Boat parades, live music and more. Where to celebrate July 4 on the Grand Strand
As the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of its independence, municipalities across the Grand Strand are stepping in to host their own festivities. From boat parades to live music, here is where and when you can celebrate the Fourth of July.
Conway Riverfest
June 27, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Downtown Conway
Start July 4 festivities early with the City of Conway’s annual all-day celebration of independence. The city's events include spirited participation and a fun viewing experience such as the Paddle Battle river races starting at 10 a.m., a golf cart parade down Elm Street at 11:30 a.m. and a cornhole competition at noon. Local artisans and food vendors will sell their wares and fare all day. Entertainers, from Irish dancers to rock bands, will keep the energy high with performances through the evening. Once the sun sets, fireworks will light up the downtown Conway sky at 9:30 p.m.
Red, White & Blue 5K Walk/Run
July 3, 7 a.m. — Barefoot Landing
Dress up in your best red, white and blue workout gear and get ready to race around Barefoot Landing. Participants can choose to race in the titular Red, White & Blue 5K Walk/Run, or opt for an untimed experience with Uncle Sam’s 1 Mile Walk. Children can also join the racing festivities with the 50-yard Stars and Stripes Dash.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Red, White and Blue Weekend
July 3-5, 7:05 p.m. — Pelicans Ballpark
Watch the Grand Strand’s minor league baseball team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, face off against the Hickory Crawdads. The games are followed by postgame fireworks shows each night. The Pelicans will wear red, white and blue Palmetto State jerseys.
Golf Cart Parade
July 4, 10 a.m. — Ocean Boulevard, Surfside Beach
Catch decorated golf carts driving down Ocean Boulevard in Surfside Beach’s annual Independence Day celebration. Anyone can join the parade with their own golf cart, or watch the parade by bringing a chair to Ocean Boulevard. The golf carts will travel down Ocean Boulevard from 16th Avenue North to 16th Avenue South starting at 10 a.m., and the town recommends finding a viewing spot along the boulevard between 14th Avenue North and 15th Avenue South.
Stars and Stripes Fam Jam
July 4, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. — 1st Avenue South and Neal & Pam’s Bar and Grill, Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is hosting this family oriented Fourth of July celebration where children can enjoy a water slide, bounce house and face painting, with live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Drippy’s Homemade Ice Cream will be hosting an ice cream eating competition to test participants’ sweet tooth.
Salute from the Shore
July 4, 1 p.m. — South Carolina Coast
Gather at beaches along the Grand Strand to observe aircraft flying overhead in honor of the United States’ independence and the country’s armed forces. Attendees are encouraged to bring flags or signs, and record videos of their local salute to share on social media.
Fourth of July Celebration on the MarshWalk
July 4, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. — Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Head on down to the south end of the Grand Strand for a full day of festivities at the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. The 43rd annual boat parade starts at 2 p.m., when festively decorated boats will sail through the inlet. Viewing spots will be available along the MarshWalk. Live music will bring energy to the MarshWalk all day long, and the celebration will culminate in a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Aynor After the 4th
July 11, 5 p.m. — Aynor Town Park
Continue the Independence Day celebration with Aynor’s annual After the 4th event. Starting at 5 p.m. and continuing until dark, the festivities will feature food trucks, live music and family-oriented fun. Fireworks will be launched when the sky gets dark for one last July 4 celebration on the Grand Strand.