October on the Grand Strand Belongs to Halloween
The Grand Strand goes all in on Halloween every October, and 2026 is no exception. Between Conway turning its entire downtown into Halloween, SC, the witches of Murrells Inlet taking over the MarshWalk, and dozens of trunk-or-treats and family trick-or-treat nights across Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside, there is something fun happening almost every day of the month.
Dates and times can shift, so verify with the event host before you drive. Everything below reflects what the organizers had posted as of early October 2026.
Conway Becomes Halloween, SC for the Whole Month
Conway doubles as “Halloween, SC” every October, and the City of Halloween celebration runs the full month of October 2026. Downtown and the Riverwalk are decorated with Kingston Boo Park, the Pumpkin Trees, and the Shiverwalk, all free to walk through. The City of Conway and ConwayAlive.com publish the full event schedule, and there is a Halloween Market with vendors and treats running on evenings throughout the month.
Several ticketed and free experiences anchor the rest of the month. The Witches, Wizards & Wine costumed wine walk runs downtown on select October evenings. The Conway Ghost Walk, a one-mile guided storytelling tour, runs October 14 through 16 at 6 p.m., with advance tickets required. On October 17, the Graveyard Grand Prix coffin races take over Laurel Street, with teams pushing homemade coffins alongside live music, food trucks, vendors, and children’s activities. The month closes out with a Murder Mystery on Elm on October 24, the Serial Killer Speakeasy on October 30 and 31, and Halloween Day at Thompson Farm on October 31 featuring a corn maze and a candy helicopter drop around 4 p.m.
Conway is 20 minutes inland from Myrtle Beach and worth the trip in October. If the City of Halloween becomes an annual draw for your family, our Conway, SC real estate hub covers the neighborhoods close to downtown and the Riverwalk.
Grand Strand Witches’ Night in Murrells Inlet — October 17
The Grand Strand Witches’ Night is the signature adult Halloween event on the coast, and the 2026 edition is set for Saturday, October 17 at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. Hundreds of witches gather in full costume to wander the MarshWalk, hit the sales table and raffle, and keep the energy going at the restaurants and bars along the water. The event starts around 5 p.m., and costumes are welcome.
Beyond the fun, this one matters. Every dollar raised goes to the Children’s Recovery Center supporting sexually and physically abused kids in Horry and Georgetown counties. For event details, raffle info, and the current year’s schedule, check grandstrandwitchesnight.com before you head out.
Trunk-or-Treats Across the Grand Strand
Trunk-or-treats are a Grand Strand staple, and 2026 has a strong lineup. On Saturday, October 10, Carolina Coast hosts its annual Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival at 5 p.m. on Piedmont Avenue in Myrtle Beach. The following Saturday, October 17, CCMC runs its Trunk or Treat at The Hangout at 1181 Celebrity Circle in Myrtle Beach. And on Halloween night, Aynor Town Park holds its second annual Spooktacular Trunk or Treat starting at 6 p.m.
Trunk-or-treats tend to run short — usually 90 minutes to two hours — so arriving early matters when candy is the main event for a four-year-old. Church and business trunk-or-treats across Horry County fill in the rest of the calendar; a Facebook search for “trunk or treat Myrtle Beach 2026” usually turns up a dozen more neighborhood options.
Family Trick-or-Treat Nights at Grand Strand Attractions
If you want the controlled, well-lit, bring-a-stroller version of trick-or-treating, the Grand Strand’s big attractions deliver. On Thursday, October 29, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans host Trick-or-Treat at the Ballpark from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Pelicans Ballpark; admission is free but tickets are required to reserve spots.
On Halloween night itself, Saturday, October 31, three events run back-to-back and work well as a progression. Trick-or-treating at Broadway at the Beach runs 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with participating shops around the complex. Hometown Halloween at Market Common runs from 5 to 7 p.m., with shops displaying orange balloons handing out treats to kids. And Halloween Day at Thompson Farm in Conway runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the candy helicopter drop around 4 p.m.
Brookgreen Gardens also runs its annual Children’s Imagination Walk in Murrells Inlet, with a trail of pumpkin-marked activity stations for crafts, games, and candy. Check brookgreen.org for the 2026 dates.
A Few Local Tips Worth Knowing
Traffic along Highway 17 Bypass and 17 Business builds fast on October weekends, especially around Murrells Inlet during Witches’ Night and downtown Conway on event evenings. Parking fills early. The MarshWalk restaurants on October 17 will be at capacity by sunset, so reservations beat walk-ins by a wide margin.
For families moving to the Grand Strand or deciding where to settle, October is a telling month. The communities with the strongest Halloween traditions — Market Common, downtown Conway, Murrells Inlet, and the family neighborhoods around Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach — tend to have the same qualities that make them good year-round neighborhoods: walkability, community engagement, and an active calendar. New arrivals should also browse our overview of the pros and cons of moving to Myrtle Beach for the fuller lifestyle picture.
Key Takeaways
Conway runs City of Halloween all month with free decorations downtown and ticketed events like the Ghost Walk and coffin races. Grand Strand Witches’ Night takes over the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk on October 17 for a children’s charity. Trunk-or-treats run across the Grand Strand on October 10, 17, and 31, and Halloween night brings trick-or-treating to Broadway at the Beach, Market Common, and Thompson Farm. Verify times with each host before you go.
About Greg Harrelson
Greg Harrelson is a seasoned Realtor® with more than 30 years of experience serving the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand markets. As the founder of Century 21 The Harrelson Group, Greg has built his career helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve success in every corner of the coastal Carolina real estate market. His expertise spans residential homes, investment properties, land development, and coastal condos. Known for his deep local knowledge, innovative marketing strategies, and commitment to personal service, Greg consistently helps clients reach their real estate goals while navigating the ever-changing market with confidence and precision.
