The North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival returns to Main Street in 2026, bringing back one of the Grand Strand’s most popular spring events to Ocean Drive. Every March, thousands gather along Main Street and Ocean Boulevard to enjoy festive floats, decorated golf carts, live music, and over 100 local vendors.
If you’ve never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in North Myrtle Beach, make this year your first. The excitement, creativity, and coastal charm make this event a springtime favorite. And if you’re staying at Avista Resort, you’re only two blocks from all the action.
This year, the parade starts at 9:00 am, on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, with setup beginning earlier along Ocean Drive. We suggest arriving early, as Main Street quickly fills with families, locals, and visitors eager to secure their spots for the parade.
Parking Options Include:
- Public parking near 1st Ave & Ocean Blvd
- Public parking near 2nd Ave & Ocean Blvd
- McLean Park - 93 Oak Drive
- Shuttle service from:
- Ocean Drive Elementary School
- J. Bryan Floyd Community Center
Paid city parking generally requires the North Myrtle Beach parking app, with instructions posted in each lot. If you’re staying oceanfront at Avista Resort, you can skip the parking hunt altogether and just walk to Main Street.
The North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Festival is an all-day outdoor event, so come prepared for sunshine, strolling between vendors, and hours of live entertainment.
Here's how you can prepare:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Folding chairs for parade viewing
- Sunscreen, hats, & sunscreen
- Refillable water bottles
- A tote or backpack for vendor shopping
- Your best green attire
With over 100 vendors, you’ll need space to carry handcrafted goods, local finds, and festive souvenirs.
The parade will include over 100 entries, such as:
- Decorated floats from many local businesses
- Creative golf carts and specialty vehicles
- Irish dancers and pipe & drum bands
- Community groups and pageant winners
- High-energy entertainment and crowd favorites
The parade and festival will be vibrant, energetic, and truly North Myrtle Beach.
Live music starts at 11:00 am on three festival stages.
Here's what you can expect:
Community Stage – Highlighting local performers, dance groups, and regional talent
Irish Stage – Showcasing traditional Irish music, bagpipers, and Celtic-inspired performances
Ocean Stage – Popular beach and variety bands that keep the celebration lively all afternoon
Expect everything from Celtic classics to high-energy crowd favorites across all three stages.
Stay Close to the Celebration at Avista Resort
When you stay at Avista Resort, you’re just steps from Main Street and the parade route. A major benefit is avoiding traffic and parking hassles. Simply walk out, join the festivities, and head back to your oceanfront condo whenever you want to relax or the kids need a break. After a day filled with music, shopping, and celebration, unwind in the indoor pool, float down the lazy river, or enjoy ocean views from your private balcony.
For guests planning a March getaway, the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Festival is an ideal way to enjoy the beach while experiencing one of the area’s biggest annual events.
Plan Your St. Patrick's Day Getaway
Now is the time to mark your calendar for March 2026 and begin planning your North Myrtle Beach spring getaway. This popular festival attracts large crowds each year, and nearby accommodations tend to fill up quickly.
Book your stay at Avista Resort and enjoy the best view in town – just two blocks from Main Street. For official event updates and details, visit the City of North Myrtle Beach events page.
For more Parade and Festival info, Click HERE
