Charlotte, North Carolina, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Mustang Week, a renowned celebration of Ford Mustangs, is shifting its location from Myrtle Beach to Charlotte. The event, scheduled for August 2026, faced numerous challenges in Myrtle Beach, such as denied permits and public safety concerns. Organizers, led by James Lawrence, believe that Charlotte’s support and automotive culture will enhance the event experience. Over the years, Mustang Week has grown to attract more than 10,000 attendees and provides significant economic benefits to local businesses.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Mustang Week, an annual celebration of Ford Mustangs, is relocating from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Charlotte, North Carolina, after 23 years. The move was announced on October 22, 2025, due to a variety of challenges faced by organizers in maintaining the event in the city limits of Myrtle Beach. The new location will host the event from August 24-29, 2026, primarily at the zMAX Dragway venue located within Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Lead organizer James Lawrence stated that the relocation is essential for ensuring the long-term future of Mustang Week, with the Charlotte community showing support and welcoming the Mustang Week family. The decision comes on the heels of historical issues in Myrtle Beach, including denied permits and insufficient support from local officials, as well as increasing public safety concerns surrounding noise and racing activities during the event.
Myrtle Beach has not hosted the main car show within city limits for several years. Local residents have expressed concerns about noise disturbances and instances of speeding related to the event. City spokesperson Meredith Denari confirmed that the public safety concerns and the incompatibility of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center as a potential site also propelled the need for Mustang Week’s relocation.
Statistical data indicates that since 2022, Myrtle Beach averaged over 2,381 calls for service and 447 citations during Mustang Week events. Historically, Mustang Week has attracted over 10,000 enthusiasts, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses during September, a typically slower tourism period.
Officials from Visit Myrtle Beach expressed gratitude to Mustang Week for their years of partnership while committing to finding new events to replace its economic impact. Mustang Week began in 2002 with a modest gathering of around 150 car enthusiasts. Over the years, it has gained popularity, although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted event attendance in recent years.
Charlotte has been selected as the new venue due to its strong automotive culture, alongside resources such as the Ford Racing Tech Center and the Ford Performance Racing School, which are expected to enhance the experience for attendees.
Key Highlights of Mustang Week
- New location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Event dates: August 24-29, 2026
- Previous location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Historical challenges: Denied permits, lack of support, public safety concerns
- Average calls for service in Myrtle Beach since 2022: Over 2,381
- Average citations issued: 447
- Attendee count: Over 10,000
- Economic impact: Boost for local businesses in September
FAQ Section
What is Mustang Week?
Mustang Week is a popular automotive event celebrating Ford Mustangs. It has been held annually for 23 years, previously at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Where will Mustang Week be held in 2026?
Mustang Week is moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, and is scheduled to take place from August 24-29, 2026.
Why is the event relocating from Myrtle Beach?
The relocation is attributed to numerous challenges in Myrtle Beach, including denied permits, insufficient support from local officials, and public safety concerns related to noise and racing activities.
How many attendees does Mustang Week usually attract?
Mustang Week has historically drawn over 10,000 attendees each year.
Key Features of Mustang Week
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Event Dates | August 24-29, 2026 |
| Previous Location | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
| Challenges Faced | Denied permits, lack of support, public safety concerns |
| Average Calls for Service | Over 2,381 since 2022 |
| Average Citations Issued | 447 since 2022 |
| Attendance | Over 10,000 annually |
| Economic Impact | Boost for local businesses |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charity Golf Tournaments in Myrtle Beach
Mustang Week 2025: A Celebration in Myrtle Beach
Charleston Golf Tournament Highlights Exciting Travel Updates
Broadway at the Beach Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Golf and Safety Concerns: North Myrtle Beach Lawsuit Gains Attention
Heavy Traffic Anticipated on Grand Strand Roads This Weekend
Unexpected Shark Drop During Disc Golf Game
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Post and Courier
- WMBF News
- Ford Muscle
- FOX8 News
- Wikipedia: Ford Mustang
- Google Search: Mustang Week
- Google Scholar: Mustang Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ford Mustang
- Google News: Mustang Week
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
