You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and you don’t have to wait to until March 17 to get into the holiday spirit. In fact, guests at North Myrtle Beach have plenty of options for green-filled gatherings within a short distance of the resort, including the biggest St. Patrick’s Day party on the Grand Strand.
The 27th Annual North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off the festivities on Saturday, March 14, on Main Street and Ocean Drive. Organizers expect more than 30,000 revelers to take part in the all-day street party, beginning at 9 a.m. with the parade. Floats, convertibles, marching bands and classic cars are among the procession, which rolls through the downtown district. Candy and souvenirs are tossed to the crowds that line the streets, and that’s just the start of the fun.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., live music takes the main stage at the Horseshoe, located at the corner of Ocean Drive and Main Street. Local and regional acts play a wide selection of music, from pop and rock to country and beach music. Attendees can dance in the streets or bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show.
The event also features rows of vendors offering arts and crafts and food and drinks. Corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash and Irish stew is on the menu, as well as more mainstream dishes like pizza and burgers. The Kids Zone gives the little ones a chance to burn off some energy by bouncing in the inflatable playhouses, playing games and riding amusement rides.
The after party spills over to local clubs, which host special events to celebrate the occasion. The shag clubs along Ocean Drive, such as Fat Harold’s, the OD Lounge and the Spanish Galleon will be hopping, and The Pale on Main Street offers an authentic Irish pub that celebrates the spirit of the Emerald Isle every day.
North Myrtle Beach has several restaurants and bars that will commemorate the holiday on the traditional March 17 date, including the House of Blues and Dick’s Last Resort at Barefoot Landing, Finn McCool’s and Harry the Hat’s near Restaurant Row, and The Pale and Pat & Mike’s Irish Pub on the north end of town. If you want to venture out of North Myrtle Beach to celebrate, here’s a look at other St. Patrick’s Day parties and festivities on the Grand Strand:
The Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Celebration is held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, with Irish food and beer vendors and live music on the main stage, including headliner The Delta Saints. At Market Common, IrishFest takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in Valor Park, featuring Irish food and beer booths, arts and crafts vendors, and live music on the main stage. And the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk will have several restaurants and bars participating in day-long St. Patrick’s Day festivities. While you are out, enjoy some great Irish food and cheer at hot spots such as Molly Darcy’s, O’Keefe’s and Quigley’s Pint & Plate.
(Posted: 2/27/15)
