Celebrate America’s 250th on a spirited July 4th at Pawleys Island
This year’s July 4th events will be extra special as America celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary, and, here on and around Pawleys Island, there are a number of Independence Day patriotic events planned.
Among the events are a time capsule reveal in nearby Georgetown, parades on land and water, live music concerts, fireworks, and more, but, by far, the most celebrated on Pawleys is the 60th anniversary of the island’s July 4th parade.
Keep reading for some of the best options for celebrating in the area:
60th annual Pawleys Island July 4th Parade
This fun community event hosted by the Town of Pawleys Island allows everyone to express their patriotism on Saturday, July 4. Visitors and locals alike parade down the Island in anything that becomes a makeshift float – be it a boat, car, or flatbed truck – all of which will be decorated in a variety of themes incorporating red, white, and blue.
The parade, with the theme, “America 250, Pawleys Parade 60,” begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the South Causeway. The South Causeway will close at 9 a.m. except for vehicles participating in the parade. The North Causeway will remain open to traffic until 10 a.m.
To enter a float in the parade, stop by the Town Hall, 323 Myrtle Ave., Pawleys Island, to fill out an application. The cost to enter is $20 in advance, but the day of the parade, the fee is $30. Applications will be available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the day of the parade.
Trophy categories include Best Overall Float 1st, 2nd & 3rd place; Best House; and Best Dock. For more information, call 843-237-1698 or email Daniel at info@townofpi.com.
July 4th is a family tradition for many vacationers. Click here to read a story about three families who have, for generations, been visiting Pawleys Island every July 4th.
(Photo courtesy of the Town of Pawleys Island)
Patriotic Flyover along beaches
Crowds will gather on local beaches in Garden City, Litchfield, Pawleys Island and Georgetown around 1 p.m. for the annual Salute From the Shore on Saturday, July 4. A variety of military planes will fly along the entire South Carolina coastline to the thrill of patriotic crowds.
The estimated time of arrival for the planes, coming from the north to the south, is 1:04 p.m. for Murrells Inlet and 1:06 p.m. for Pawleys Island.
You can help support Salute From the Shore by doing any or all of these things:
- Go “BIG” — Get a huge flag or get creative and head to the beach on July 4th in red, white, and blue.
- Record your salute on camera and share it with the world – on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, a blog, or any other place you want.
- Take photos during the event. Photos of the aircraft are great. Photos of people saluting aircraft are better.
- Tag your Salute images and videos with #SalutefromtheShore
- Make it personal. Whether you love someone serving overseas or remember a fallen hero, share your tribute. You can do that by clicking here.
(Photo by Mark A. Stevens/Georgetown County Chamber)
Carolina Days Celebrations
Get your tri-corner hats and bonnets ready. This year marks America’s 250th on the Hammock Coast anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, a major victory in the American Revolution that helped turn the tide of the war. To commemorate this milestone, the Georgetown 250 Committee is hosting Carolina Days Celebration, a series of events from June 27 to July 5, 2026. Make plans to attend the following events to learn about the history, places, and people that contributed to Georgetown County’s role in the American Revolution.
Don’t miss the chance to celebrate America’s 250th on the Hammock Coast with your friends and family as we come together for this historic event.
South Carolina played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Our state witnessed more Revolutionary War engagements than any other, and the Battle of Sullivan’s Island on June 28, 1776 marked one of the first significant victories for the Patriot cause. The courage shown that day by South Carolinians defending their home set the tone for the resilience and independence that would define a new nation. Each year, Carolina Day across the state honors that legacy, and in 2026, its anniversary will be even more meaningful as it coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
Saturday, June 27 – Carolina Day/Opening Ceremony
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Join the Georgetown County community at the Georgetown Growers Market for the opening ceremony to kick off the keek-long Carolina Days Celebration to mark the nation’s 250th birthday. The Colonial-themed event will feature the presentation of the colors by the Georgetown Fire Department Color Guard, patriotic music, and speeches by local dignitaries. A large copy of the Declaration of Independence will be available for all to sign!
