North Myrtle Beach Turns Green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Every spring, North Myrtle Beach wakes up to the sound of bagpipes, laughter, and the unmistakable color green spreading across Main Street. Chairs line the sidewalks early in the morning, families gather with blankets and coffee, and golf carts roll into place as the city prepares for one of its most beloved traditions.
The North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the Grand Strand. With more than 100 parade entries and a long history spanning over three decades, this festive day brings thousands of visitors together to celebrate Irish heritage, community spirit, and the simple joy of being by the beach.
If you’re planning to explore local events during your stay, our North Myrtle Beach Concierge Guide highlights festivals, attractions, and things to do throughout the year.
A Sea of Green: The Famous North Myrtle Beach Parade
The celebration begins bright and early on Saturday, March 14, when Main Street transforms into a festive parade route filled with decorated floats, marching groups, performers, and community organizations.
The parade officially begins at 9:00 AM, but seasoned attendees know the best viewing spots fill quickly. Locals begin setting up chairs and blankets by 8:30 AM to secure the perfect vantage point.
This two-hour spectacle is televised live and draws spectators from across the Grand Strand who come to experience the colorful floats, music, costumes, and Irish-themed fun.
Parade Route and Viewing Tips
The parade begins on Ocean Boulevard at 2nd Avenue North and travels south toward 1st Avenue South. From there, it winds through the heart of North Myrtle Beach:
Ocean Boulevard
1st Avenue South
Hillside Drive
Main Street
Ending at Ye Olde Kings Highway
One of the most exciting viewing locations is the Horseshoe on Main Street, where judges evaluate the parade entries and an emcee announces the participants. This area is also one of the most energetic sections of the route.
Local television personalities from WPDE will broadcast the parade live from the Community Stage for those who cannot attend in person.
The Street Festival on Main Street
Once the parade concludes, the celebration continues with the 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Main Street becomes a lively street festival with more than 120 craft vendors, dozens of food vendors, and three stages of live entertainment.
Visitors can expect:
Irish pipe bands and dancers
Handmade crafts from regional artisans
Irish-inspired foods and festival favorites
Street performers and roaming leprechauns
A children’s area with rides and games
The atmosphere is festive, family-friendly, and unmistakably North Myrtle Beach.
Fun Contests and Family Activities
One of the most entertaining traditions of the festival is the lineup of friendly competitions that invite visitors to join the fun.
The Leprechaun Contest and Jr. Leprechaun Contest reward the most creative and spirited Irish outfits. Judges evaluate participants based on originality, enthusiasm, and overall appearance.
For those with a competitive appetite, the Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contest challenges participants to clear their plates without using their hands. The winner earns bragging rights and a plaque.
Both contests take place at the Irish Stage at 1:30 PM.
Live Entertainment All Day
The festival features three stages of live music and performances throughout the day.
Irish Stage
11:00 – 12:00 | Brendan O’Connor
12:00 | Coastal Carolina Shield Pipes and Drums
12:30 – 1:15 | Brendan O’Connor
1:30 | Leprechaun & Shepherd’s Pie Contests
2:00 – 4:00 | The Muckers
Community Stage
9:00 – 11:00 | Parade Broadcast – WPDE
11:00 – 11:45 | Triple Toe Cloggers
12:00 – 1:30 | Radio Revolver
1:30 | Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes and Drums
2:00 – 4:00 | Bailey Road Band
Ocean Stage
11:00 – 1:00 | Painted Man
1:00 – 2:00 | Drake Irish Dance Group
2:00 – 4:00 | The Mighty Kicks
Parking and Shuttle Information
Several parking locations are available throughout the event area.
2nd Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard
1st Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard
McLean Park – 93 Oak Drive
A free shuttle service runs from 8 AM to 5 PM from Ocean Drive Elementary School, making it easy to travel to the festival area without worrying about traffic.
Make It a North Myrtle Beach Getaway
Events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade are one of the reasons visitors fall in love with North Myrtle Beach. The city blends small-town charm with coastal beauty, creating a welcoming atmosphere for festivals, concerts, and community celebrations.
If you’re planning a spring getaway, explore our North Myrtle Beach Concierge Guide to discover more events, restaurants, and attractions throughout the area.
