Spectacular in Spring: 5 Festive Reasons the Grand Strand Is Calling

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As spring blossoms on our 60-mile stretch of the Carolina coast, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming – and the Grand Strand’s activities calendar is filling up with annual festivals and events. Spring tends to be packed with festivals and special events in the Myrtle Beach area, and 2018 is no exception.

During your next getaway to Long Bay Resort and the Grand Strand, try to catch one of these top festivals and events that might line up with your visit — or even plan your visit especially to attend one of them:

Blessing of the Inlet — May 5: Hosted by Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, the 22nd Annual Blessing of the Inlet offers family fun and great food in Murrells Inlet on May’s opening weekend. The festivities revolve around the “Blessing of the Inlet” ceremony held on the church’s creek side at 11:30 a.m., and a full roster of entertainment from gospel choirs, local dance groups and Christian musicians keeps the good times going all day. Additionally, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors will offer their handmade wares, a children’s area will keep the kids entertained, and some of Murrells Inlet’s top restaurants will offer up their specialties during the celebration. Visit blessingoftheinlet.com to learn more.

13th Annual Mayfest on Main — May 12: Celebrate the arrival of May and the unofficial beginning of summer with roughly 15,000 fellow revelers on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. This street fest will feature approximately 100 crafters showcasing their work, local food vendors cooking up their goodies and a children’s area filled with fun activities for the younger set. To further ramp up the festive atmosphere, the main stage will host some of the area’s best musical talent, and a community stage will host live music and performances throughout the day. As a bonus, this year’s event coincides with North Myrtle Beach’s 50th birthday, which will also be celebrated during the festival. Learn more at parks.nmb.us.

Little River Rotary May 5K — May 12: This 5K run boasting a route that meanders along the historic Little River waterfront will raise funds for End Polio Now, the Grand Strand Running Club High School Scholarships and other local charities. The entry fee is $25 per person, and prizes will be awarded in a number of different age groups and divisions. The run starts at 8 a.m. at 4490 Mineola Ave. in Little River. Visit runsignup.com to learn more and to register.

37th Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival — May 19-20: This festival set on the historic Little River waterfront attracts nearly 50,000 attendees each year, making it one of the largest in the Southeast. While the fresh seafood and other festival foods are the top draws, other attractions include live beach music, around 300 arts & crafts vendors, and a kids’ activity area. Come see for yourself why Sun News readers have repeatedly voted the Blue Crab Festival Best Annual Event/Festival. Visit bluecrabfestival.org to learn more.

Memorial Day Activities — May 25-28: A number of of events and activities are planned for Memorial Day weekend to mark the unofficial start of summer in Myrtle Beach. Be on the lookout for more details from the usual roster of Grand Strand party hosts such as Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and The Market Common, just to name a few.

These are just a handful of the fun spring events set to be held on the Grand Strand — the comprehensive list is far too long to include here. Whatever event or festival you choose to catch while you’re here, finish your day by heading back to your comfortable oceanfront accommodations at Long Bay Resort to rest up and prepare for your next adventure on the Grand Strand. Book your Myrtle Beach getaway today, and start planning to explore of all of the area’s many amazing springtime offerings.