Sunday, June 28 – Carolina Day
5-6 p.m. – A commemorative program starting at Francis Marion Park honoring the famous Battle of Fort
Sullivan with a procession to Joseph Rainey Park, where the Charters of Freedom will be discussed.
Monday, June 29 – Explore Georgetown
10 a.m.–4 p.m. -– Spend a day exploring Georgetown County’s museums and historic sites to learn about the
history, stories, and people that helped shape the American Revolution. Special programs and/or discounted admission
will be offered. See the list of participating venues at https://sc250georgetown.org/events/explore-georgetown/
Tuesday, June 30 -– Carolina Kids
10 a.m.– 1 p.m. — A Fox Hunt is coming to Georgetown! Don’t miss out on the fun-filled day at the Kaminski House
for the Foxes on Front ribbon-cutting, hands-on kids’ activities, and the inaugural Foxes on Front “Fox” hunt.
Thursday, July 2 -– Honor Georgetown Patriots Tour
10 a.m.– 1 p.m. — Recognizing Revolutionary-era veterans and historical gravesites throughout Georgetown County,
including a commemoration program and special tour at Prince George Winyah historical graveyard where 13
Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Learn what life was like in Georgetown during their time. Advance registration
required at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/patriots-tour.
Saturday, July 4 – Independence Day Celebration
9:30-10 a.m. — Join the fun for the 1976 Georgetown Time Capsule opening at the Georgetown County Courthouse.
6:30-9 p.m. – Enjoy a patriotic evening of music, kids’ activities, and fireworks on the lawn of the Kaminski House.
Sunday, July 5 – The Great Georgetown Cookout!
4-7 p.m. – This free community event at Maritime Park on Front Street in Georgetown is an opportunity for neighbors to come together to
share a communal meal of hamburgers and hotdogs, slow down, and connect with others in the community.
Visit www.sc250georgetown.org/events for more event details.
Georgetown Indigo Choral Society Concert and July 4th fireworks
Spend Independence Day in historic Georgetown on the lawn of the historic Kaminski House Museum, 1003 Front St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. You can experience a one-of-a-kind patriotic performance by the Indigo Choral Society.
Come out, bring a chair, your favorite snacks, and camp out on the lawn for the concert of beautiful music. Also., stick around for a fireworks display over Georgetown Harbor.
Georgetown’s celebrated fireworks start at around 9:30 p.m. Directed by the Georgetown City Fire Department, fireworks will be set off at Morgan Park. They can be seen from East Bay Park and along the Harborwalk in Georgetown.
Murrells Inlet July 4th Boat Parade
The 43rd annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, with the theme, “Floating on Freedom” will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Boats decorated in patriotic themes will start at the point of Garden City Beach and make their way through Murrells Inlet, along the waterfront. Lineup starts at 9 a.m.
Preferred viewing areas are along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Belin United Methodist Church, and Morse Park Landing.
Enjoy live music along with great food and drinks throughout the day. Be sure to get down to the MarshWalk early to snag yourself a good parking spot. Restaurants will be offering live music before the show begins! So, come out and relax before the show with a delicious meal and cocktail at one of our eight MarshWalk restaurants!
The parade committee would like to remind participants and spectators to protect our coastal wetlands and refrain from littering during this event. Boat and dock decorating participants are asked to avoid incorporating elements into their design that involve throwing objects into the water, including water balloons, which pollute the environment and are harmful to the local wildlife.
Commemorative T-shirts will be available, with proceeds benefiting the Belin United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop 396. For more information about the event or where to buy T-shirts, visit the event’s Facebook page at Murrells Inlet Boat Parade.
Fourth of July fireworks celebration in Murrells Inlet
The annual fireworks display over the scenic waterfront along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is an iconic event on the Hammock Coast.
Following dinner at any of the MarshWalk’s member restaurants, the live music and the fun times along the half-mile-long MarshWalk, it’s time to end the July 4th holiday with a 20-minute fireworks display that truly lights up the sky.
The show starts around 10 p.m. and is sure to delight folks of all ages.
For more information, visit the MarshWalk Facebook here.
Compiled by Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown Coun