Annual Folly Beach Polar Plunge returns New Year’s Day
from Staff Reports
Folly Beach is kicking off 2026 with one of its quirkiest and chilliest traditions: the Bill Murray Look-a-Like Polar Plunge. The New Year’s Day event returns Thursday, Jan. 1, inviting locals and visitors alike to celebrate the Lowcountry’s most beloved funnyman while dashing into the Atlantic for a cause that’s uniquely Folly—good humor, community spirit, and a willingness to get very, very cold.
The festivities take place beachside at the Tides Hotel, with the party beginning at 11 a.m. as participants line up for the popular costume contest. Organizers encourage everyone to dress as their favorite Bill Murray character—whether that’s Dr. Peter Venkman from Ghostbusters, Carl Spackler from Caddyshack, Phil Connors from Groundhog Day, or even the man himself. Past years have seen everything from full movie ensembles to creative twists inspired by Murray’s many comedic moments around Charleston.
At noon sharp, the crowd will gather at the shoreline for the plunge, a bracing sprint into the “chilly” Atlantic that somehow always feels colder than the year before. Commemorative T-shirts will be available, and spectators are welcome to cheer on the brave (and the costumed) as they take the icy dip.
The plunge serves as the grand finale to Folly Beach’s New Year’s weekend celebrations, following the annual Flip Flop Drop and fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. Together, the events draw thousands to the island each year for a fun, family-friendly way to ring in the new year.
But the fun doesn’t stop once everyone thaws out. A New Year’s Day afterparty kicks off at Pinky’s, featuring food and drink specials and live music rolling until 4 p.m. It’s a warm, lively way to recover from the plunge—and a perfect excuse to keep the celebration going.
The polar plunge serves as the grand finale to Folly Beach’s New Year’s weekend festivities, following the Flip Flop Drop at midnight and fireworks show at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re diving in headfirst or staying bundled up on the sand, the Bill Murray Polar Plunge remains a uniquely Folly tradition. Bring your costume … and your courage.
The Bill Murray Look-a-Like Polar Plunge will be held on Thursday, Jan. 1, at noon, beachfront of Tides, located at 1 Center St. For more information, www.visitfolly.com.