And when you’re ready to plan your stay, Thomas Beach Vacations offers a wide selection of oceanfront properties.
Call (866) 249-2100 to plan your beach vacation with Thomas Beach Vacations.
New Restaurants and Shops Coming Near North Myrtle Beach and Little River
The northern end of the Grand Strand continues to grow, and visitors staying in North Myrtle Beach are about to see even more dining and shopping options appear just minutes away.
A new shopping plaza called Calabash Commons is under construction just across the North Carolina border near Little River. Located at the northwest corner of Calabash Road and Highway 17 in Carolina Shores, the development sits less than a mile from Horry County and only a short drive from the Cherry Grove and Ocean Drive sections of North Myrtle Beach.
For both residents and vacationers, the new plaza will add convenient restaurants, shopping, and services close to the northern Grand Strand.
A New Publix Grocery Store Near North Myrtle Beach
The anchor tenant for the Calabash Commons development will be a new Publix grocery store, one of the most popular supermarket chains in the Southeast. Construction on the store has already begun.
For travelers staying in North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, the new Publix will offer another nearby grocery option for stocking up on beach snacks, fresh seafood, and everything needed for a week along the coast.
Developments anchored by Publix often attract restaurants and service businesses, and Calabash Commons is already shaping up to become a busy commercial hub for the northern Grand Strand.
Restaurants and Businesses Planned for the Plaza
According to the retail site map for the development, several restaurants and businesses are expected to open in the shopping center.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Eggs Up Grill
Firehouse Subs
McDonald’s
River Oaks Pizzeria
CVS Pharmacy
Chase Bank
River Oaks Pizzeria, a well-known local restaurant with locations around the Myrtle Beach area and Surfside Beach, will bring a familiar local favorite to the development.
Another local restaurant, Cutty’s Pizza in Little River, has announced that it plans to relocate to the Calabash Commons plaza later this year. Approximately seven additional retail spaces remain available in the plaza, which means more businesses may soon be announced.
More Businesses Coming to the North Myrtle Beach Area
The development around the North Myrtle Beach and Little River area is not slowing down.
Additional projects planned nearby include:
A new Walmart store
A Wawa convenience store and gas station
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
These additions reflect the steady growth of the northern Grand Strand as more visitors and new residents discover the quieter coastal communities surrounding North Myrtle Beach.
Exploring the Northern Grand Strand
Many visitors staying in North Myrtle Beach enjoy exploring nearby coastal towns like Little River and Calabash. The area is known for its waterfront restaurants, seafood houses, fishing charters, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
It’s also one of the reasons North Myrtle Beach has become a favorite destination for travelers looking for a beach vacation that offers both peaceful oceanfront neighborhoods and easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
If you’re planning your trip, you can explore even more activities and local attractions in our guide to Things to Do in North Myrtle Beach.
From Cherry Grove to Ocean Drive and beyond, the northern Grand Strand offers countless places to explore during your stay.
Plan Your North Myrtle Beach Vacation
Whether you’re planning a family beach trip, a golf getaway, or a relaxing oceanfront retreat, North Myrtle Beach offers some of the most beautiful beaches along the Carolina coast.
Thomas Beach Vacations offers a wide selection of oceanfront condos and beach houses throughout North Myrtle Beach, including Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill.
North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market: Fresh Finds, Friendly Faces, and Friday Favorites
There is something comforting about a farmers market in the South. It is not just the tomatoes lined up in bright red rows or the smell of baked goods drifting across the tables. It is the feeling of a place still connected to the land, to the seasons, and to the people who make a living with their hands.
That is part of the charm of the North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market, a weekly gathering that brings together local growers, makers, and shoppers in a way that feels both simple and special. Sponsored by the City of North Myrtle Beach, this market has become one of those Friday stops that can turn an ordinary day into a good one.
When and Where to Visit
The market takes place every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., running from April 3 through December 18, at 925 1st Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach.
That schedule makes it easy for locals to build into their weekly routine and just as easy for visitors to work into a beach trip. A Friday morning at the market can pair nicely with lunch nearby, a drive along Ocean Boulevard, or an afternoon with your toes in the sand.
