Folly Beach is magical any time of day, but there’s something truly special about an evening spent dancing under the stars with the sound of the ocean in the background. Each summer, locals and visitors gather on the Folly Beach Pier for the beloved Moonlight Mixer series — a tradition that celebrates beach music, dancing, and coastal community spirit.
A Carolina Coastal Tradition
The Moonlight Mixers are hosted by the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission and held several times throughout the warmer months, typically from May through September. The events invite dancers of all ages and skill levels to sway, spin, and shag the night away on the pier’s spacious dance floor as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
For those new to the scene, the Carolina shag is a smooth, partner-style dance that originated along the beaches of the Carolinas in the 1940s and became synonymous with “beach music.” The mixers keep that classic energy alive, with DJs spinning timeless favorites that make it impossible not to move your feet.
The Perfect Summer Night
As the evening begins, the setting sun paints the sky in pinks and golds before giving way to twinkling stars. Cool ocean breezes drift through as beach tunes fill the air and couples dance to hits from the Drifters, the Tams, the Chairmen of the Board, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned shag dancer or just love great music, you’ll find yourself caught up in the rhythm of the night.
Food and drinks — including beer and wine for adults with valid ID — are available for purchase at the Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar and the pier’s snack shop. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, but outside food, alcohol, and coolers are not permitted.
Know Before You Go
Tickets are available for purchase in advance online and, if space allows, at the gate on the evening of the event.
Events are open to all ages, though they tend to attract a fun, family-friendly crowd of locals and visitors alike.
Pets are not permitted on the pier during the event.
The mixers are weather-dependent, and updates are provided by Charleston County Parks if cancellations are needed due to rain or wind.
Dance the Night Away
The Moonlight Mixers are more than just a dance — they’re a slice of classic Carolina summer. Grab your partner, gather your friends, and enjoy a night filled with music, laughter, and the sound of waves beneath your feet.
For upcoming Moonlight Mixer dates, admission details, and ticket information, visit our Folly Beach Events page.
