Festival Centre in Myrtle Beach: Chinese Culture, Food, and Entertainment
What Festival Centre offers
Festival Centre is a Chinese restaurant and entertainment venue in Myrtle Beach that combines dining with cultural programming and live performances. The space functions as both a casual restaurant serving Cantonese and Sichuan dishes and a gathering place for the area's Chinese community and visitors interested in Asian culture. You can eat at the restaurant, attend cultural events and celebrations, and watch live entertainment—often on the same visit.
The venue is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach's Asian business district and operates year-round. It draws both locals seeking authentic Chinese food and tourists exploring the area's dining options. The restaurant side serves lunch and dinner daily, while special events and performances happen on weekends and during cultural holidays like Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Key Takeaways
- Festival Centre combines a full-service Chinese restaurant with a performance space for cultural events and live entertainment.
- The menu features Cantonese dim sum, Sichuan specialties, and seafood dishes, with both dine-in and takeout service available.
- The venue hosts Lunar New Year celebrations, Mid-Autumn Festival events, and regular weekend performances featuring traditional music and dance.
- The space accommodates private events and group dining, making it suitable for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and family celebrations.
- Festival Centre is walkable from other Asian restaurants and shops in Myrtle Beach's established Chinese commercial area.
The restaurant and menu
The dining side of Festival Centre serves Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine with an emphasis on dim sum during lunch hours. The dim sum cart service—where servers wheel carts of small plates past your table—operates during traditional dim sum hours, typically late morning through early afternoon. You order by pointing to what you want as the carts pass, or you can order from a full menu if you prefer.
Dinner service shifts to larger plates: whole steamed fish, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and seafood dishes that change based on what is fresh. The restaurant also serves noodle soups, rice dishes, and vegetable sides. Prices are moderate for the area, and portions are generous. You can eat in the dining room or order takeout through the counter.
The space itself is decorated with traditional Chinese artwork, lanterns, and seasonal displays that change with cultural holidays. The dining room is casual and family-friendly, with round tables suited to group dining and sharing multiple dishes.
Cultural events and performances
Festival Centre hosts regular weekend performances featuring traditional Chinese music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations. These are often free or low-cost and open to the public, though some special events require advance notice. The performance space is the same room where you dine, so the venue transforms depending on what is scheduled.
The major events are Lunar New Year (typically January or February) and Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October). During Lunar New Year, the venue hosts multi-day celebrations with lion dances, traditional performances, special menu items, and family activities. Mid-Autumn Festival features mooncake tastings, lantern displays, and cultural performances. Both events draw crowds from across the Myrtle Beach area and are worth planning ahead for if you want to attend.
The venue also hosts smaller cultural programs throughout the year, including traditional music performances, cooking demonstrations, and educational events about Chinese history and customs. Check their social media or call ahead to confirm what is scheduled during your visit.
Private events and group dining
Festival Centre can be reserved for private events including birthday parties, wedding receptions, corporate dinners, and family gatherings. The restaurant can accommodate groups of varying sizes, and the owners work with you to customize menus and arrange entertainment or performances if desired.
For group dining without a private event, the restaurant welcomes larger parties during regular hours. Round tables and family-style service make it easy to share dishes across a group. Call ahead if you are bringing a party of eight or more so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.
Location and hours
Festival Centre is located in Myrtle Beach's established Asian commercial district, within walking distance of other Chinese restaurants, Vietnamese pho shops, and Asian grocery stores. The area is accessible by car with dedicated parking, and it is also reachable by local transit if you are staying nearby.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though specific hours vary by season. Dim sum service is available during lunch hours, typically from late morning through early afternoon. The venue is closed on major holidays, so call or check online before visiting on holiday dates.
What to expect on your visit
If you are going for dim sum, arrive during lunch hours (usually 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and be prepared to order by pointing at carts or selecting from a menu. Dim sum is meant for sharing, so come with others or be ready to order a smaller selection. The pace is fast and casual—you pay per plate or per cart item, and the bill is tallied as you eat.
For dinner, expect a more traditional restaurant experience with servers taking orders and food arriving in courses. Cantonese and Sichuan dishes are rich and flavorful; if you prefer milder food, let your server know and they can recommend options or adjust spice levels. Many dishes are designed for sharing, so order multiple plates if you are dining with others.
If you are attending a cultural event or performance, arrive early to get a good seat and to explore the space. Performances often include a cultural explanation or introduction, so you will learn context for what you are watching. Food and drinks are usually available for purchase during events.
Nearby attractions and dining
Festival Centre sits in an area with other Asian restaurants and businesses, so you can easily combine your visit with other activities. Nearby Vietnamese pho restaurants, Thai cuisine, and Asian bakeries offer options if you want to explore different cuisines in one outing. Several Asian grocery stores in the area stock ingredients, prepared foods, and specialty items if you want to take something home.
The location is also close to Myrtle Beach's downtown entertainment district, which includes other restaurants, shops, and attractions. If you are spending a day in the area, you can structure your visit around a meal at Festival Centre and explore nearby options before or after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations are not required for regular dining, but they are recommended for groups of eight or more and for private events. Walk-ins are welcome during lunch and dinner hours. For special events and performances, check ahead to see if advance registration or tickets are needed.
Is dim sum available every day?
Dim sum cart service is typically available during lunch hours, usually late morning through early afternoon. It is offered most days but may not be available on slow days or holidays. Call ahead if dim sum is your main reason for visiting, especially if you are planning a weekday trip.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Festival Centre has a full liquor license and serves beer, wine, and spirits. Outside alcohol is typically not permitted. Ask your server about drink options and specials when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit for cultural events?
Lunar New Year (January or February) and Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October) are the biggest celebration periods. If you want to experience Festival Centre's full cultural programming, plan your visit around these holidays. Regular weekend performances happen throughout the year—check their social media or call for the current schedule.
Is Festival Centre family-friendly?
Yes. The restaurant welcomes families and children, and cultural events are designed for all ages. Dim sum is especially good for families because you can order small portions and try many different items. High chairs and children's portions are available upon request.