The Irish Italian International Festival takes place Saturday, September 26, 2026, along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The free, family-friendly event draws roughly 15,000 visitors each year for authentic Irish and Italian food, live music on two stages, a spaghetti eating contest, and over 100 artisan vendors. Turn the one-day celebration into a full weekend getaway by staying nearby in a fully set-up RV from Cozy Turtle.
Every September, Main Street in North Myrtle Beach fills with the smell of fresh pasta, the sound of Irish fiddles, and crowds of festival-goers moving from booth to booth in search of the best bite in town. The Irish Italian International Festival has become one of North Myrtle Beach’s signature events, and it’s easy to see why. Where else can you sample authentic Italian cannoli, cheer on strangers in a spaghetti eating contest, and dance to live Irish music, all in the same afternoon?
The festival brings Irish and Italian heritage together through food, music, art, and community activities that appeal to visitors of every age. Since its debut in 2003, it has grown into an annual tradition that draws around 15,000 people to the coast each year.
The 2026 Irish Italian International Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026. While the celebration itself only lasts one day, it’s the kind of event that gives you a great excuse to plan an entire North Myrtle Beach weekend around it.
For us, events like this are one of the best reasons to make a full Myrtle Beach getaway out of a Saturday festival. You can enjoy the food, music, and crowds during the day, then come back to your own comfortable RV setup when you’re ready to unwind.
Irish Italian International Festival 2026: Date & Location
Here’s what you need to know before you plan your trip:
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Location: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Hours: Festival activities typically run from mid-morning into the afternoon
The Irish Italian International Festival takes over the downtown Main Street area of North Myrtle Beach, stretching between Hillside Drive and Cedar Drive. Because the event draws such large crowds, some streets in the area may be closed or restricted to vehicle traffic for the day. Visitors should check current festival details from the City of North Myrtle Beach before driving into the area, since road closures and event logistics can shift slightly from year to year.
What started as a modest cultural celebration has become a major tourism draw for the City of North Myrtle Beach, bringing thousands of visitors downtown during the shoulder season between summer’s peak crowds and the quieter winter months.
What to Expect on Main Street North Myrtle Beach
Picture a lively stretch of Main Street North Myrtle Beach packed with food booths, artisan displays, and family activity areas. Street performers weave through the crowd, music drifts from multiple stages, and the smell of grilled sausages competes with fresh-baked cannoli for your attention.
Since this is a walkable festival, comfortable shoes are essential. You’ll be covering ground between vendors, stages, and activity zones, so leave the sandals at home and bring shoes you can move in all day.
What Is the Irish Italian International Festival?
The Irish Italian International Festival first took place in 2003 to celebrate Irish and Italian heritage side by side. Rather than spotlighting one culture, organizers created an event that brings different cultures together through shared food, music, art, and community spirit.
Over two decades later, it has grown into one of North Myrtle Beach’s signature festivals, attracting approximately 15,000 attendees annually. The event isn’t about picking a side between Irish and Italian traditions. Whether your first stop is for pasta or your first stop is for Irish fare, there really isn’t a wrong answer. The whole point is celebrating both.
Authentic Irish & Italian Food Takes Center Stage
Food is arguably the biggest draw of the entire event, and it’s easy to understand why. Local restaurants and food vendors line the streets, offering everything from Irish stew and soda bread to fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and Italian desserts.
Because so many food vendors participate, festival-goers can sample a wide variety of dishes instead of committing to one sit-down meal. It’s the kind of event where you can graze your way down Main Street, trying a little bit of everything.
Best Entrée, Best Dessert & Best Decorated Booth
Participating food vendors don’t just serve food. They compete for it. Awards are given out for Best Entrée, Best Dessert, and Best Decorated Booth, and food truck vendors get in on the competition too. This friendly rivalry adds an extra layer of fun to the day and gives attendees another reason to try several booths instead of stopping at the first one they see.
The Spaghetti Eating Contest Is a Festival Favorite
No visit to the Irish Italian International Festival is complete without stopping by the Spaghetti Eating Contest, one of the event’s most memorable traditions. Competitors race to clear their plates first, and the crowd energy around this contest is part of what makes it such a fan favorite.
Registration typically happens at the Info Booth earlier in the day, with the contest itself taking place in the early afternoon near the Italian stage. Because exact sign-up windows and contest start times can shift year to year, it’s worth checking the official festival schedule closer to September 2026 before planning your day around it.
