43rd Annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade to brighten the Inlet on July 4
June 4, 2026
Garden City Beach, S.C. — The Murrells Inlet Boat Parade is ready to make waves again this Independence Day as the 43rd Annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade returns on Saturday, July 4. Proudly sponsored by the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk Group, this beloved local tradition will fill the Inlet with festive decorations, patriotic spirit, and plenty of hometown excitement.
2026 Theme: Floating on Freedom: Celebrating 250 Years
The parade will step off at its new start time of 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the point of Garden City Beach and travel through Murrells Inlet, reaching the MarshWalk at approximately 10:30 a.m. Organizers encourage boaters to arrive ready to celebrate and to use caution along the route, keeping in mind that high tide will not be until noon.
There is a $10 entry fee for each boat, and the committee is excited to welcome back the Best Decorated Boat awards. Trophies will be presented for first, second, and third place, along with an honorable mention, giving participants even more reason to go all out with their red, white, and blue creativity.
Spectators can catch the fun from some of the best viewing spots in the area, including the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Belin United Methodist Church, and Morse Park Landing.
Official parade T-shirts are available for \$10 each, with proceeds benefiting Murrells Inlet Boy Scout Troop 396. Shirts are currently available at Lee’s Inlet Apothecary, Conway National Bank in Murrells Inlet, and Garden City Realty.
The parade committee encourages all participants and spectators to help protect Murrells Inlet’s coastal wetlands by disposing of trash properly and avoiding littering during the event. Boat participants are also asked not to include elements that involve throwing objects into the water, including water balloons, which can pollute the environment and harm local wildlife.
For more information about the parade, contact [email protected] and follow Murrells Inlet Boat Parade on Facebook for updates, parade news, and more ways to join the celebration.
