New Gullah Geechee Festival near Myrtle Beach is almost here! Dates, what to know

Eleanor Nash
·2 min read

Gullah storytellers and a historical parade are in store for the first Atlantic Beach Gullah Geechee Cultural and Nature Festival from June 23 through 25 on the streets of Atlantic Beach, S.C.

The new Myrtle Beach-area festival aims to celebrate the history of Atlantic Beach and the culture of the Gullah Geechee people.

Planned activities for the free festival include food vendors, DIY crafts and children’s storytellers.

Organizer Patricia Mallett said this three-day event is the first of its kind in over 20 years and hopes to make it an annual tradition.

“I pray that (visitors) will get the understanding of more about our Gullah Geechee culture,” Mallett said.

Here is the 2023 festival schedule

Friday, June 23

5-8 p.m., Atlantic Beach meet and greet at Atlantic Beach Community Center, reserve tickets online.

8-10 p.m., young professionals mixer at Ms. Brenda’s Tiki Bar, 404 30th Ave. South, Atlantic Beach.

Saturday, June 24

All day, craft stations including doll and jewelry making and face painting.

10-11 a.m., historical parade in Atlantic Beach. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costumes from the 1930’s-70’s.

11-11:50 a.m., welcome from Atlantic Beach city officials at the main stage on the end of 30th Ave.

11:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m., main stage presentations by Sunn M’Cheaux, Harvard Gullah language instructor, and Ron Daise, Gullah performer and storyteller.

12:20-1:50 p.m., Motown performance from the Asher Theatre at the main stage.

4-4:30 p.m., kids’ literary presentation, “Change is Gonna Come,” at the main stage.

4:30 p.m., presentations by Ron Daise, Gullah storyteller, and Damon Fordam, South Carolina historian and author, at the main stage.

6-10 p.m., dance party at Punk’s Patio.

Sunday, June 25

9 a.m., beachfront service with Queen Quet Marquetta Goodwine of the Gullah Geechee Nation, poet Leniah Johnsonn and Marilyn Hemingway of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce.