What to Do in Myrtle Beach, SC This Week: January 2026 News and Events

Welcome to mid-January in Myrtle Beach, SC. Cooler mornings, bright afternoons, and quieter shores make this a great week to explore community activities, give back, and enjoy the coast at a slower pace. Here is what is happening now, plus a few dates to pencil in later this month.

This Week: Jan 11-17 Highlights

• Sunrise Stretch and Stroll - Sun Jan 11, 7:15-8:00 am, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Pavilion area. Gentle warm-up and a brisk walk along the oceanfront. Free; bring a mat or towel.
• Library Family Storytime - Mon Jan 12, 10:00-10:30 am, Chapin Memorial Library. Interactive stories and songs for ages 2-6 with caregivers.
• Winter Bird Walk - Tue Jan 13, 8:00-9:30 am, Myrtle Beach State Park Nature Center. Ranger-led walk to spot loons, gulls, and wintering shorebirds. Dress in layers; small parking fee may apply at the gate.
• Community Blood Drive - Wed Jan 14, 11:00 am-3:00 pm, General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center. Walk-ins welcome; bring photo ID and hydrate.
• Community Art Night - Thu Jan 15, 5:30-7:30 pm, Local art museum galleries and studio. Hands-on activities for teens and adults; materials provided while supplies last.
• Market Common Winter Stroll - Fri Jan 16, 5:00-7:00 pm, The Market Common. Live acoustic music in the plaza, twinkle lights, and family-friendly lawn games.
• Boardwalk 5K Fun Run - Sat Jan 17, 8:30 am start, 9th Avenue N oceanfront. All paces welcome; strollers friendly. Warm-up at 8:15 am; water station at halfway point.
• Winter Beach Cleanup - Sat Jan 17, 10:00-11:30 am, 14th Avenue Pier access. Gloves and bags provided; service hour forms available for students.

Family Fun and Learning

Between events, families can explore the boardwalk arcades when the sun is out and winds are calm. The library offers quiet study nooks and a teen zone for homework or chess. At the state park, the nature center has touch tables and rotating displays about coastal habitats; check the desk for junior ranger booklets.

Outdoors and Wellness

Winter is prime time for calm beach walks and sunrise photo ops. Tides can run higher with seasonal fronts, so check the morning tide chart before heading out. Cyclists will find lighter traffic along Farrow Parkway and in neighborhood loops; use lights at dusk and share the path with pedestrians. Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach in winter; carry waste bags and give anglers a wide berth.

Arts, Music, and Community

Local choruses and small ensembles often rehearse publicly at community centers this time of year. If you sing or play, ask about drop-in nights. Several coffeehouse open mics pop up on weeknights with poetry, comedy, and acoustic sets; sign-ups typically begin 30 minutes prior to start time. Bring cash for tip jars and consider trying a dry January mocktail if you are taking a reset.

Later This Month: Save the Date

• MLK Day of Service Projects - Mon Jan 19, morning and afternoon shifts citywide. Park beautification, food pantry sorting, and coastal litter sweeps. All ages welcome with adult supervision.
• Winter Wildlife Talk: Sea Turtles in the Off-Season - Thu Jan 22, 6:00-7:00 pm, Myrtle Beach State Park classroom. Naturalist presentation and Q and A.
• Chili Cook-Off and Game Day - Sat Jan 24, noon-3:00 pm, The Market Common green. Tastings, lawn games, and family zone.
• Community Recycling Drop-Off Day - Sun Jan 25, 9:00 am-noon, city services lot. Electronics, cardboard, and household plastics; check accepted items before loading.
• Local Authors Evening - Wed Jan 28, 6:30-7:45 pm, Chapin Memorial Library. Short readings and book signings.
• Winter Farmers Pop-Up - Sat Jan 31, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, downtown plaza. Produce, baked goods, and coastal crafts.

Quick Tips for the Week

• Dress in layers. Mornings can feel chilly with ocean breeze, warming by midday.
• Parking is generally relaxed in winter, but watch posted signs near the boardwalk and piers.
• Carry a refillable water bottle; many events offer water stations but cups may be limited.
• Sun protection still matters. Even in January, coastal glare can be strong.

Have a great week exploring Myrtle Beach. If you host a community program in February, start sending details now so neighbors can plan ahead.