The Bill Murray Polar Plunge on Folly Beach and the Dunleavy’s Polar Plunge on Sullivan’s Island marked festive New Year’s Day events in the Lowcountry on January 1, 2026.​
Folly Beach Event
The Bill Murray Polar Plunge started with costume contest registration at 10:30 a.m. by the Tides Hotel beach, followed by judging at 11 a.m. and the plunge at noon. Participants dressed as favorite Bill Murray characters like from Caddyshack or The Life Aquatic, honoring the actor’s local ties, with post-plunge specials at nearby spots.​
Sullivan’s Island Event
Dunleavy’s Pub opened at 9 a.m., with a beach walk at 1:30 p.m. leading to the 2 p.m. plunge, fundraising for Special Olympics South Carolina toward a $20,000 goal.​
Weather Conditions
Air temperatures hit the low to mid-50s under sunny skies, while ocean water hovered around 55 degrees, making for a brisk but bearable dip.