What You Will Find at the Market
The beauty of a farmers market is that no two weeks feel exactly the same. Some shoppers come looking for ingredients for supper. Others come for something handmade, something unusual, or simply the pleasure of wandering from booth to booth. The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market offers a little of all of it.
Fruits and vegetables
Local honey
Farm fresh eggs
Meats
Baked goods
Artisanal soaps
Potted plants
Knife sharpening services
Handmade jewelry
Coffee
Pottery
And more
Offerings may change weekly, and that is part of the fun. One Friday may bring the season’s best vegetables. Another may tempt you with fresh bread, local honey, or a handmade piece that catches your eye before you even know why.
More Than Shopping
Markets like this do more than fill grocery bags. They remind people that North Myrtle Beach is not only a place of ocean views and vacation memories. It is also a community with working growers, local artisans, and neighbors who still value things made fresh and made well.
There is a human scale to it. You can ask where the honey came from. You can pick up a plant and imagine where it might sit on your porch. You can buy pottery shaped by someone who likely lives just down the road. In a world increasingly filled with self-checkouts, overnight shipping, and things built to be forgotten, that kind of experience still matters.
A Good Friday Tradition in North Myrtle Beach
For residents, the market offers a weekly reason to get out, stroll, and support local businesses. For visitors, it adds another layer to the North Myrtle Beach experience. It gives people the chance to see something beyond the usual tourist routine and step for a while into the quieter, more local rhythm of the coast.
Some folks will come for the produce. Some for the baked goods. Some for the handmade jewelry or the chance to finally get a kitchen knife sharpened properly. Most will likely leave with more than they expected, and not only in the bag.
Those interested in a vendor spot can call 843-839-4488 or visit waccamawmarkets.org for more information.
Plan Your Visit
If your Fridays bring you anywhere near North Myrtle Beach, the farmers market is worth the stop. Fresh produce, local flavor, handmade goods, and the easy friendliness of a coastal community all meet in one place. Some things at the beach are flashy. This one is simply good, and that may be the better bargain.
Downtown Myrtle Beach Comes Alive: Events, Music, and Art at Nance Plaza
There’s a different rhythm moving through downtown Myrtle Beach lately
Not the roar of the ocean. Not the neon and noise. This is quieter than that—fountain water catching the last light of the day, a guitar warming up before sunset, and people lingering like they’ve got nowhere else they’d rather be.
Right in the middle of it sits Nance Plaza, a place that’s turning into one of the most welcoming gathering spots in the city. And for visitors searching for things to do in Myrtle Beach,
this is the kind of surprise you’re happy to stumble into—because it feels local, easy, and real.
Walk through the plaza in the late afternoon and you’ll see what makes it special.
Children dart through the water jets. Parents sit nearby and watch without rushing the moment. Friends gather outside restaurants and cafés, talking the way people talk when the evening still has promise in it.
What used to feel like a simple downtown intersection is starting to feel like a community front porch—one where locals and visitors can slow down together. It’s the kind of scene that adds depth to a trip, especially if your vacation plans include more than sand and sun.
On the first Friday of each month, the streets around Nance Plaza take on a different personality during the First Friday ArtWalk.
Instead of people rushing from one place to another, the area becomes a walking gallery—art in shop windows, displays along sidewalks, and visitors drifting from one stop to the next.
It’s not a “run through it” kind of evening. It’s a slow stroll. A few pauses. A few conversations. The kind of night where you notice details again.
And for anyone building a vacation itinerary around Myrtle Beach events,
the ArtWalk is an easy win—family-friendly, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable.
As the sun dips behind the buildings, Nance Plaza shifts gears again.
The Nights at Nance music series turns the plaza into an open-air concert space—local musicians, easygoing crowds, and that feeling that the night is still young.
There’s something about live music outdoors that changes the whole mood of a trip. It’s not loud. It’s not overproduced. It’s just… nice.
If you’ve been looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach at night
that don’t require a big plan, this is the kind of evening that fits perfectly.
Cities don’t transform overnight. They change in small steps—one event, one gathering, one evening where people decide to stay a little longer.
That’s what downtown Myrtle Beach feels like right now.
