Here are top spring events blooming on the Hammock Coast

Here are top spring events blooming on the Hammock Coast

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, the flowers are blooming, and a plethora of outside events are happening on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®.

Saturday, April 15

Race for the Inlet – Bunny Run Edition

Starting at 8 a.m.

The 2023 Race for the Inlet will begin and end at Morse Park Landing on Saturday, April 15. Start time is 8 a.m.

This race is a 5K family-friendly Fun Run, a staple for the Inlet. Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to participate! Visitors and locals can enjoy the scenery and comradery all while supporting our local community.

Registration, which is $35 per person plus a $3.10 race fee, is open through April 8 and includes entry into the race with a chipped bib, a swag bag full of goodies from our sponsors, an official race t-shirt, and breakfast provided by Campbell Catering Company. An awards ceremony will follow the event at Morse Park. Proceeds from the event benefit Murrells Inlet 2020, a community revitalization organization focused on the conservation of our natural environment while fostering local community and commerce.
To register, click here, or email info@murrellsinletsc.com for more information or any further questions.

Morse Park is located at 4939 U.S Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet.

Harborwalk Night in Georgetown

From 7 to 10 p.m.

The Rotary Club of Georgetown proudly presents Harborwalk Night on Saturday, April 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Maritime Park. The world-famous Catalinas will lead the night with music, fun and Shaggin’. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will benefit Alzheimer’s research and high impact local community projects.

Admission is $25 per person. For tickets, click here.

Maritime Park is located at 725 Front St., Georgetown.

Art Under the Oaks

Free event starting at 9 a.m.

Seaside Framing and Photography is hosting Art Under the Oaks, an arts & crafts festival on the grounds of Litchfield Market Village. Come see talented local artists, enjoy art, photography, food, music, pets of all shapes and sizes, and more. This is a fundraiser for ALL4PAWS animal rescue.

Litchfield Market Village is located at 115 Willbrook Blvd., Pawleys Island.

Thursday, April 20, to Saturday, April 22

Meatfish Slam Fishing Tournament

Starts at 6 a.m. on April 20 and ends at 7 p.m. on April 22

Georgetown Landing Marina on the Waccamaw River in Georgetown will host its annual Meatfish Slam Fishing Tournament. The event will start with a Captain’s meeting at 6 p.m. on April 20. Entries and payments must be submitted to Georgetown Landing Marina at that time. On April 21, at 7 a.m., the first day of fishing begins. It ends at 6 p.m. when the weigh scales close (participants must be in line to weigh at fish cleaning area). On April 22, at 7 a.m., the second day of fishing begins. It ends again at 6 p.m. when the weigh scales close. There will be an awards dinner at 7 p.m. on the dock.

For information about the event, click here.

The Georgetown Landing Marina is located at 432 Marina Drive, Georgetown.

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day Festival at Brookgreen Gardens

Free event with garden admission, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Meet at the Butterfly Field for a day filled with fun and educational stations for all ages. Adults will learn more about native plants and conservation, while children explore S.T.E.A.M. stations to complete their Earth Day passports. The day will include meet-and-greets with live animal ambassadors, Community Conservation Partners’ stations, and exciting games that help families become more aware of the natural environment and fundamental conservation principles.

For more information, visit the website here, or call 843-235-6000.

Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet.

Saturday, April 29

Food, Beer & Wine Festival in Georgetown

Free admission, only pay for tickets for food and beverages, from noon to 5 p.m.

Spend a beautiful day on historic Front Street in Georgetown for the second annual Food, Beer and Wine Festival on Saturday, April 29. With over 25 restaurants, local artisans, two stages with live music all day, and a Kids Zone, there is something for everyone. Proceeds will benefit Friendship Place, a local nonprofit organization in Georgetown.

For information, click here.

Spring Plant Sale and Art Festival at Brookgreen Gardens

Free events with garden admission, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (plant sale) and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (art festival)

Brookgreen Gardens will host its annual Spring Plant Sale in the Arboretum, near the Leonard Pavilion. It is a great opportunity to buy uncommon plants including native plants, perennials, shrubs, edibles, and annuals. Many of the plants are propagated in-house, so you are bringing a piece of Brookgreen Gardens home to your garden. The sale is orchestrated by horticulture staff and volunteers who are on-site and can help answer questions. A list of plants for sale will be available in mid-April.

Keepsakes, the Brookgreen Shop, proudly presents the Art Festival at Brookgreen Gardens. This two-day event showcases the fine craftsmanship and quality art being produced regionally and throughout the nation. Come and enjoy the work of talented artists and artisans at the annual Brookgreen Art Festival. Painting, sculpture, fabric art, pottery, glass, and more will be available to browse.

For more information about these events, visit the website here, or call 843-235-6000.

Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet.

Sunday, April 30

Long Bay Youth Symphony concert on the Kaminski House Museum lawn

Free event from 3 to 4 p.m.

Meet on the lawn of the Kaminski House Museum as they welcome spring on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast by presenting a performance of the Long Bay Youth Symphony. Pack your favorite snacks and picnic items and spend an afternoon under the oaks listening to music from these talented young musicians.

For more information click here.

The Kaminski House Museum is located at 1003 Front Street, Georgetown

Thursday, May 4

National Day of Prayer Service in Georgetown

Free event from noon to 1 p.m.

The public is invited to attend The National Day of Prayer Service on May 4, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m. at Joseph Rainey Park, 929 Front St. in Georgetown. The 2023 National Day of Prayer theme is “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much” (James 5:16b).  

The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” Every President since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation. Georgetown joins more than 50,000 prayer gatherings across the United States this year, celebrating the 71^st anniversary of the National Day of Prayer in a spirit of national unity. 

