Categories: Events/What's HappeningFestivalsNewsNorth Myrtle Beach, SC

North Myrtle Beach to Celebrate Grand St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Vibrant St. Patrick's Day parade floats and participants in North Myrtle Beach

News Summary

North Myrtle Beach is gearing up for its 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Street Festival on March 15, 2023. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with over 100 vibrant floats parading down Ocean Boulevard, followed by a Street Festival with 130 vendors and entertainment, including Irish cloggers and leprechaun contests. Be sure to arrive early for the best viewing spots and enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks throughout the day!

North Myrtle Beach Set to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Style!

Get ready, North Myrtle Beach! The sun will shine a little brighter and the atmosphere will be filled with joy as the city prepares for its 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Street Festival on March 15, 2023. This year’s festivities promise to be a green spectacle that you won’t want to miss!

Parade Highlights

The parade is set to kick off bright and early at 9 a.m. from the lively corner of 2nd Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard. As the clock strikes nine, over 100 vibrant floats, all decked out in festive green, will wend their way down the picturesque Ocean Boulevard toward Main Street. The route is packed with excitement, twisting and turning through Ocean Boulevard, a right on 1st Avenue South, another quick right onto Hillside Drive, followed by a left on Main Street, finally wrapping up at Ye Olde Kings Highway.

If you plan to come out and enjoy the parade, be sure to snag your spot early! Arriving before 8:30 a.m. is key if you want to spread out those blankets and set up beach chairs for the best view of the action.

Street Festival Extravaganza

After the parade, the excitement doesn’t end. The Street Festival is revving up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street, featuring a record-breaking approximately 130 vendors ready to tempt your taste buds and fill your shopping bags with eclectic crafts. There will be a special zone just for kids where they can enjoy fun rides and games, ensuring that there’s something for everyone!

Entertainment will abound, with lively performances from Irish cloggers and pipers creating an enchanting atmosphere throughout the day. If you’re looking for some friendly competition, don’t miss out on the leprechaun contest and the wild shepherd’s pie eating contest, both scheduled for 1:30 p.m. right on the Irish Stage sponsored by Flynn’s Irish Tavern.

Food and Drink Galore

Speaking of Flynn’s Tavern, they’re gearing up to serve an impressive array of traditional Irish dishes. Expect to feast on a staggering 1,200 pounds of corned beef, 400 pounds of ground beef for shepherd’s pie, 250 pounds of bangers for bangers and mash, and 100 pounds of hearty beef stew. And, of course, let’s not forget the refreshments! About 100 barrels of beer will be ready to serve, including a fantastic 35 barrels of Guinness for those who enjoy the rich flavor of this beloved brew.

Parking and Accessibility

Concerned about parking? Not to fret! There will be free parking available at several convenient locations, including:

Corner of 2nd Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard
Corner of 1st Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard
McLean Park

Additionally, a free shuttle service will be in operation from Ocean Drive Elementary School running from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., making it easier than ever to join in the fun.

Traffic Advisory

For those planning to drive in the area, keep in mind that traffic disruptions will take place. Expect Main Street to be closed off from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. in certain areas due to all the festivities, so make your plans accordingly!

In past years, this event has drawn as many as 50,000 spectators, and this year is sure to be no different! So gather your family and friends, put on your best green attire, and head out to celebrate the luck of the Irish in beautiful North Myrtle Beach. Let the festivities begin!