Military Appreciation Days Parade & Family Picnic at Myrtle Beach

Military Appreciation Days Parade and Family Picnic is the centerpiece of a month-long salute to service members in Myrtle Beach. On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, you will see The Market Common, once home to the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, become a patriotic thoroughfare lined with spectators along Farrow Parkway.

The parade steps off at 10:00 AM with local JROTC units, marching bands, and a designated Grand Marshal. Past Grand Marshals have included Buzz Aldrin and Montel Williams, underscoring the event’s national resonance. For strong sightlines, we recommend claiming a spot near Farrow Parkway and Howard Avenue by 9:30 AM, and arriving around 9:15 AM to park in the peripheral lots before streets close.

The route finishes near Warbird Park, where vintage aircraft create one of the best backdrops for photos and post-parade moments. Bring folding chairs, sunscreen, and plenty of water; late-morning heat can build quickly. If you prefer to skip congestion, a rideshare drop-off near the retail district is often the simplest plan.

Around 11:30 AM, the day shifts to the Family Picnic on the Grand Park field, where you can settle in for live music, often including big band sets like the Andrew Thielen Big Band. Lunch is free to the public while supplies last, and military exhibits and aircraft displays typically remain available into the afternoon. Restrooms are accessible at the Grand Park athletic complex and nearby shops; dogs are usually welcome in park areas on a short leash, and light rain rarely stops festivities, though you should check city social channels for major weather updates. For the easiest logistics, stay within The Market Common or choose a modern hotel along the south end of Ocean Boulevard to keep both the route and the beach close at hand.