Usher in the coming of spring and enjoy all things Irish at the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival. This annual favorite will be celebrating its 30th year of fun in 2018. The rain or shine event draws around 30,000 for one of the largest and longest-running St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the Strand.

The day will kick off at 9 a.m. with a parade, followed by a festival beginning at 11 a.m. There will be three stages of live music and a children’s area with rides and amusements. Around 150 vendors will line Main Street to display crafts, services, information and products, as well as to serve up a variety of delicious treats.

If you really want to feel the spirit of the day, try your luck in one of two contests. The Leprechaun Contest entrants will be judged on originality, enthusiasm, creativity, energy and appearance. This contest will begin at 2:15 p.m. Dressing up not your style? Consider vying for another title—the winner of the Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contest. Come hungry and be ready to chow down at 2:30 p.m.

With the added bonus free admission and free parking, there is no excuse not to get your green on in North Myrtle Beach!

North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m. for parade;
11 a.m.–4 p.m. for festival
Main Street in North Myrtle Beach
Free
(843) 280-5570
http://parks.nmb.us/