Charlotte, North Carolina, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Mustang Week, the popular Ford Mustang car show, is officially relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina in August 2026 after 23 years in Myrtle Beach. The decision was prompted by increasing challenges, including resident complaints concerning noise and safety concerns. Lead organizer James Lawrence expressed gratitude for memories made in Myrtle Beach while looking forward to the new opportunities in Charlotte at the zMAX Dragway. Local businesses in Myrtle Beach will feel the impact of this move as they lose a significant tourism boost during slower economic periods.
MYRTLE BEACH — Mustang Week, the beloved Ford Mustang car show, will officially move to Charlotte, North Carolina, in August 2026. The announcement was made by lead organizer James Lawrence on October 22, 2025, marking a significant shift for the 23-year-old event, which has been a staple of the Grand Strand region.
Historically, Mustang Week has attracted thousands of car enthusiasts, but it has faced escalating challenges in recent years, prompting the decision to relocate. While the event has not been held within Myrtle Beach city limits for several years, it took place at the Myrtle Beach Mall, which is situated in unincorporated Horry County. Despite this, the city dealt with the impact of the event during its tenure, according to local spokesperson Meredith Denari.
Resident complaints concerning noise, speeding, and racing activities became increasingly prevalent. In response, the city raised concerns about public safety, leading to increased scrutiny of Mustang Week. Data from Myrtle Beach indicates an average of 2,381 calls for service, 150 incident reports, and 447 citations related to Mustang Week since 2022.
The lack of support from Myrtle Beach authorities and the significant challenges faced by organizers in recent years played a crucial role in the decision to move the event. Lawrence expressed that the relocation is “bittersweet,” citing gratitude for memories made in Myrtle Beach while looking forward to the new opportunities presented in Charlotte.
The new location at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway is expected to provide better facilities for racing-related activities. Mustang Week will take place from August 24-29, 2026, in Charlotte, continuing its legacy with a fresh start.
Since its inception in 2002, Mustang Week has grown from just 150 cars at Broadway at the Beach to an impressive turnout of over 10,000 attendees by 2018. The event was suspended in 2020 due to weather and COVID-19 but returned to the Myrtle Beach Mall in subsequent years.
The move is expected to impact local businesses, which have historically benefitted from the tourism generated during Mustang Week, particularly during slower economic periods. Stuart Butler, president of Visit Myrtle Beach, noted the organization is committed to replacing the economic benefits brought by Mustang Week by recruiting other events to fill the gap left by its departure.
The announcement regarding the relocation arrives just a week before another major car show, Jeep Jam, is set to occur in Myrtle Beach, raising questions and excitement within the local car enthusiast community.
Background of Mustang Week
Initially launched in 2002, Mustang Week highlighted the culture and community surrounding Ford Mustangs. From its humble beginnings to becoming a major annual event, Mustang Week showcased not only the cars but the camaraderie among fans. However, conflicting issues surrounding local regulations and community concerns have now ushered in a new chapter for the event.
Impact on Myrtle Beach
Mustang Week was a significant contributor to Myrtle Beach’s local economy. The thousands of visitors it attracted provided a boost to a variety of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail shops during its hosting period. The loss of this event signals a need for Myrtle Beach to explore alternative opportunities for economic stimulation through different events.
Event Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Location | Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway |
| Event Dates | August 24-29, 2026 |
| Historical Attendance | Over 10,000 attendees in 2018 |
| Initial Year | 2002 |
| Challenges Faced | No support from authorities, resident complaints |
FAQs
Where will Mustang Week take place in 2026?
Mustang Week will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, specifically at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway.
When is Mustang Week scheduled for 2026?
Mustang Week is scheduled to take place from August 24-29, 2026.
How long did Mustang Week take place in Myrtle Beach?
Mustang Week has a 23-year history on the Grand Strand before its relocation in 2026.
What were some issues faced during past Mustang Week events?
Issues with noise, speeding, and racing activities during past events led to resident complaints and city concerns regarding public safety.
How did Mustang Week contribute to Myrtle Beach’s economy?
Mustang Week was beneficial for tourism during slower periods, attracting thousands of attendees who supported local businesses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Golf and Safety Concerns: North Myrtle Beach Lawsuit Gains Attention
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Additional Resources
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.