Live Music Across Two Festival Stages
Music is where the Irish Italian International Festival really comes alive. The event features two stages, one dedicated to Irish entertainment and the other to Italian music, so visitors can move between them throughout the day.
Irish Stage Entertainment
The Irish stage has featured performers like the Byrne Brothers, a family band with roots in Donegal, Ireland, who have opened the festival with morning sets in past years. Acts such as Clovers Revenge and Barleyjuice have also taken the Irish stage later in the day, keeping the Celtic energy going well into the afternoon.
Italian Stage Entertainment
On the Italian side, performers like Vince Chiarelli have opened the stage with authentic Italian tunes, setting the tone for a day of lively music. Visitors can wander between both stages to experience two very different musical traditions without ever leaving Main Street.
Because lineups and set times can change from year to year, check the official festival calendar closer to the date for the most current schedule.
More Than 100 Craft & Artisan Vendors
Food and music aren’t the only things lining Main Street. More than 100 artisan and craft vendors typically set up shop during the festival, selling everything from handmade jewelry and artwork to home décor, clothing, and festival merchandise.
If you only budget time for lunch, you’ll miss out. Leave yourself room to browse. It’s also a great chance to support small businesses and independent makers who travel to North Myrtle Beach specifically for this event.
Family Fun at the Irish Italian International Festival
This isn’t just a food and music festival for adults. Children’s activities are built into the day, including inflatables, interactive setups, and plenty of entertainment aimed at younger festival goers. Between the street performers, music, food, and vendor booths, there’s enough variety to keep a whole family occupied for hours.
Best of all, admission to the festival is completely free. That makes it an easy addition to a September Myrtle Beach trip for families or groups who don’t want to pay an entry fee for every person walking through the gates.
Parking Information for the Irish Italian Festival
With around 15,000 people attending, parking is one of the biggest logistical questions visitors have. It’s worth planning ahead rather than hoping to find a spot right on Main Street.
Public parking options include:
- McLean Park
- Free public parking beside Convenience Store & More
- 1st Avenue North & Ocean Boulevard
- 1st Avenue South & Ocean Boulevard
Parking availability can change as lots fill throughout the day, so arrive early, allow extra walking time, and follow posted festival parking signs. If you’re staying at a nearby campground or resort, check for updated parking information before you head out, and don’t rely entirely on your GPS if streets are closed for the event. Following posted closures and City of North Myrtle Beach instructions will save you time and frustration.
How to Plan Your North Myrtle Beach Festival Day
A little planning goes a long way at an event this size. Here’s a simple game plan:
Arrive early. Getting to the area sooner gives you better parking options and lets you explore before the crowds peak.
Start with the food. Take a lap past the vendors before committing to your first meal so you know your options.
Check the entertainment calendar. Plan your food and shopping around performances you don’t want to miss.
Give yourself time to browse. With more than 100 artisan vendors, there’s plenty to see beyond the food and music.
Wear comfortable shoes. This is a walking festival that spans several blocks of Main Street.
Prepare for September weather. Check the forecast, stay hydrated, and pack sunscreen or rain gear depending on conditions.
Turn the Festival Into a North Myrtle Beach Weekend
Since the festival itself only runs on Saturday, there’s no reason to drive in, spend a few hours, and head straight home. September is a great time to enjoy North Myrtle Beach after the summer rush dies down but before the weather cools significantly.
Consider stretching your trip into a two- or three-day getaway that includes a relaxed beach morning, shopping and dining at Barefoot Landing, a round of mini golf, or simply extra time at the campground unwinding after a busy festival day. The Grand Strand has plenty to offer beyond Main Street, and a full weekend lets you enjoy it without rushing.
Where to Stay for the Irish Italian International Festival
Choosing where to stay depends largely on your group size and how much space you want.
Hotels work fine for solo travelers or couples, but space gets tight fast for larger families or groups sharing a room.
Vacation rentals can be a solid option for extended stays, though availability and pricing fluctuate during event weekends when demand spikes.
Campgrounds and RV resorts tend to be the better choice if you want more room, outdoor space, your own kitchen, and a relaxed home base close to the action. Choose this option if you’re traveling with kids, pets, or a group and want flexibility that a single hotel room can’t offer.
Why We Love RV Camping for North Myrtle Beach Events
We think RV camping works particularly well for festival weekends because it gives guests a comfortable home base without the restrictions of a traditional hotel room.
