If your family loves Halloween—but prefers festive fun over anything too frightening—you need to visit the City of Halloween in Conway, South Carolina.
Throughout October, Downtown Conway transforms into a walkable Halloween destination filled with pumpkins, skeletons, witches, creative displays, themed parks and plenty of fun photo opportunities. It feels like the entire city has joined together to create one giant Halloween experience.
As a Myrtle Beach-area mom, I love finding seasonal activities that are fun for both kids and adults. Conway’s City of Halloween is one of those outings where you can walk around, explore at your own pace, grab dinner or a treat and enjoy the decorations without purchasing a ticket for every stop.
Here is everything families need to know before visiting the City of Halloween South Carolina in 2026.
When Is the City of Halloween in Conway?
The 2026 Conway City of Halloween Celebration is scheduled for October 1–31, 2026, in Downtown Conway, South Carolina. The decorations and displays are located throughout the downtown area, including Main Street, Laurel Street, Second Avenue, Third Avenue, Kingston Street and the Riverwalk.
The City of Conway ceremonially transforms into the “City of Halloween, South Carolina” each October, filling its historic downtown with elaborate seasonal displays and special events.
Because individual activities and event times may vary, check the official City of Halloween map and updates and the Conway Downtown Alive event calendar before visiting.
Is the City of Halloween Good for Kids?
Yes! The outdoor displays throughout Downtown Conway are generally designed to be festive, imaginative and family-friendly.
You will find skeletons, giant pumpkins, witches, glowing decorations and spooky characters throughout the route. Some younger or more sensitive children may find certain skeletons or darker displays a little spooky, especially after sunset, but the overall atmosphere is playful rather than terrifying.
For the best experience with younger children, consider arriving in the late afternoon. Your family can see the displays during daylight, eat dinner downtown and then walk through part of the route again after dark when the lights come on.
City of Halloween 2026 Display Locations
The official map highlights 17 Halloween displays and themed locations around Downtown Conway:
- Kingston Boo Park
- Pumpkin Trees
- Haunticleer Tailgate
- Haunted City Hall
- Garden RUN!
- Witch’s Garden
- The Great Pumpkin Oak
- Town Scream
- Shiverwalk
- Dragon’s Perch
- Tunnel of Bones
- The Terror
- Water Tower
- Dancin’ With the Dead
- Boo Fly Express
- Ghoulies Harbor
- Shiverfront Park
The map only highlights some of the city’s Halloween decorations, so keep your eyes open as you walk. You may discover additional displays, decorated storefronts and fun seasonal details along the way.
Don’t Miss the Shiverwalk
Conway’s Riverwalk becomes the Shiverwalk during the Halloween season. Located along the Waccamaw River, this scenic area is beautiful during the day and takes on an entirely different atmosphere after dark.
The Riverwalk is one of my favorite parts of Downtown Conway at any time of year, but the Halloween decorations make it even more memorable. It is also a great place to slow down and enjoy the view after walking through the busier downtown streets.
Keep children close near the river, especially when visiting after sunset.
Where to Park for the City of Halloween
Public on-street parking is available throughout Downtown Conway.
The city enforces a two-hour parking limit Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Be sure to check nearby signs when choosing a parking spot because restrictions may vary by location.
The official map also identifies several public parking areas throughout downtown, including parking near Main Street, Third Avenue, Second Avenue and Laurel Street.
ADA Reserved Parking
A designated ADA reserved parking area is shown on the official map near Second Avenue and Laurel Street.
Visitors with mobility needs should use the designated downtown ADA parking because the complimentary shuttle is not ADA accessible.
Rideshare Drop-Off and Pick-Up
The designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up area is located at:
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC
This can be a helpful option during popular events or on especially busy October weekends.
Free Parking and October Shuttle
Free parking and a complimentary shuttle are scheduled to be available Thursday through Sunday during October.
Shuttle hours: Thursday–Sunday, 4–10 p.m.
Parking address: 1330 Marina Drive, Conway, SC
Last shuttle departure: 10 p.m.
The parking area is accessible only from Ashpond Road at Marina Drive. Marina Drive is closed, so visitors should follow the posted traffic signs and approach the parking area from Ashpond Road.
Please note that the shuttle is not ADA accessible. Guests with mobility needs should use the designated ADA parking area downtown.
How Long Should You Plan to Visit?
I recommend allowing approximately two to three hours to explore the City of Halloween with children.
Your visit may take longer if you plan to:
- Stop for dinner or dessert
- Take photos at several displays
- Walk along the entire Riverwalk
- Shop at downtown businesses
- Attend one of Conway’s scheduled Halloween events
- See the decorations during both daylight and nighttime
Families with younger children may prefer to divide the route into sections instead of trying to visit every display in one evening.
Tips for Visiting the City of Halloween With Kids
Arrive Before Sunset
Arriving in the late afternoon makes parking and navigating the displays easier. Children can see the decorations in daylight before everything becomes darker and spookier.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The displays are spread throughout Downtown Conway, so expect plenty of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must for both children and adults.
Bring a Stroller or Wagon
A stroller or wagon can be helpful for younger children, especially if your family plans to explore the full downtown route.
Take a Picture of the Map
Save the City of Halloween map to your phone before arriving. You can also scan the QR code on the printed map to access the interactive Google Map.
Bring a Flashlight
A small flashlight can make it easier to navigate sidewalks, parking areas and the Riverwalk after dark.
Dress for the Weather
October weather along the Grand Strand can be surprisingly warm during the afternoon and much cooler after sunset. Layers are helpful if you plan to stay into the evening.
Set Expectations With Sensitive Children
The City of Halloween is designed to be fun, but some displays contain skeletons, ghosts and spooky scenes. Showing children a few pictures before your visit can help them know what to expect.
Support Downtown Conway Businesses
Turn your Halloween walk into a complete family outing by visiting a local restaurant, bakery, coffee shop or boutique. Downtown Conway has plenty of places to stop before or after exploring the displays.
Is the City of Halloween Free?
Walking through Downtown Conway and viewing the outdoor Halloween decorations is free.
Some separately scheduled activities, attractions, tours or special events may require admission, reservations or advance registration. Always check the official event calendar before attending a specific activity.
How Far Is Conway From Myrtle Beach?
Downtown Conway is approximately 15 miles from central Myrtle Beach, although drive time will depend on traffic and your starting location.
That makes the City of Halloween an easy fall day trip for families staying in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet and other areas along the Grand Strand.
Why Families Should Visit the City of Halloween
What makes Conway’s City of Halloween special is that the experience extends throughout the downtown area. It is not simply one decorated building or a single evening event. Families can walk from display to display, discover small details, visit local businesses and experience the charm of historic Conway along the way.
The decorations feel creative and community-driven, and there is something exciting about watching a familiar downtown transform into a completely different place for October.
Whether your children are excited to see the Pumpkin Trees, walk through the Tunnel of Bones, explore Kingston Boo Park or take pictures along the Shiverwalk, there are plenty of memorable stops to discover.
Plan Your Visit to Conway’s City of Halloween
The City of Halloween South Carolina celebration runs October 1–31, 2026, throughout Downtown Conway.
Before leaving home, check the official interactive map, confirm parking or shuttle information and review the calendar for any special events happening during your visit.
If you are searching for a family-friendly Halloween activity near Myrtle Beach, Downtown Conway’s City of Halloween deserves a spot on your fall bucket list.
Have you visited the City of Halloween in Conway? Let me know which display your family loves most!
Event details, traffic patterns, shuttle operations and display locations may change. Confirm current information with the City of Conway before your visit.
