March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, but the Grand Strand has a different take on the old adage: In Myrtle Beach, March comes in like a stampeding herd and out with a mighty roar.
Make that a stampeding herd of thousands of runners at the 23rd Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon (March 5-7) and the mighty roar of engines at the Myrtle Beach National Car, Truck & Bike Show (March 27-29).
There are lots of fun things to do in Myrtle Beach in between, including festivals, concerts, shows and more. Not to mention the arrival of spring, when the Grand Strand’s social scene really heats up.
Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort are close to all the action around town. Check out this March calendar of events and start planning your spring-break getaway to Myrtle Beach today:
SPORTS & LEISURE
March 5-7, 23rd Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon
Thousands of runners take over the downtown streets and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for a celebration of fitness and will power. Following two days of fun and fellowship at the Health and Wellness Expo, the Myrtle Beach Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K are held Saturday starting at 7 a.m. Sign up now or come and root for a friend or family member.
March 19-21, 32nd Annual Run to the Sun Car Show- RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 24TH-26, 2020
Thousands of classic car enthusiasts cruise to the Grand Strand each year for one of the biggest car shows on the East Coast. Held at the former Myrtle Beach Mall site, across from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, this event features car shows, contests and organized cruises down Ocean Boulevard.
March 27-29, Myrtle Beach Nationals Car, Truck & Bike Show
Get your motor running and head to Myrtle Beach Speedway for this display of speed on two and four wheels. Racing, contest and live entertainment are part of the three-day festival, capped by the popular sport of truck tug-o-war.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
March 14, 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Downtown North Myrtle Beach goes green for a day with the big St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. An estimated 40,000 visitors line Main Street for the parade of floats, golf carts and civic groups, followed by a full day of live music, food, drinks, vendors and children’s activities. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and the festival runs till 4 p.m.
March 14, Surfside Beach BBQ Festival
Enjoy the smell of the salt air and the aroma of barbecue smoke at this community festival by Surfside Beach Pier. Dozens of competition barbecue teams will take part in the event, which features live music, contests and of course, samplings of barbecue. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March 14-22, 60th Annual Can-Am Days Festival
For six decades Myrtle Beach locals has been welcoming visitors from the Great White North to our sandy shores with the Can-Am Festival, a one-week celebration of good will between our two great nations. Various events are scheduled throughout the Grand Strand, including free and discounted tours in downtown Conway.
COMEDY & CONCERTS
March 8, Gladys Knight, The Carolina Opry
The seven-time Grammy Award winner brings her powerful vocals to the stage at The Carolina Opry for one night only. For more than 50 years Knight has turned out a steady stream of hits, including “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”, “If I Were Your Woman,” and “Every Beat of My Heart.” The curtain opens at 7 p.m.
March 10-14, Mr. Showtime, Comedy Cabana
The premiere comedy club on the Grand Strand welcomes the headline act Mr. Showtime to the stage for a week-long appearance. This off-the-wall comedian, whose real name is David Scott, throws audiences for a curve ball with his sharp-witted sarcasm and straight-jacket routine. He even holds the world record for the longest stand-up set of more than 40 hours. Two nightly shows start at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
March 14, The Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama Theatre
Country Music Hall of Fame act The Oak Ridge Boys, featuring its main lineup, takes the stage at the Alabama Theatre for one night only to perform some of their many hits, such as “Elvira,” “American Made,” and “Bobbie Sue.” The curtain opens at 7 p.m.
March 20, Blue October, House of Blues
This up-and-coming rock band brings its unique alternative sound to the House of Blue’s main concert hall. Led by frontman Justin Furstenfeld, Blue October has been winning over fans and climbing the charts during its most recent tour. Doors open at 7 p.m.
March 21, The Comedy of Rich Little, Alabama Theatre
Known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” Rich Little has entertained and imitated countless fans and celebrities over the span of his half-century career. Little has performed spot-on impersonations of Johnny Carson, Dean Martin, Richard Nixon and more. The comedy begins at 7 p.m.
THEATER & SHOWS
March 12-14, 37th Annual National Shag Dance Championships
South Carolina’s state dance, the Carolina Shag, was started on area beaches back in the mid-1900s. Decades later, the spirit of the dance is still alive and kicking with the national championships at the Spanish Galleon in North Myrtle Beach. After the finals, the dance clubs along Ocean Drive will be jumping.
March 21, “One Vision: The Music of Queen”, Myrtle Beach High School Performing Arts Center
The rock opera music of Queen and legendary frontman Freddie Mercury gets a unique interpretation when performed by the Long Bay Symphony and rock band Jeans ‘N Classics. The two genres make beautiful music together for one night only at the Myrtle Beach High School Performing Arts Center. The show starts at 7 p.m.
March 22, “Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson,” The Carolina Opry
Experience the enduring thrill of seeing “The King of Pop” on stage at The Carolina Opry, which presents this one-night reenactment of the late Michael Jackson’s live shows. Featuring some of the top tribute artists in action, “Invincible” captures the magic of a Jackson performance throughout his illustrious career. Showtime is 7 p.m.
TIPS & TIDBITS
(video 5, Brittain Rewards)
March 1 signals the start of the spring season for our Brittain Rewards program, which offers free and discounted tickets to local attractions for guests at Compass Cove. The spring lineup features one complimentary adult admissions to Broadway Grand Prix, Brookgreen Gardens and The Simpsons in 4D, one free child admission to Medieval Times, discounted tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium and free and unlimited DVD rentals at the resort for a total value of over $150. Sign up for Brittain Rewards at https://www.brittainreshttps://www.brittainresorts.com/brittain-rewards/orts.com/brittain-rewards/.
March 1 also marks the return of parking meters to Myrtle Beach, so be sure to keep some spare change or a credit card on hand when you venture off property. Of course, on-site parking is free for Compass Cove guests. So is use of the on-site amenities, including indoor pools, water slides, lazy rivers and hot tubs, as well as dining at the Crow’s Nest Lounge and Compass Rose Restaurant.
Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort is offering several specials for the entire month of March, including our Friends & Family Sale that allows guests to save up to 35 percent off accommodations. Check in on a Sunday and receive an additional 5 percent off with our Sunday Super Saver special, and receive discounts on meals at the Compass Cove Restaurant with our Bed & Breakfast package.