It isn’t trying to compete with the oceanfront. It’s adding something different—community energy, creativity, and a sense that Myrtle Beach isn’t just a place people visit, but a place people live.
And that matters, because it makes the whole destination feel richer.
A great Myrtle Beach vacation usually has the classics: beach time, seafood, sunsets, and long walks.
But the trips people remember best usually include something unexpected too.
An evening downtown. A casual concert by the fountain. An art walk where you see something you didn’t expect to like—and then you can’t stop thinking about it.
Those moments don’t feel like “tourist attractions.” They feel like the place itself.
Book Your Beach Vacation with Thomas Beach Vacations
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Strand and want a comfortable home base close enough to enjoy Myrtle Beach experiences (and still relax by the ocean), explore oceanfront vacation rentals in North Myrtle Beach with Thomas Beach Vacations.
Call (866) 249-2100 or visit northmyrtlebeachvacations.com to lock in your dates and start planning.
Vacation starts here—and sometimes the best memories happen just a few blocks away from the beach.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach at Night: Music, Ocean Walks, and Coastal Fun
If you’re planning your trip and want to explore even more attractions, restaurants, and coastal experiences, see our complete guide to things to do in Myrtle Beach.
When the sun sets over the Atlantic, Myrtle Beach doesn’t slow down. It simply changes rhythm.
During the day the coastline belongs to beach umbrellas, surfboards, and families chasing waves. But once evening arrives, the lights along the Grand Strand begin to glow, live music drifts through oceanfront streets, and the boardwalk fills with people looking for a different kind of coastal adventure.
Visitors searching for things to do in Myrtle Beach at night quickly discover that the city offers far more than nightlife. The evenings here combine ocean breezes, live entertainment, family attractions, and relaxed seaside experiences that create some of the most memorable moments of a beach vacation.
Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk at Night
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Myrtle Beach after dark is a simple walk along the oceanfront boardwalk.
As the evening air cools, visitors stroll beneath glowing lights while the sound of the Atlantic rolls in from the shoreline. Street performers entertain passing crowds, arcades buzz with activity, and restaurants serve late-night meals with ocean views.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has become one of the most recognizable destinations along the Grand Strand, offering a lively but relaxed atmosphere that feels distinctly coastal.
Enjoy Live Music and Entertainment
Music has always been part of the Myrtle Beach experience.
Local bands perform beach music, classic rock, and country throughout the city, especially during the warmer months when outdoor concerts become part of the evening routine.
Visitors can find live music at:
oceanfront bars
music venues
outdoor stages
entertainment districts
Many of these venues are located close to the beach, allowing visitors to enjoy music while still feeling the ocean breeze.
For travelers interested in seasonal concerts and community celebrations, our guide to Myrtle Beach events highlights festivals and entertainment taking place throughout the year.
Ride the Attractions at Family Kingdom
Few places capture the classic beach-town atmosphere of Myrtle Beach quite like Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
Located directly along the oceanfront, the park becomes even more exciting at night when its rides and roller coasters light up against the dark sky.
The historic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, a Myrtle Beach landmark for decades, continues to thrill visitors with its roaring climbs and drops. With new attractions planned for the coming seasons, Family Kingdom remains one of the most recognizable nighttime attractions on the Grand Strand.
Families often spend the evening enjoying the rides before walking back toward the boardwalk to explore nearby restaurants and entertainment.
Evening Events and Festivals
Myrtle Beach frequently hosts concerts, cultural celebrations, and public gatherings that take place after sunset.
Public spaces such as Nance Plaza regularly host live music and community events throughout the year. These gatherings bring together visitors and locals for evenings filled with music, food vendors, and entertainment.
If you’re planning a trip during festival season, you may also want to explore Downtown Myrtle Beach events at Nance Plaza, where many concerts and community celebrations take place.
Relaxing Evenings by the Ocean
Not every night in Myrtle Beach needs to be filled with crowds and bright lights.
Some of the most memorable evenings along the coast are quiet ones.
Visitors often enjoy:
moonlit walks along the beach
oceanfront dining with sunset views
relaxing on a balcony overlooking the Atlantic
listening to the sound of the waves late at night
These simple moments are often what people remember most when they return home from a beach vacation.
