March Events Guide: What Tourists Can Experience on the Grand Strand & Myrtle Beach
March is one of the most exciting months to visit the Grand Strand. Spring weather begins to warm, crowds are still manageable, and the calendar fills with food festivals, sporting events, and community celebrations. Whether you’re staying in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, or Surfside Beach, there’s something happening nearly every weekend.
If you’re planning a coastal getaway, here’s your SEO-optimized guide to local happenings throughout March in the Myrtle Beach area.
Kick Off the Month with the Myrtle Beach Marathon
One of the region’s biggest athletic events each spring is the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Held annually on the first Saturday in March, the race draws thousands of runners and spectators from around the country. It’s the largest marathon in South Carolina and features multiple distances including a full marathon, half marathon, relay, and family events.
The course winds through scenic coastal streets with minimal elevation change, making it popular for runners seeking qualifying times for larger races.
Even if you’re not running, it creates a festive energy across the beach area — perfect for visitors who enjoy community events, cheering crowds, and outdoor activity.
Savor Local Flavor During MarshWalk Restaurant Week
Food lovers should keep an eye out for MarshWalk Restaurant Week in Murrells Inlet, where participating waterfront restaurants offer specials and prix-fixe menus highlighting coastal cuisine.
This event celebrates the seafood heritage of the Inlet and gives tourists an easy way to sample multiple dining spots along the famous boardwalk. Expect fresh catches, Lowcountry favorites, and sunset marsh views — a must-experience culinary stop while visiting the southern Grand Strand.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Coast
March wouldn’t be complete without local St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The Grand Strand area typically hosts pub celebrations, live music, themed cruises, and community gatherings throughout the holiday week.
Murrells Inlet in particular is known for festive waterfront celebrations, while Myrtle Beach bars and entertainment districts join in with green-themed fun, specials, and nightlife events. For visitors, it’s a lively cultural moment that blends coastal atmosphere with Irish-inspired celebration.
Oyster & Bloody Mary Festival (Murrells Inlet)
Seafood enthusiasts visiting in March may catch the Oyster & Bloody Mary Festival, a favorite local gathering showcasing fresh oysters, creative Bloody Mary recipes, and live entertainment.
Events like this highlight Murrells Inlet’s identity as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina” and provide tourists with a taste of authentic regional flavor and community hospitality.
Murrells Inlet 2020 Golf Tournament
The Grand Strand has long been known as a golfer’s destination — often nicknamed the “Golf Capital of the World” due to the large number of courses and millions of rounds played annually.
March commonly includes tournaments organized by community groups such as Murrells Inlet 2020, giving visitors a chance to spectate or participate while enjoying ideal spring playing conditions.
For travelers combining recreation and vacation, golf events add another layer of activity beyond the beach.
Collard Green Cook-Off
A uniquely Southern experience, the Collard Green Cook-Off celebrates regional cuisine and local creativity. Attendees can sample different recipes, enjoy music and vendors, and immerse themselves in community tradition.
This event gives tourists a deeper taste of Lowcountry culture beyond seafood — highlighting agricultural heritage and classic Southern comfort food.
Surfside Beach BBQ Festival
Just north of Murrells Inlet, the Surfside Beach BBQ Festival delivers smoky aromas and family-friendly entertainment. Barbecue teams showcase their skills while visitors enjoy tastings, crafts, and live music.
For tourists exploring multiple Grand Strand towns, this event provides a relaxed small-town atmosphere and another opportunity to experience authentic regional cooking styles.
Experience a Local Favorite at the Murrells Inlet Chicken Bog Cook-Off
Visitors looking to experience authentic regional flavor should keep an eye out for the Murrells Inlet Chicken Bog Challenge, a lively community cook-off celebrating one of Horry County’s most iconic dishes.
The event typically features competing cooking teams, live music, and entertainment for all ages, giving tourists a chance to sample this beloved Southern comfort food while enjoying a fun waterfront atmosphere. Past challenges have been held at The Wicked Tuna in Murrells Inlet and included all-you-can-eat tasting wristbands available onsite, often supporting local charities and community causes.
Why March Is a Perfect Time to Visit the Grand Strand
March sits in a sweet spot for travel — offering pleasant temperatures, event variety, and outdoor opportunities before peak summer crowds arrive.
Visitors can experience:
- Food festivals and culinary tastings
- Holiday celebrations
- Sporting events and races
- Golf tournaments
- Cultural community gatherings
The region itself stretches along a 60-mile coastline known as the Grand Strand — home to beaches, attractions, and vibrant tourism activity year-round.
Plan Your March Myrtle Beach Getaway
From cheering runners to sampling oysters, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or enjoying barbecue and coastal dining, March offers travelers a wide snapshot of local life on South Carolina’s coast. The month of March opens a lot of activities offered at Crazy Sister Marina that were taking a break in the colder months! After maintenance and Coast Guard inspections, we’re ready to get back on the water. From Half Day fishing charters to Dolphin & Sealife Cruises, we have something for everyone!
Exploring these events not only enhances your vacation — it connects you with the culture, cuisine, and community that make Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet such memorable destinations.