Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival 2026 in Murrells Inlet: Guide & Where to Stay

A Coastal Arts Tradition Beneath the Live Oaks

Every fall, the historic grounds of Huntington Beach State Park transform into one of the Grand Strand's most beloved cultural gatherings. The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival 2026 brings hundreds of juried artists, live music, and Southern food together inside the walls of Atalaya, the Moorish-style former home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. If you're planning a creative, laid-back weekend along the South Carolina coast, this is one of the standout Murrells Inlet festivals in September you won't want to miss.

At Beach Star Realty, we love pointing guests toward the events that make this stretch of coastline so special — and the Atalaya festival is a perfect blend of art, history, and salt-air charm. In this guide, we'll walk you through what to expect, insider tips for making the most of your visit, and where to stay so you're just minutes from the fun.

What Is the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival?

Held within the atmospheric courtyard and grounds of Atalaya Castle, this long-running festival showcases fine art and handcrafted goods from artists across the Southeast. You'll find everything from oil paintings and photography to pottery, jewelry, woodworking, glass art, textiles, and sculpture — much of it available to purchase directly from the makers.

Beyond the art booths, the festival typically features live regional music, hands-on demonstrations, and a lineup of local food vendors serving up Lowcountry favorites. Strolling through the shaded, oak-lined grounds with a sweet tea in hand is half the experience.

The event usually takes place in late September, making it one of the most anticipated Huntington Beach State Park events on the calendar. Because dates and hours can shift year to year, always confirm the official 2026 schedule and admission details before you go — park admission generally applies in addition to any festival fees.

Why Huntington Beach State Park Is Worth the Trip

Even if the art weren't the main draw, the setting alone makes this festival worth attending. Huntington Beach State Park is one of the most scenic spots on the entire Grand Strand, home to pristine beaches, salt marshes, and some of the best birdwatching in the state. Alligators, herons, and painted buntings all call this preserve home.

Here are a few ways to round out your festival day:

• Explore Atalaya itself — the castle's rooms and courtyards are steeped in early-20th-century history and make for stunning photos.
• Hit the beach — the park's wide, uncrowded shoreline is perfect for a post-festival stroll.
• Bring your binoculars — the causeway and marsh boardwalks offer prime wildlife viewing.
• Pack layers — coastal September weather is warm by day but can turn breezy near the water in the evening.

Insider Tips for the 2026 Festival

Whether it's your first visit or you're a longtime regular, a little planning goes a long way. Here's how to make the most of your day at the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival 2026:

• Arrive early. Parking inside the park fills quickly during peak festival hours. Getting there when the gates open means easier parking and cooler temperatures.
• Bring cash and cards. While many artists accept cards, having some cash on hand speeds up smaller purchases and food orders.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are spread out, and you'll want to explore every corner of the castle and booth-lined pathways.
• Come hungry. Local food vendors are a highlight — this is your chance to sample Lowcountry cooking without leaving the park.
• Plan for the whole family. The relaxed, outdoor setting is welcoming for kids, and the wildlife and beach access keep everyone entertained.

Where to Stay Near the Atalaya Festival

One of the biggest perks of attending is how close you can stay. Murrells Inlet sits just minutes from Huntington Beach State Park, so you can enjoy the festival by day and the famous MarshWalk seafood restaurants by night. Beach Star Realty offers a curated collection of vacation rentals throughout Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and Myrtle Beach to suit every travel style and budget.

If you want to be right in the heart of the action, browse our full lineup of Murrells Inlet vacation rentals to find a home base close to the park. For a charming, character-filled stay, this creekside home is hard to beat:

The Sunnyside Creek House Est 1938 sits right in Murrells Inlet, placing you within easy reach of both the festival grounds and the area's celebrated waterfront dining. It's a wonderful pick for travelers who want to soak up local charm.

Traveling on a budget or making a longer visit of it? Explore our affordable Murrells Inlet Airbnb options or, for those planning an extended coastal escape, our long-term stay rentals in Murrells Inlet. Whatever your timeline, there's a comfortable, well-appointed home waiting.

More Coastal Comfort Options

Prefer to stay a little farther down the beach? A few nearby communities put you within a short drive of the festival while offering their own coastal appeal.

The Coastal Calm Getaway w/ Loft Suite in Surfside Beach is a relaxing option for those who don't mind a scenic drive to the festival, with easy access to Surfside's shops and dining along the way.

And for travelers who want to pair the festival with the bright lights of the Grand Strand, the Surfside Escape By Beach Star in Myrtle Beach keeps you close to attractions like Broadway at the Beach while still within reach of Murrells Inlet.

Make a Full Weekend of It

September is a fantastic time to visit the Grand Strand — the summer crowds have thinned, the water is still warm, and the events calendar stays busy. Consider building a full weekend around your festival visit.

If you're a fan of local celebrations, you'll want to check out our guides to the Murrells Inlet Seafood Festival 2026 and the nearby Little River ShrimpFest 2026. Both make excellent additions to an arts-and-culture getaway.

While you're in the area, don't miss the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for waterfront dining, or venture up to Surfside Beach favorites like Hudson's Surfside Flea Market and River City Cafe. Between the festival, the state park, and the local food scene, there's more than enough to fill a memorable long weekend.

Start Planning Your Atalaya Festival Getaway

The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival 2026 is a rare chance to combine world-class handcrafted art, coastal history, and one of South Carolina's most beautiful state parks — all in a single, unforgettable weekend. With comfortable, well-located rentals just minutes away, it's easy to turn a day at the festival into a full coastal escape.

Ready to book your stay? Explore Beach Star Realty's full collection of Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and Myrtle Beach vacation homes today, and reserve your spot before the September crowds arrive. Your art-filled coastal getaway is just a booking away — let Beach Star Realty help you make it happen.