Family-Friendly Spring Events in Myrtle Beach

Plan your spring 2024 Myrtle Beach vacation using this list of family-friendly events throughout the Grand Strand. Whether you have young kids or teenagers, Myrtle Beach features activities to suit all ages. The area is known for its holiday parades, festivals, car shows, and mouth-watering food festivals, and 2024 is no exception. The best part? When you stay at Dunes Village Resort, you won’t have to travel too far to enjoy all of the spring events in Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach Marathon | March 2 | 6:55 a.m.

The Myrtle Beach Marathon is back! This race event includes a 5K, a half-marathon, and a full marathon on March 2nd. Spectators, families, and friends are welcome to cheer on runners as they race to the finish. All distances start and finish at the Pelicans ballpark. Runners will receive a race day tank top, finisher medal, and specially-designed long sleeve shirt after the race. A virtual 10K is also available and can be completed from anywhere! See the Myrtle Beach Marathon registration for pricing and more details.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival | March 16th | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The 34th annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival will bring thousands of people to Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. This family-friendly spring event is free to attend and features three stages of live music, more than 120 local vendors, a shepherd's pie-eating contest, children’s rides, a leprechaun contest, and much more! The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. on Ocean Boulevard but parade-goers are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to reserve their spots. The St. Patrick's Day Festival with live music, vendors, and more follows at 11:00 a.m. on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.

Run To The Sun Car Show | March 14th – 16th | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The annual Run to the Sun Car Show returns in 2024 for its 35th edition. For three full days, the lot of the old Myrtle Square Mall (on Hwy 17 Bus. between 21st and 27th Avenues) is filled with classic and customized vintage cars and trucks. Participants in the event compete for the title of Car or Truck of the Year, plus have chances at other giveaways and drawings. Grand prize winners are awarded a plaque and a winner’s jacket, and each vehicle will be featured on 2025’s event t-shirt.

Run for LIFE @ Coastal Carolina University | March 17 | 7:00 a.m.

The inaugural Run for LIFE @ CCU will take place this year on March 17! This race benefiting CCU’s Learning Is For Everyone organization is exclusively run on Coastal Carolina’s campus in Conway, just minutes from the sparkling Grand Strand. Run for LIFE features a 5K run/walk, a 1 mile run/walk, and even a virtual 5k option for folks who can’t make it to the race in person. Racers will receive a participant shirt, 5K participants will receive a custom-designed medal, and 1M finishers will receive a finisher gift.

Barefoot Landing Bunny Hop | March 23rd | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

You’re invited to an Easter celebration at Barefoot Landing, located less than 10 miles north of Dunes Village Resort. The Barefoot Bunny Hop is a family event that will include kids’ activities and a special visit from the Easter Bunny, plus stilt walkers, face painting, and more. Stick around for live music or grab a bite at one of the delicious restaurants at Barefoot Landing afterwards!

Food Truck Festival | April 5th – 7th | Open Daily

Admission is free for all at this food-filled spring event in Myrtle Beach! The 2024 Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival returns to the Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place. Bring the entire family anytime during this three-day festival to discover food trucks slinging delectable bites and sweet treats. A selection of craft brews, wine, and soda will also be available. The event includes live entertainment all weekend long. Check the website for this year's lineup. 2024’s festival hours:

Friday, April 5th: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 6th: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 7th: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Dragon Boat Festival | April 27th | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The 16th annual Dragon Boat Festival is set for this spring. This spring event in Myrtle Beach takes place at Grand Park at The Market Common. Watch as teams of 20 paddlers plus one drummer fiercely compete to bring their stunning dragon boats across the finish first. Teams win awards and prizes for their race results as well as their fundraising efforts. Festival-goers enjoy food and drink from vendors throughout the event, vote in the drummer costume contest, listen to live entertainment, and have a blast at the Family Fun Zone with local vendors and food trucks.

World Famous Blue Crab Festival | May 18th – 19th | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The World Famous Blue Crab Festival has brought thousands of blue crab connoisseurs, seafood lovers, and families to the waterfront in Little River for 40 years. This foodie fest features arts and crafts vendors, specialty food items, a kids’ zone, live music, local seafood, and plenty of delicious blue crab! Tickets are $7 per adult and for children over 12; admission is free for children 12 and under. You don’t want to miss this beloved event— it’s one of the largest food festivals in the Southeast.

Memorial Day 5K | May 28th | 6:00 p.m.

In its 11th year, the annual Memorial Day 5K is one of the most scenic runs you’ll find. This Myrtle Beach 5K race is open to runners, walkers, and strollers so all ages can attend. Take in the breathtaking sculpture gardens at Brookgreen Gardens, the Lowcountry Zoo, and nature reserves on the property as you work your way to the finish. Metals will be awarded in multiple categories. Family and group discounts are available. Register for the race online today.

Ready to book your spring vacation to Myrtle Beach?

When you’ve decided which spring events in Myrtle Beach you’ll attend, check out Dunes Village Resort for lodging your entire family will love. Our family-friendly Myrtle Beach oceanfront suites include oceanfront resort suites and condos, and a long list of on-site amenities, including an indoor heated water park.