A Quieter Evening in North Myrtle Beach
While Myrtle Beach offers lively nightlife and entertainment, many visitors prefer to stay in the quieter coastal atmosphere of North Myrtle Beach.
Located just a short drive away, North Myrtle Beach provides peaceful oceanfront evenings, waterfront restaurants, and smaller music venues where visitors can unwind after exploring the attractions further south.
Many families choose North Myrtle Beach because it offers the perfect balance: easy access to the entertainment of Myrtle Beach while maintaining the relaxed charm of a traditional beach town.
Thomas Beach Vacations offers a wide selection of oceanfront condos and vacation homes where visitors can enjoy calm evenings by the Atlantic after a day exploring the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast, and for good reason. From oceanfront attractions and live entertainment to beautiful beaches and family activities, the area offers something for every type of traveler.
Located along the famous Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach blends lively attractions with scenic coastal experiences. Many visitors spend their days exploring the boardwalk, enjoying amusement parks, discovering live music, or relaxing on the beach.
This guide highlights some of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach and introduces nearby destinations worth exploring during your visit.
Explore the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade is one of the most iconic attractions in the area. Stretching along the oceanfront in downtown Myrtle Beach, the boardwalk is filled with restaurants, shops, arcades, and entertainment.
Visitors often spend hours walking along the ocean, stopping for ice cream, enjoying live performers, and watching the waves roll in.
Nearby gathering areas also host seasonal events and live entertainment throughout the year. One of the most popular spots for community events is Nance Plaza in downtown Myrtle Beach, where visitors can enjoy festivals, concerts, and special events.
Visit Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Family Kingdom Amusement Park is one of the few oceanfront amusement parks remaining in the United States. Located right beside the beach, it offers classic rides and family-friendly attractions.
The park features roller coasters, carnival rides, and the historic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster. Across the street, visitors will also find the Splashes Oceanfront Water Park with water slides and splash zones.
Live Music and Nightlife
Myrtle Beach has a vibrant live music scene. Visitors can enjoy local bands, beach music, and concerts at venues across the area.
Popular entertainment spots include beachfront bars, music halls, and outdoor venues that host seasonal performances throughout the summer months.
Live entertainment is a long-standing tradition along the Grand Strand and adds a lively atmosphere to the evenings after a day at the beach.
Enjoy the Beaches of the Grand Strand
The coastline known as the Grand Strand stretches roughly 60 miles along South Carolina’s coast. These wide sandy beaches attract millions of visitors every year.
Many travelers enjoy spending their mornings walking along the shore, swimming, or simply relaxing under an umbrella while listening to the ocean waves.
While the central Myrtle Beach area is lively and energetic, visitors often explore quieter sections of the coastline located just a short drive away.
Explore Downtown Myrtle Beach
Downtown Myrtle Beach continues to grow as a destination for entertainment, dining, and community events.
Visitors can explore restaurants, entertainment venues, beach access points, and public gathering spaces. Throughout the year the area hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal celebrations.
Public spaces like Nance Plaza have become important gathering areas where locals and visitors come together to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Myrtle Beach.
Discover North Myrtle Beach
Just a short drive north, North Myrtle Beach offers a different pace of coastal life. Many visitors choose this area for its quieter beaches, family-friendly neighborhoods, and classic beach traditions.
North Myrtle Beach is known for wide beaches, fishing piers, waterfront restaurants, and the famous shag dancing culture along Ocean Drive.
Staying in North Myrtle Beach allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful coastal atmosphere while remaining close to all the attractions of Myrtle Beach.
Planning Your Myrtle Beach Vacation
Whether you are looking for lively attractions, oceanfront entertainment, or relaxing beach days, the Myrtle Beach area offers countless experiences.
Many travelers choose to stay just minutes away in North Myrtle Beach, where spacious vacation rentals and oceanfront condos provide the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the Grand Strand.
Thomas Beach Vacations has been helping families plan memorable beach vacations for more than 60 years.
Call (866) 249-2100 or visit northmyrtlebeachvacations.com
to find the perfect North Myrtle Beach vacation rental for your next getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrtle Beach
What are the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach?
