General Information: Parade
North Myrtle Beach welcomes you to a sea of green! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest on the Grand Strand with over 100 parade entries and a long history of fun. Masses of people line Main Street each year to get a glimpse of this magical parade. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 AM. Be sure to set up by 8:30 AM with your friends, family, beach chairs, blankets, and golf carts. You don’t want to miss this two-hour phenomenon.
The parade route and direction will be the same as in 2024, starting on Ocean Boulevard and ending at Ye Olde Kings Hwy. The parade will begin on Ocean Boulevard at 2nd Ave North and proceed south to 1st Avenue South. At the intersection of 1st Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard the parade turns right onto 1st Avenue South, then right onto Hillside Drive, then left onto Main Street, and traveling on Main Street to Ye Olde Kings Highway to conclude the parade route.
The parade staging and line up will occur at 7:00 am on Ocean Boulevard from 2nd Ave North to 11th Ave North. Southbound lanes on Ocean Boulevard from 11th Ave North to 1st Ave South will be closed to traffic from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM. From 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM the closure will include both southbound and northbound lanes from 2nd Ave North to 1st Ave South.
An emcee announcing parade participants will be stationed at the entrance of the Horseshoe. Judges will also be stationed at the Horseshoe to vote for their “Best” parade entries.
WPDE personalities, Ed Piotrowski, Connor Ingalls and Jennifer Abney, will be announcing the parade at the Community Stage located at Main Street and N. Oak Drive. For those that can’t make the parade in person, it will be broadcast LIVE on CW21.
This fun-loving parade of St. Patrick’s Day themed and decorated floats is a 35 year tradition on the streets of North Myrtle Beach. It is a great time for all ages and kicks off the 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival taking place on Main Street from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
General Information: Festival
After the parade, continue the fun with a street festival! Three stages of live entertainment will keep you in the Irish spirit all day. Expect Irish Pipe Bands, Irish Dancers, and many more live performances.
Over 120 vendors will display their crafts. Food vendors and Main Street businesses will have a variety of Irish treats and festival food favorites for everyone to enjoy. Keep an eye out for all the street entertainers and leprechauns that scurry around this festival. Bring the “wee” ones to enjoy the children’s area that is full of rides and games for all ages.
Festivities end at 4:00 PM, but before you leave, stop by the Information/Parks and Recreation tent to purchase a souvenir t-shirt to end your glorious day! T-shirt quantities are limited so purchase your souvenir t-shirt early at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center the week of the festival.
Contests:
Leprechaun Contest / Jr. Leprechaun Contest
Show off your love of all things Irish by competing in the 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival Leprechaun Contest. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, appearance, enthusiasm and energy. Sign up at the information booth or the Irish Stage before 2:00 pm. Contest will be at the Irish stage at 2:30 pm.
Shepard’s Pie Eating Contest
First to clear their plate (without using their hands) wins an awesome plaque and gift card. Sign up at the information booth or the Irish stage before 2:00 pm. Contest will be at the Irish stage at 2:30 pm.
