08/16/2026
Sunsets & Soul Music Festival Reintroduces Historic Atlantic Beach, South Carolina
One of America's Last, Black-Governed Beach Communities
This October, the historic coastal community of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, will take center stage as the inaugural Sunsets & Soul Music Festival brings three days of music, culture.
Founded in the 1930s, Atlantic Beach became a sanctuary during segregation where Black families could vacation, own businesses, build community and experience the freedom of the ocean. The town also developed a legendary connection to Black music. Because Black entertainers performing in nearby Myrtle Beach were often prohibited from staying there, Atlantic Beach became a refuge for musicians and entertainers after their performances. Its clubs, restaurants and patios became gathering places for celebrated artists, musicians and audiences, helping establish the town as a vibrant center of Black entertainment throughout the Southeast.
Across three days, Atlantic Beach will transform into a walkable cultural experience. A main outdoor stage featuring a Grammy-winning horn section, strings and a world-class rhythm section will anchor the festival, while venues throughout town will host additional performances, cultural programming, local cuisine, artisan vendors and immersive experiences.
🗓️ OCTOBER 9-11, 2026
📍Atlantic Beach, South Carolina
Get Tickets Here: https://sunsetsandsoulmusic.com/
Learn more about STARD and its mission to preserve, protect, and revitalize Atlantic Beach's musical, cultural, and historical legacy at reimagineatlanticbeachsc.com.
Sunsets & Soul Music Festival is a world-class music festival in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina celebrating jazz, R&B, Gullah Geechee culture and coastal heritage.