As spring sets in on our 60-mile stretch of the Carolina coastline, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping — and the Myrtle Beach area’s activities calendar is quickly filling up with a range of exciting festivals and events. Spring tends to be packed with festivals and special events on the Grand Strand, and 2018 is no exception.
During your next getaway to The Strand Resort and the Myrtle Beach area, try to catch one of these top festivals and events that might align with your visit — or even plan your visit especially to attend one of them:
Blessing of the Inlet — May 5: Held on May’s opening weekend and hosted by Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, the 22nd Annual Blessing of the Inlet offers family fun and great food in Murrells Inlet. The festivities revolve around the “Blessing of the Inlet” ceremony held on the church’s creek side at 11:30 a.m., and a full schedule of entertainment from Christian musicians, gospel choirs and local dance groups keeps the good times rolling all day. Additionally, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors will sell their handmade wares, a children’s area will keep the younger set entertained, and some of Murrells Inlet’s most popular restaurants will offer up their specialties during the celebration. Visit blessingoftheinlet.com to learn more.
13th Annual Mayfest on Main — May 12: Join roughly 15,000 fellow revelers to celebrate the arrival of May and the unofficial beginning of summer along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Highlights of this street festival will include approximately 100 crafters showcasing their work, local food vendors cooking up their signature dishes, and a children’s area filled with fun activities for the kiddos. To further elevate the festive atmosphere, the main stage will host some of the area’s best musical talent, and a community stage will host live music and performances throughout the day. Another bonus: This year’s event coincides with North Myrtle Beach’s 50th birthday, which will also be celebrated during the fest. Learn more at parks.nmb.us.
Little River Rotary May 5K — May 12: Featuring a route that meanders along the historic Little River waterfront, this 5K run 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 age groups and divisions. 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: Set on the historic Little River waterfront, this annual fest attracts nearly 50,000 attendees each year, making it one of the Southeast’s largest. While the fresh seafood and other festival foods get top billing, other attractions will include live beach music, around 300 arts & crafts vendors, and an activity area for the kids. Come see for yourself why Sun News readers have repeatedly voted the Blue Crab Festival Best Annual Event/Festival. Visit bluecrabfestival.org to learn more.
Memorial Day Activities — May 25-28: A range of events and activities are planned to mark the unofficial start of summer in Myrtle Beach on Memorial Day weekend. Keep your eyes open for more details from the usual roster of Grand Strand party hosts such as Broadway at the Beach, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Barefoot Landing and The Market Common, just to name a few.
These are just a few of the many fun spring events set to be held on the Grand Strand — the comprehensive list is far too long to include here. Whatever event or festival you choose to attend during your Myrtle Beach vacation, finish your day by heading back to your comfortable oceanfront accommodations at The Strand Resort to rest up and get ready for your next adventure on the Grand Strand. Book your Myrtle Beach getaway today, and start planning to explore of all of the area’s many amazing springtime offerings!
