If there is one thing Conway knows how to do, it is Halloween. Every October, our city transforms into Halloween, SC, and what started as a fun local celebration has grown into a major attraction that draws visitors from across the state and beyond. Downtown is covered in elaborate decorations, the calendar is packed with events, and there is something spooky happening practically every weekend. In 2026, Conway is celebrating with more than 200 events and themed displays throughout the month.
As someone who lives here, Halloween, SC has become one of my favorite parts of fall. We usually make it to several events throughout October, and this year I'm kicking things off at the Big BOO-ginning. I also did the Conway Ghost Walk last year, and a stop at the pumpkin patch at the Methodist Church has become one of my favorite fall traditions. So, if you're planning to experience Halloween, SC this year, here are some of the things you won't want to miss.
Explore the City of Halloween
You don't need a ticket to experience Halloween, SC. One of my favorite things about it is simply walking around downtown and taking in all of the decorations. In 2026, different areas of downtown have their own movie-inspired themes, with displays like the Shiverwalk, Skeleton Orphanage, Ghoulnies Harbor, Tunnel of Bones and Great Pumpkin Oak. There are photo opportunities around practically every corner, and it's easy to spend an afternoon or evening exploring everything.
If you want to make sure you don't miss anything, the City of Halloween has an attractions map that makes it easy to plan your route.
View the City of Halloween Attractions Map
Kick Off October at the Big BOO-ginning
The Big BOO-ginning officially kicks off Halloween, SC on October 1. The evening includes a costume march through downtown, live entertainment and a costume contest, making it a fun way to start the month. And, as I write this, I'm actually getting ready to head downtown for tonight's celebration!
If you see someone walking around downtown with a camera and a pregnant belly, there's a good chance it's me taking approximately 700 pictures.
Don't Skip the Pumpkin Patch
One of my personal fall traditions is stopping by the pumpkin patch at the Methodist Church. It's one of those simple things that just feels like fall, and it's also a great place to get some classic fall pictures.
Whether you're looking for a pumpkin to take home, want to get the kids out for a fall activity or just want to enjoy the scenery, it's an easy stop to add to your Halloween, SC plans.
Put These Events on Your Calendar
There is a lot happening throughout October, so you could practically fill your calendar with Halloween events. A few of the bigger ones to keep on your radar include:
Witches, Wizards & Wine — October 8 & 22: A fun evening for adults with a magical twist.
Conway Ghost Walk — October 14–16: I did the Ghost Walk last year and really enjoyed getting to hear the spooky stories and legends surrounding historic Conway. The roughly one-mile walking tour takes you through the historic district and combines local history with plenty of scares. Reservations are required, so don't wait until the last minute if you want to go.
Graveyard Grand Prix Coffin Races — October 17: Teams race handmade, human-powered coffins through downtown while dressed in costume. It's one of those events that is equal parts ridiculous and entertaining.
The Witching Hour Candlelight Concert — October 21: The Horry County Museum will host a Halloween-themed candlelight concert featuring a Long Bay Symphony woodwind quintet.
Under a Broadway Spell — October 22–25 & 29–November 1: Theatre of the Republic will bring a Halloween-themed Broadway revue to Main Street Theatre.
Murder Mystery on Elm — October 24: Put your detective skills to work with a Halloween-themed murder mystery downtown.
Scare in the Square — October 25: A family-friendly wrestling show at the Town Green.
Serial Killer Speakeasy — October 30–31: If your idea of Halloween is a little darker, this immersive experience is geared toward adults looking for something on the scarier side.
And that's still only scratching the surface. The full City of Halloween event calendar is the best place to see everything happening throughout the month.
Shop, Eat and Explore Downtown
The local businesses are a big part of what makes Halloween, SC feel like such an experience. October is a great time to grab dinner at a downtown restaurant, browse the shops, check out the decorations and stop by the Midnight Market, which runs Thursday through Sunday evenings throughout October at the Town Green.
You don't have to attend a ticketed event to have a fun evening downtown. Pick a night that works for you, explore at your own pace and support some of the local businesses along the way.
Bring the Kids
There are plenty of family-friendly ways to experience Halloween, SC, too. One of the new additions for 2026 is the Children's Pirate Ship Adventure, which takes little pirates out on the Waccamaw River for a Halloween-themed experience complete with treasure hunting and a visit from Pete the skeleton.
There are also free movie nights, the downtown decorations, the pumpkin patch, the Midnight Market and plenty of other family-friendly events happening throughout the month.
Want Something Scarier?
If you're looking for more than cute pumpkins and photo opportunities, Conway has plenty of that, too. Fear Factory features three haunted attractions — Elm Street Asylum, Kingston Hallow Spooky Maze and Conway Haunted Manor — all in downtown Conway. There are also the Ghost Walk, Serial Killer Speakeasy and other events throughout the month for anyone who prefers their Halloween on the scarier side.
Plan Your Parking Before You Go
With so many people coming to Conway throughout October, parking can get busy, especially Thursday through Sunday evenings. On-street parking is available downtown, but there is also a free parking and shuttle option at 1330 Marina Drive Thursday through Sunday from 4–10 p.m. The lot is accessed from Ashpond Road, and the last shuttle leaves downtown at 10 p.m.
View the 2026 City of Halloween Parking Map before you head out so you can have a plan when you arrive.
I'd also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, especially if you're planning to walk through downtown and the Riverwalk. Trust me — you can cover a lot of ground without realizing it!
Halloween, SC has become one of those fall traditions that makes me especially proud to call Conway home. Between the elaborate decorations, packed event calendar, local businesses and family-friendly and spooky activities, there really is something for everyone.
Whether you're a local looking for something fun to do this month or you're visiting Conway specifically to experience Halloween, SC, there's plenty to explore. Grab your camera, put on your best Halloween spirit and get ready to see Conway in a whole new way.
Happy Halloween, SC!
