Conway, SC, officially renames as The City of Halloween/ Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach

FALLING FOR MYRTLE BEACH: The Beach comes alive in ‘secret season’

Canadians notably know Myrtle Beach in the Spring when the city’s iconic Can-Am Days come to life. In 2026, the 65th annual event will take place from March 13 to 22 with a celebration of the friendship between the South Carolina destination and Canada, and where visitors from north of the border are “welcomed, expected, appreciated and embraced” and offered a comprehensive program of activities and deep discounts on accommodations, attractions, shopping and more.

But until then, Myrtle Beach thrives as a year-round destination and Fall, in particular, is filled with charming festivals, lively concerts and community celebrations that highlight the best of the season along 100 kilometres of coastline.

Often called The Beach’s “secret season,” Stuart Butler, President of Visit Myrtle Beach says “Fall in Myrtle Beach is filled with experiences that show off what makes this place so special. Great food, live music and our coastal culture come together with beautiful weather to create unforgettable moments for families and friends.”

Here’s a look at some upcoming activities:

  • Nights at Nance Fall Concert Series (All October): Enjoy live music on Thursdays at Nance Plaza in downtown Myrtle Beach, featuring performances from local and regional artists.
  • Cruisin’ The Beach Car Show (Oct. 16-19): Admire the modern, classic, muscle and vintage cars at Broadway at the Beach while enjoying vendor booths, food, drinks and more.
  • Myrtle Beach Greek Festival (Oct. 16-19): Hosted by St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, this beloved festival celebrates Greek culture and authentic cuisine, traditional dancing and handcrafted goods.
  • Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival (Oct. 17-19): Groove to live jazz performances by local and national musicians at this festival held near the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
  • Loris Bog-Off Festival (Oct. 18): In its 46th year, this long-standing tradition celebrates the savory, Southern dish, chicken bog, with a day of competitions, live music, food and fun in the historic town of Loris.
  • The Grand Strand Chef’s Table (Oct. 23): Hosted at Pine Lakes Country Club, this inaugural culinary showcase brings local chefs and James Beard–recognized talent together to serve inventive tasting plates with proceeds supporting JBF’s Good Food for Good mission.

Halloween

Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Grand Strand becomes especially enchanting throughout October as it transforms into a Halloween haven where frightfully fun celebrations abound.

“October brings a playful spirit to the Grand Strand with pumpkin patches, festivals, costumes and haunted happenings popping up all around,” says Denielle Van Dyke, Public Relations Manager, Visit Myrtle Beach.

From eerie ghost tours and haunted pirate ships to family-friendly trick-or-treating at some of Myrtle Beach’s favourite hot spots, Halloween festivities can be found all across the Grand Strand, with spooky fun for all ages.

In particular, each October, the historic city of Conway transforms into the “City of Halloween,” S.C. where nearly every inch of the charming riverfront district overflows with creativity, spooky fun and surprises. Nationally recognized for unmatched attention to detail, Conway’s Halloween displays have become a point of pride for the community, with each year outshining the last.

Visitors can stroll beneath nearly 3,000 glowing pumpkins, browse seasonal crafts and treats, and explore immersive experiences like Skeleton Alley, the Tunnel of Bones and a haunted pirate ship. This year brings fresh thrills with the inaugural Graveyard Grand Prix Coffin Races on Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. where costumed teams race handcrafted coffins in a high-energy display of imagination and small-town charm.

For additional information and event details, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

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