As spring takes hold on the Grand Strand, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming – and the calendar is filling up with annual festivals and events. Spring tends to be peak season for festivals and special events in the Myrtle Beach area, and 2018 is no different.
During your next getaway to North Beach Plantation and the Grand Strand, be sure to check out any of these top festivals and events that might coincide with your visit – or even plan your visit specially to catch one of them:
Blessing of the Inlet – May 5: The 22nd Annual Blessing of the Inlet hosted by Belin Memorial United Methodist Church offers great food and fun for the entire family in Murrells Inlet on the first weekend in May. The festivities revolve around the 11:30 a.m. “Blessing of the Inlet” ceremony held on the church’s creek side, and a full roster of entertainment from local dance groups, gospel choirs and Christian musicians keeps the good times going all day. Further, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors will offer their handmade wares, a children’s area will entertain the kids, and some of the coastal town’s top restaurants will share their specialties during the celebration. Visit blessingoftheinlet.com to learn more.
13th Annual Mayfest on Main – May 12: Join 15,000 fellow revelers on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach to celebrate the arrival of May and the unofficial beginning of summer. This street fest will feature approximately 100 crafters displaying their work, food vendors sharing their goodies and a children’s area loaded with activities for the little ones. To further rev up the festive atmosphere, the main stage will bring some of the area’s best musical talent to the masses, and a community stage will host live music and performances throughout the day. Added bonus: This year’s event coincides with North Myrtle Beach’s 50th birthday, which will also be celebrated during the festival. Learn more at parks.nmb.us.
Little River Rotary May 5K – May 12: This 5K run along the historic Little River waterfront will raise funds for End Polio Now, the Grand Strand Running Club High School Scholarships and other local charities. The entry fee is $25 per person, and prizes will be awarded in a number of different divisions and age groups. The run starts at 8 a.m. at 4490 Mineola Ave. in Little River. Visit runsignup.com to learn more and to register.
37th Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival – May 19-20: Held on the historic Little River waterfront, this festival attracts nearly 50,000 attendees each year, making it one of the Southeast’s largest. While the fresh seafood and other festival foods are the main draws, other attractions include live beach music, a kids’ activity area, and around 300 arts & crafts vendors. Come see for yourself why the Blue Crab Festival has repeatedly been voted Best Annual Event/Festival by Sun News readers. Visit bluecrabfestival.org to learn more.
Memorial Day Activities – May 25-28: A range of events and activities are planned for Memorial Day weekend to mark the unofficial start of summer in Myrtle Beach. Keep your eyes open for more details from the usual roster of Grand Strand party hosts such as Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and The Market Common, just to name a few.
These are just a handful of the spring events planned on the Grand Strand – the full list is far too lengthy to include here. Whatever event or festival you choose to catch while you’re here, finish your day by heading back to your comfortable oceanfront accommodations at North Beach Plantation to get some rest and prepare for your next Grand Strand adventure. Book your Myrtle Beach area getaway today, and start planning to explore all of the Grand Strand’s many amazing springtime offerings!