The service is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Georgetown in cooperation with the City of Georgetown, the Georgetown Police Department, and churches throughout the community. Dr. Ted Sherrill will introduce the event. Mayor Carol Jayroe will make the National Day of Prayer Proclamation on behalf of the City of Georgetown.  Other officiants include Dr. Manuel Salazar, Rev. Justin Flowers, Rev. Rossiter Chellis, Rev. Gary Beason, Col. Homer Baxley, Rev. Matt Frizzell, Rev. Larry Deeter, Rev. Carl Anderson, Rev. Dan Hager, Bishop John Smith, and Rev. Kenny Johnson.  Prayers will be offered for the nation and state and members of the local Georgetown community, including elected officials, the military, the media, businesses, education, churches, medical personnel/first responders, and families.

Saturday, May 6

Blessing of the Inlet Festival in Murrells Inlet

Free event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Belin Memorial United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet will host its annual Blessing of the Inlet Festival on Saturday, May 6. This year’s event will be highlighted by the “Blessing of the Inlet” ceremony that begins at 11:30 a.m. in front of Belin Church (creek side). The blessing will be administered by the Rev. Dr. Mike Alexander and the Rev. Marty Nason. More than 70 arts-and-crafts vendors will be selling their handmade goods, including beautiful paintings, handmade jewelry, and more.
Tasty cuisine will also be prepared by some of Murrells Inlet’s finest restaurants and church groups. There are also children’s events, which include face and hair painting, inflatables, a climbing wall, and the ever-popular dunking tank, where people can take turns trying to “dunk” their friends. There will also be a full day of entertainment featuring dance troops, gospel choirs, contemporary Christian musicians, and more. There is no admission or charge for parking, and the event will be held rain or shine.
For more information, visit the website here.
Visit the event’s Facebook page here.

Saturday, May 13

Spring Wine Festival in the Gardens at Brookgreen Gardens

Free event with garden admission, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Don’t miss the 3rd annual Spring Wine Festival in the Gardens at Brookgreen Gardens on May 13. There will be live music and wine tastings. Tickets include 10 tasting tickets. Additional tickets will be sold on-site for wine tastings, games and other activities. VIP tickets are available that include a personal charcuterie box, reserved seating in the VIP Wine Garden and a special selection of exclusive wines. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon in the beautiful gardens.

This food and wine event will give guests the opportunity to enjoy wine tastings and live music under Brookgreen’s historic live oaks, all while contributing to the Campaign for the Next Generation, a $20 million capital campaign to expand Brookgreen’s offerings for the future. Launched publicly in April 2022, the Campaign for the Next Generation is Brookgreen’s first capital campaign in 25 years and will fund renovations and construction of new facilities as well as support endowments. The campaign will expand Brookgreen in four key areas: a new contemporary conservatory, new art facilities, expanded Lowcountry history exhibits, and a new exhibit in the Lowcountry Zoo.

For more information about this event, visit the website here , or call 843-235-6000.

Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet.

Festival of Arts & Crafts in Murrells Inlet

Free event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church will host its annual Festival of Arts & Crafts on Saturday, May 13. There will be Vendors with arts, crafts, and many interesting items for sale. This is a perfect time to purchase a unique gift for Mother’s Day.

Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church is located at 4499 U.S. Highway 17 Bypass South, Murrells Inlet.

Wednesday, May 24, to Saturday, May 27

55^th annual Blue Marlin Tournament at Georgetown Landing Marina

Scores of anglers will converge on Georgetown to participate in the 55^th annual Blue Marlin Tournament at Georgetown Landing Marina from May 24 to 27. The tournament, which promotes conservation and tourism, is part of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series. Weigh Scales open Thursday at 8 a.m. and will remain open until Saturday at 9 p.m.

The Blue Marlin Tournament in Georgetown is the oldest billfishing tournament in South Carolina and one of the oldest on the East Coast. It was first held in 1968 by Wallace Pate only four years after the first Blue Marlin, weighing 237 pounds, was caught offshore near Georgetown by Katherine “Cappy” Fitzgerald.

The Blue Marlin is the largest of the Atlantic marlins, reaching up to 14 feet in length and weighing up to more than 1,900 pounds. Georgetown is renowned for the Blue Marlins reeled in off its coast. In addition to its beauty, the Blue Marlin is known for putting up a tremendous fight while being caught, which is why it is coveted by offshore anglers.

However, the tournament encourages people to release the fish after reeling them in, earning them 600 release points with required photos and video with time and date stamps. Some anglers choose to “boat” their catch in the tournament, which yields a point per pound.

For information about the event, click here.

Georgetown Landing Marina is located at 432 Marina Drive, Georgetown.

Sunday, May 28

10th annual Brookgreen Gardens Memorial Day 5K Race

Come out and join the fun during the 10th annual Brookgreen Gardens Memorial Day 5K Race on Sunday May 28, at 6 p.m. There will be a 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The 5K will start at 6 p.m. and the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will start at 6:15 p.m. The 9,100-acre property includes several themed gardens with American figurative sculptures, the Lowcountry Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems in nature preserves on the property. Both races start and end at the Live Oak Allee.

Registration is only available online and closes Sunday, May 28, at 5 p.m. Participants are strongly encouraged to pick up their packet on Saturday, May 27 (a friend may pick up for you — have registration confirmation available).

For more information about this event, visit the website here, or call 843-235-6000.

Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet.

About South Carolina’s Hammock Coast

Georgetown County’s casual charm and Southern hospitality earned it the nickname Hammock Coast. Adventure and relaxation blend together in perfect harmony, like the flowing and ebbing of waves on the county’s famed beaches. With six communities – Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island, Georgetown and Andrews – comprising the pristine coastal area between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, visitors can experience South Carolina’s Hammock Coast like never before.

Compiled by Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast