MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Myrtle Beach officials say Carolina Rock Fest may move forward in the city after organizers agreed to adjust dates and explore outsourcing additional services to reduce the strain on public safety personnel.
The update follows weeks of discussion between the city and festival organizers, as well as feedback from residents and businesses who wanted the event to remain in Myrtle Beach. City leaders said those comments prompted continued conversations aimed at finding a workable solution.
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City staff have repeatedly emphasized that the primary concern has been the pressure another large-scale event would place on employees during the busy spring season, particularly the Myrtle Beach Police Department and other public safety teams. Officials said that while the festival offers clear economic benefits, staffing demands in early May remain a significant challenge.
Organizers have now agreed to keep the event on the earlier April 30–May 2 dates, rather than the previously proposed May 7–9 weekend. According to the city, the earlier dates help reduce strain on personnel. Festival organizers will also explore outsourcing more services within the event grounds, which would lessen the number of city employees required to support the festival.
City officials described the updated approach as a balanced effort that protects staff workloads while still creating a path forward for the event.
Next, Carolina Rock Fest will present a refined plan to the Special Events Committee as part of the application process for a special event permit for April 30–May 2, 2027.
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