North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival 2026
If you’re planning a March beach trip, one of the biggest weekends on the Grand Strand is the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. The 2026 event takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. The parade starts at 9:00 AM, and the festival runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission and parking are free, making this one of the best family-friendly spring events in the area.
2026 Event Details
The City of North Myrtle Beach hosts the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on Main Street. This is a rain-or-shine event unless unsafe weather conditions are forecast. Visitors can expect a full day of parade entries, live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly festival fun.
What Time Does the Parade Start?
The parade begins promptly at 9:00 AM. According to the city, the route starts on Ocean Boulevard at 2nd Avenue North, heads south to 1st Avenue South, turns right onto 1st Avenue South, then right onto Hillside Drive, then left onto Main Street, and continues to Ye Olde Kings Highway. If you want a good viewing spot, plan to arrive early and be set up by around 8:30 AM.
What to Expect at the Festival
After the parade, the festival takes over Main Street from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In 2026, visitors can expect:
- Three stages of live entertainment
- More than 120 vendors
- Festival food and Irish-inspired favorites
- Arts, crafts, and specialty booths
- A kids area with rides and games
- Contests including the Leprechaun Contest and Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contest
See the St. Patrick’s Day Atmosphere in North Myrtle Beach
Want a quick look at the energy on Main Street during St. Patrick’s Day weekend? Watch this Facebook video for a feel for the crowd, entertainment, and festival atmosphere.
2026 Entertainment Schedule
Irish Stage
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Brendan O’Connor
- 12:00 PM | Coastal Carolina Shield Pipes and Drums
- 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Brendan O’Connor
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Leprechaun and Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contests
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | The Muckers
Community Stage
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Parade Broadcast – WPDE
- 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Triple Toe Cloggers
- 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Radio Revolver
- 1:30 PM | Coastal Carolina Shield Pipes and Drums
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Bailey Road Band
Ocean Stage
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Painted Man
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Drake Irish Dance Group
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | The Mighty Kicks
Parking and Shuttle Information
Parking is free for the event. The city also lists a free shuttle from Ocean Drive Elementary School running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additional free event parking is listed at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard, the corner of 1st Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard, and McLean Park. Because Main Street and parts of Ocean Boulevard close for the parade and festival, arriving early is the smart move.
Can’t Make It in Person?
WPDE personalities Ed Piotrowski, Connor Ingalls, and Jennifer Abney are scheduled to announce the parade from the Community Stage, and the parade will also be broadcast live on CW21.
Check the Official Event Page for Updates
Event details, traffic patterns, parking, entertainment schedules, and festival information can change. For the latest official updates, visit the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival page from the City of North Myrtle Beach.
Where to Stay for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in North Myrtle Beach
If you’re making a weekend of it, staying close to Main Street makes the day much easier. Browse our available North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals here to find a condo or beach house for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. A short walk or drive to Ocean Drive can save you time on festival morning and give you more time to enjoy the parade, food, and live music.
