Currently underway until 10/31. Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. Sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, this event has over $7,000 in prizes for fish caught from pier, surf, inlet or deep sea. Saltwater fishing licenses are available at area piers, marinas and fishing tackle shops. Monthly and annual awards will be presented to recreational fishermen only. For information, 800-356-3016.

October:

10/17. Bonnie Raitt with Randell Bramblett at The House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach. The show starts at 7:00 PM. You will love hearing this widely popular American Blues guitarist-singer-songwriter, known especially well for her songs such as "Something to Talk About" and "Love Sneaking up on You." Bonnie Raitt is a nine-time Grammy Award winning artist and political activist, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who has a way with the lyric guitar unlike any other singer. Call The House of Blues at 843.272.3000.

10/17. Loris Bog-Off. Held each year, this event includes a parade, chicken bog (a kind of stew) cooking contest, crafts, arts, games, bands, and local entertainment. The event starts at 9 AM, so bring the kids because they have their fun pavilion, plus all the food and activities such as a live concert, fireworks, and plenty of other things to do and see. For more information, http://www.lorischambersc.com or 843.756.6030.

10/17-18. The 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival, held annually in Ocean Isle Beach (just over the NC/SC state line). Whether or not you are a long-standing fan of oysters or not, you will enjoy this fall festival because of its local color and culture, plus its tribute to fall and food and fun. This is great place to get a start on holiday shopping, to unwind while listening to live bands, and to roam the grounds watching all the sights. For information call 800.426.6644.

10/19-25. Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island, Charleston, SC. A professional's feeder tour to the PGA circuit, this tournament expects to draw big talent and offer big cash prizes. For amateur and golf-enthusiasts, this tournament is the nationwide tour's final event each year, concluding the season-long competition to identify the 25 players who earn PGA TOUR cards for the following season based on the tour's final money list. The Golf Channel televises on October 22-25. For information see www.pgatour.com/tournaments/h045/.

Oct. 24 -25. Harvest Home Weekend at Brookgreen Gardens. This is the place for a fun filled weekend with the ever-popular scarecrow building contest, pumpkin painting, live entertainment and more! This two-day event runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. and is free with regular admission to the gardens. For more information, 800.849.1931 or 843.235-6000 or go online to www.Brookgreen.org.

10/27. Taste of the Town. Each year the Grand Strand area enjoys a special fund-raiser for Come to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to taste delicacies from some of the Grand Strand's most delightful restaurants. Over 50 top restaurants share their culinary specialties and compete for coveted prizes of being the "best" in various categories. For more information, Myrtle Beach Convention Center 843.448.5930.

10/31. The Annual Endless Summer Festival on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. For more information, 843.281.2662 or www.nmbevents.com.

10/31. Trick or Treating at Broadway at the Beach, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Bring your children of all ages to trick or treat at Broadway at the Beach where you'll find much to see and do, plenty of kid-friendly events, and opportunities for shopping and dining. Come to 1325 Celebrity Circle. For more information, 843.444.3200 or go online to www.broadwayatthebeach.com.

10/31. Trick or Treating at Market Common from 6 PM to 8 PM. Each store has clues to find treats. Great for kids of all ages. For more information, go to www.MarketCommon.com or call 843.839.3500. Address of the event is 4017 Deville Street in Myrtle Beach 29577.

November

11/1. Battleship North Carolina Half-Marathon and Bay Six Battleship 5K. 11th annual Carolina Sports Medicine Battleship North Carolina Half-Marathon and Bay Six Battleship 5K. Information at 910.398.5539, www.battleshiphalfmarathon.active.com.

11/7. Island Fever Music Fest at La Belle Amie Vineyard. Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 5 PM. $8 admission for ages 18-80 (other ages have free admission). La Belle Amie Vineyard in North Myrtle Beach. Bring lawn chairs, but no pets or coolers allowed. Wine and food available for purchase. Information at www.labelleamie.com or 843.399.WINE (9463).

11/7. Cape Fear Kite Festival. Cape Fear Kite Festival. Free event with kites from many origins filling the sky with color, unbelievable sizes and styles! Wrightsville Beach, NC. Information at 910.520.1818, www.capefearkitefestival.com.

11/8. Nationalistic Fervor presented by Long Bay Symphony. A variety of music from the "Age of Revolution." Information through www.longbaysymphony.com or 843.448.8379.

11/12-15. The 28th Annual Dickens Christmas Show and Festival. Myrtle Beach Convention Center. A huge show of craftspeople, great place to find ideas for decorating, shop for holiday gifts, or just see the sights. Information at 843.448.9483 or www.dickenschristmasshow.com.

11/14. Urban Bush Women Dance Troup. One-of-a-kind dance troupe, known for integrating dance, music, and text with the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of African Americans and the African Diaspora. Performance at University of North Carolina in Wilmington. (601 S. College Rd.). Information through www.uncw.edu/presents.

11/21. 6th Annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast. Spud's Waterfront Dining parking lot. Oyster eaters belly up to the tables for an all-you-can-eat afternoon of steamed oysters. A menu of other food items and beer and soda are available. Oyster Roast tickets are $25.00. Call 843.357.2007 for tickets and more information.

11/26-28. South Carolina Bluegrass Festival. Kick back and relax with the time-honored tradition of Southern bluegrass at this renowned South Carolina festival, held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Free parking. Chairs provided. See http://www.aandabluegrass.com/Festivals/SouthCarolinaStateBluegra.html to order tickets.

11/26. Poplar Grove's Plantation Christmas. Decorated for the holidays, the Manor House at night is full of old fashioned charm and nostalgia. Bring a cozy blanket for cuddling on the hayride. More information at 910.686.9518, or come to Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Hwy 17 North, Wilmington, NC 28411 (www.poplargrove.com).

11/28. Christmas Market in Little River, SC. The 4th Annual Christmas Market celebrates the season, starting at 9 AM. Get into the Christmas spirit at the historic waterfront. Entertainment, unique and popular Pet Parade, annual Christmas Parade around the waterfront, and the annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta at dusk (see next item). Highway 17 north from Myrtle Beach with a right turn at Mineola to the waterfront.

11/28. Intracoastal Christmas Regatta Boat Parade. Boats assemble at Tilghman's Point at 4:30 PM and begin the parade at 5 PM (dusk). It proceeds down the waterway to Dock Holidays Marina. View the regatta from several locations along the waterway. More information at http://christmasregatta.com.