Tap your foot and sing along at these venues in Pawleys
There’s something magical about experiencing live music in Pawleys Island as the sun slips below the horizon and the sky softens into shades of coral and lavender and the air takes on that perfect balance—warm enough to relax, yet touched by a gentle, cooling breeze drifting in from the Atlantic.
It’s the kind of evening that feels made for music, where every note seems to carry a little farther and linger a little longer.
What makes it truly special is the way people settle into the moment. Friends gather around small tables, couples lean close to share a laugh, and strangers exchange smiles as a familiar tune drifts across the crowd. There’s no rush, no pressure — just an unspoken invitation to slow down and savor it. The warm night wraps around you, the cool breeze brushes your skin, and for a while, everything else fades away.
Pawleys Island has a way of turning a simple live performance into something deeply enjoyable and unforgettable, the kind of experience you find yourself wanting to return to again and again.
The best bets for live music are just minutes from the North Causeway to the island, where there are three excellent choices for live music: Pawleys Island Tavern in the Downtown Pawleys shopping area, Local Eat Drink Celebrate in the Hammock Shops Village, and The Quad on Petigru Road.
Pawleys Island Tavern
Pawleys Island Tavern, known affectionately as the PIT, is a favorite restaurant and hang-out for locals and visitors alike, with its “classically shabby” atmosphere and outside courtyard and music venue.
The restaurant, located in the heart of Downtown Pawleys, has an old classic beach vibe with lights in the trees over a covered stage and a tiki bar outside, and an intimate stage, tables and bar with the iconic dollar bills lining the walls inside.
Below is a list of upcoming live music events. For a complete listing of events, click here.
(Photo courtesy of We Saw a Bear)
Tuesday, May 26 – The Guys – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 29 – Tootie & The Jones – 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 – Bullfrog – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2 – The Guys – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 4 – Tom & Terry Show
Friday, June 5 – The Winchesters
Saturday, June 6 – Eddie Bush and the Mayhem
Tuesday, June 9 – The Guys – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 11 – We Saw a Bear Duo
Friday, June 12 – Cory Luetjen & The Traveling Blues Band
Saturday, June 13 – Doc Simons Band
Local Eat Drink Celebrate
Local Eat Drink Celebrate, located in the heart of the Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island, has a welcoming atmosphere and is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. Along with its delicious food and beverages, it offers live music and other entertainment year-round.
Below is a list of upcoming events. For a complete list, click here.
Sunday, May 31 – Blues and Americana Brunch with Doc Simons and Papa Jim Fleming – 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3 – The Bil Krauss Show 5 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 – Blues and Soul Brunch with Melissa Joiner
(Photo courtesy of Will Ness)
The Quad
Located at 1067 Petigru Drive in Pawleys Island, The Quad is an indoor/outdoor dog-friendly beer garden, which includes a large arcade, plenty of outdoor space, and all of your favorite sports on its many televisions. Enjoy local craft Beer and delicious food trucks in a relaxed, modern setting. Whether you’re looking for live music, family fun with arcade games, cheering on your favorite team across 20 big screens, or hosting your dream wedding, this venue is a great choice.
Along with other events, The Quad offers live music on select evenings. Below are some upcoming events. For a complete list of events, click here.
Sunday, May 24 – Scott Smith – 5–8 p.m.
Friday, May 29 – Will Ness – 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 – Don Johnson Project – 5–8 p.m.
“Wherever you decide to experience live music, make sure to take it all in as the notes and melodies wash over you like ocean waves,” said Mark A Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. “Hopefully, you will have a memorable experience here in Pawleys Island and come back time after time.”
By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®