More room to relax. Whether you’re a couple, a family, a group of friends, or traveling with pets, an RV gives everyone room to spread out.
Your own kitchen. Make breakfast before the festival or a quick snack afterward, cutting down on the cost of eating every meal out.
Indoor and outdoor living space. After a day spent in festival crowds, coming back to a campsite with room to breathe makes a real difference.
A more relaxed weekend. You get the energy of a busy festival day balanced against quiet campground evenings.
Great for groups. RV camping makes it easy for friends or family to turn one festival day into a shared getaway, often with multiple units parked side by side.
Let Us Set Up Your Myrtle Beach RV
You don’t need to own an RV, know how to tow one, or understand campground hookups to enjoy this kind of trip. That’s the whole point of working with Cozy Turtle.
We offer free local delivery and full setup at participating Myrtle Beach-area campgrounds, so your RV is clean, hooked up, and ready before you arrive. Every rental comes with a stocked kitchen, kitchenware and cookware, cleaning supplies, and outdoor mats. First-time campers can request an on-site walkthrough, and phone support is available throughout your stay, along with emergency and after-hours support for anything urgent. We also partner with Bish’s RV Mobile Service for qualifying on-site repair needs, so help is never far away. Our rentals are family-friendly and pet-friendly, too, so nobody has to stay behind.
You enjoy the festival. We’ll take care of getting your home away from home ready.
Customize Your Festival Weekend With RV Add-Ons
Every trip looks a little different, so we offer optional add-ons to match your plans. Planning a beach day before or after the festival? Add beach gear. Spending evenings relaxing at the campground with the family? An outdoor canopy or fire pit (where permitted) can make those nights even better. Linens are also available if you’d rather skip packing your own.
Bring the Family, We’ll Bring the Comfort.
Irish Italian International Festival FAQs
When and where is the Irish Italian International Festival taking place in North Myrtle Beach?
The 2026 Irish Italian International Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, in the Main Street area of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Exact street closures, booth locations, and performance schedules should be confirmed closer to the event date.
Is the Irish Italian International Festival free?
Yes. Festival admission is free, making it an accessible option for families and groups who don’t want to pay an entry fee.
How many people attend the Irish Italian International Festival?
Around 15,000 people attend the festival each year, making it one of North Myrtle Beach’s most popular annual events.
What food is available at the festival?
The festival features authentic Irish and Italian dishes, desserts, and specialty items from both local restaurants and food vendors, many of whom compete for awards like Best Entrée, Best Dessert, and Best Decorated Booth.
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes. The event includes inflatables, interactive children’s activities, live music, street performers, artisan vendors, and free admission, making it an easy addition to a family trip.
Where can I park for the festival?
Public parking is available at McLean Park, beside Convenience Store & More, and near 1st Avenue North and South at Ocean Boulevard. Arrive early, since spots fill up quickly with around 15,000 attendees expected.
What Is the Biggest Italian Festival in the US?
Several large Italian-American festivals take place across the country each year, and what counts as “biggest” can depend on how you measure it, whether that’s total attendance, event length, or number of vendors. There isn’t one definitive answer that applies across every metric. The Irish Italian International Festival may not compete solely on size. Its appeal comes from bringing Irish and Italian traditions together in one walkable coastal celebration, something larger single-culture festivals don’t offer.
What Major Italian Festivals Are Taking Place in 2026?
Italian festivals take place across the country throughout the year, from long-running celebrations in major cities to smaller local cultural events. Dates and details can change annually, so it’s worth checking individual event websites or regional tourism calendars for the most current information. For anyone visiting the Grand Strand, the Irish Italian International Festival on September 26, 2026 offers a convenient local way to celebrate Italian heritage while also experiencing Irish traditions in the same afternoon.
Is There an Italian Festival in Portland, Oregon in 2026?
Portland has hosted Italian cultural events and festivals in past years, though specific 2026 dates and details should be confirmed against the current Portland event calendar closer to the date, since local festival schedules can change from year to year.
Make a Weekend of the Irish Italian International Festival
Spend Saturday enjoying authentic food, live music across two stages, artisan vendors, the spaghetti eating contest, and plenty of family fun. Then spend the rest of your getaway soaking up everything else North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand have to offer.
When the festival day is done, there’s something pretty nice about heading back to your own space instead of squeezing into another crowded restaurant or hotel lobby. With Cozy Turtle, we’ll deliver and set up your RV so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the weekend.
