Shamrocks Meet Spaghetti!
North Myrtle Beach is about to smell like garlic, spices, and something fresh out of the fryer. On Saturday, September 27, the Irish Italian International Festival returns, bringing sizzling food, nonstop music, and more than a few friendly competitions to Main Street.
This isn’t just another weekend event—it’s shepherd’s pie sharing the spotlight with lasagna, fiddles and accordions trading riffs with folk rock guitars, and crowds cheering on spaghetti-slinging contestants racing the clock. One minute you’re biting into cannoli dusted with powdered sugar, the next you’re clapping along to a jig you didn’t realize you knew.
Two stages will showcase a packed lineup of music. The Byrne Brothers will bring traditional Irish tunes with infectious energy, while Clovers Revenge and Barleyjuice will turn up the volume with their Celtic rock flair. Chris Taylor and The Rumor round things out with a soulful, modern sound. With acts trading off throughout the day, it’s the kind of schedule that makes you want to linger by the stage before drifting toward the food.
And the food is worth the drift. Dozens of vendors will be serving up everything from hearty Italian entrées to Irish comfort staples and plenty of desserts in between. Plates aren’t just for hungry festival-goers—many are crafted with competition in mind, as vendors battle it out for Best Entrée and Best Dessert. That means what you’re eating isn’t just good—it’s award-worthy.
Non-food vendors bring their own flair, with booths decorated to the max for the Best Decorated Booth contest. Walking down Main Street feels more like weaving through an outdoor gallery, with colors, crafts, and plenty of shopping opportunities tucked between the food stalls.
For those who prefer action to browsing, the Spaghetti Eating Contest, sponsored by Ledo Pizza, is always a highlight. Contestants race the clock to conquer a plate of pasta, and the crowd’s cheers make it even more intense. It’s messy, funny, and one of the most talked-about parts of the day.
From the first bite of pasta to the last note of music, the Irish Italian International Festival is all about good food, good sounds, and a full Saturday of fun. Mark your calendar, grab your appetite, and get ready to join the crowd on Main Street.
Hungry for more than pasta and cannoli? Check out our full menu of festivals and events happening statewide at www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/festivals!