Some of the most popular activities include visiting the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, enjoying the rides at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, relaxing on the beaches of the Grand Strand, attending live music events, and exploring restaurants and entertainment in downtown Myrtle Beach.
Is Myrtle Beach good for family vacations?
Yes. Myrtle Beach is considered one of the best family vacation destinations on the East Coast. Families enjoy the beaches, amusement parks, mini golf courses, water parks, and many entertainment options designed for visitors of all ages.
What is the difference between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach is the central tourist area known for its busy boardwalk and entertainment districts. North Myrtle Beach is located a short drive north and offers a quieter coastal atmosphere with wide beaches, fishing piers, and family-friendly vacation communities.
What is the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach?
Spring, summer, and early fall are the most popular times to visit Myrtle Beach. Warm weather, ocean activities, festivals, and live entertainment make these seasons ideal for beach vacations.
Where should families stay when visiting Myrtle Beach?
Many families choose to stay in North Myrtle Beach because it offers a quieter environment while still being close to Myrtle Beach attractions. Oceanfront condos and vacation homes provide comfortable accommodations for families visiting the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach Events: Festivals, Concerts and Seasonal Celebrations
Myrtle Beach is known not only for its beautiful coastline but also for its lively calendar of events throughout the year. From music festivals and holiday celebrations to food events and community gatherings, visitors can always find something happening along the Grand Strand.
Many travelers plan their vacations around these events because they add an extra layer of excitement to a beach trip. Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, Myrtle Beach offers concerts, festivals, and local celebrations that bring visitors and residents together.
Popular Annual Myrtle Beach Events
Several annual events attract visitors from across the country. These festivals celebrate music, culture, food, and the unique coastal lifestyle of the Myrtle Beach area.
Some of the most popular events include:
• Carolina Country Music Fest • Myrtle Beach Bike Week • Food festivals and seafood celebrations • Holiday parades and Christmas events • New Year’s Eve celebrations along the coast
These events often take place at beachfront venues, parks, entertainment districts, and community gathering spaces throughout the city.
Downtown Myrtle Beach Events
Downtown Myrtle Beach hosts many community events throughout the year, particularly in public gathering spaces designed for concerts and festivals.
One of the most popular locations for live entertainment and seasonal celebrations is Nance Plaza, located near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The plaza frequently hosts concerts, cultural festivals, and community events that attract both locals and visitors.
Summer is the busiest season for events along the Grand Strand. Outdoor concerts, fireworks displays, and beachfront celebrations are common throughout the summer months.
Visitors often enjoy live music at:
• oceanfront venues • entertainment districts • local bars and restaurants • public parks and plazas
Many of these events take place within walking distance of the beach, allowing visitors to enjoy live music after a relaxing day by the ocean.
Events Throughout the Grand Strand
While Myrtle Beach hosts many major festivals, events take place throughout the entire Grand Strand region.
Just north of the city, North Myrtle Beach offers its own seasonal celebrations, including music events, holiday parades, and the famous shag dancing festivals along Ocean Drive.
Visitors staying in North Myrtle Beach can easily enjoy both the quieter coastal atmosphere and the larger entertainment events found in Myrtle Beach.
Planning Your Visit Around Myrtle Beach Events
Checking the event calendar before planning a trip can help visitors make the most of their Myrtle Beach vacation. Festivals, concerts, and community celebrations add energy and entertainment to the coastal experience.
Many visitors choose to stay in North Myrtle Beach, where oceanfront vacation rentals provide a relaxing place to unwind after attending events in nearby Myrtle Beach.
Thomas Beach Vacations offers a wide selection of oceanfront condos and vacation homes perfect for families and groups visiting the Grand Strand.
Visitors looking for festivals, concerts, and seasonal celebrations often start with our complete guide to things to do in Myrtle Beach, which highlights the most popular attractions and activities along the Grand Strand.
Family Kingdom’s Raptor Coaster: A New Era of Thrills in Myrtle Beach
A New Era for Family Kingdom
There are certain places in Myrtle Beach that feel stitched into memory. Family Kingdom is one of them.
You hear it before you see it — the rush of the coaster, the hum of laughter, the sudden scream followed by relief and applause. It sits right along the ocean, where salt air mixes with cotton candy and sunscreen. Generations have walked through those gates.
