,” noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, with The Stringwood Trio playing from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Enjoy wine, food and friends on their back patio with a $5 admission fee per guest. Please call 843-399-9463.
Pirate’s Cove Lounge located nearby in the heart of Main St. will be hosting The Ben Miller Band from Joplin, Mo., and the Grassabillies out of Shelby, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 2nd for a blues and bluegrass collaboration. The show will begin at 9 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the time of the event for $10. Pirate’s Cove Lounge is located at 205 Main St., North Myrtle Beach.
Join Coastal Carolina University and all of the Teal Nation on Saturday evening for the first ever FBS football game in Conway! The UMASS Minutemen visit Brooks Stadium for the first time ever in the 2017 CCU Football season opener. Kickoff is at 7pm! Tickets can be purchased at www.coastal.edu .
You can also see fireworks on Saturday at 10pm at the 2nd Ave. Pier in Myrtle Beach, Sunday at 10pm at Broadway at the Beach, and on Monday at 9:30pm at Barefoot Landing.