Now, something new is rising above the skyline. Family Kingdom Amusement Park has announced four new rides for 2026, including a groundbreaking roller coaster that will shift the conversation about thrills along the Grand Strand. And yes — it’s bold.
The Raptor Coaster: Southeast’s First Single-Rail Thrill
The Raptor Coaster will become the Southeast’s first single-rail roller coaster.
That matters. Single-rail coasters are known for their sleek profile, tighter turns, and more intense maneuvering. Instead of the traditional double-track structure, riders straddle a single rail, creating a sharper, more agile experience.
It feels different. Leaner. Faster. Closer to the edge. Construction is already underway, with an anticipated opening in late 2026. The visual alone — a new steel silhouette against the Atlantic horizon — signals that Myrtle Beach is not standing still.
For thrill-seekers planning a Myrtle Beach vacation in 2026, this becomes a headline attraction.
Inferno, Kraken, Colossus & Crazy Chopper
The expansion doesn’t stop with one coaster.
Four additional attractions — Inferno, Kraken, Colossus, and Crazy Chopper — will introduce high-energy spins, elevated motion, and family-accessible excitement.
This mix is strategic. Some visitors chase adrenaline. Others want controlled chaos. Families need options. By offering rides across intensity levels, Family Kingdom broadens its appeal — from teens looking for vertical drops to parents wanting shared experiences.
Choice creates momentum. Momentum creates anticipation. And anticipation drives bookings.
The Return of Flip Side and Lunartic
While the park evolves, it also respects its rhythm.
The Flip Side and The Lunartic return this season, reconnecting long-time visitors with familiar favorites. That balance — nostalgia alongside innovation — is part of why Family Kingdom remains one of the most recognized oceanfront amusement parks in the Southeast.
People return for what they remember. They come back for what’s new.
Swamp Fox Turns 60
In 2026, the Swamp Fox celebrates 60 years. That wooden coaster has seen decades of Myrtle Beach summers. It has carried grandparents who now bring their grandchildren. It has outlasted trends, storms, and changing skylines.
The sound of its wooden track is not polished steel. It’s history.
As new steel rises beside it, the symbolism becomes clear: Myrtle Beach keeps building forward while holding onto what made it special in the first place.
Planning Your Myrtle Beach Vacation Around Family Kingdom
Here’s the reality many families learn too late:
By the time people decide to book, the best weeks are often gone. Major attraction announcements like the Raptor Coaster tend to accelerate demand. Families planning 2026 vacations will be watching opening dates. Summer calendars fill quickly — especially for oceanfront properties near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Family Kingdom.
If riding the Southeast’s first single-rail roller coaster sounds like something your family would talk about all year, it makes sense to plan early.
Family Kingdom remains one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach for families, couples, and multigenerational travelers. Pairing an amusement park day with a comfortable beach condo creates that perfect rhythm — sun in the morning, thrills in the afternoon, balcony sunsets at night.
If you’re planning your next beach getaway, Thomas Beach Vacations offers a wide selection of oceanfront condos and vacation homes in North Myrtle Beach — close enough for easy access to attractions, but far enough to relax when the day winds down.
Official Rules for Dogs, Umbrellas, Surfing, Alcohol, Parking & Safety
The beach looks effortless at sunrise. Wide sand. Quiet waves. No clutter. No chaos. Just horizon and salt air. But that kind of order doesn’t happen by accident. North Myrtle Beach maintains its shoreline through clearly defined ordinances that protect visitors, wildlife, and property alike.
If you are planning a 2026 vacation to North Myrtle Beach — whether in Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, or Windy Hill — understanding the official beach laws before you arrive will prevent fines, confusion, and disrupted plans. Below is the complete, ordinance-based guide derived directly from the City of North Myrtle Beach.
Beach Equipment Rule: Nothing May Be Left 7 PM – 8 AM
No personal items may remain on the beach between 7:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
This includes:
Chairs
Umbrellas
Coolers
Toys
Shading devices
Tents
Any personal property
Items left overnight may be removed by city personnel. This rule applies across all public beaches in North Myrtle Beach, including Cherry Grove and areas near Cherry Grove Pier.
