Halloween is creeping onto the Grand Strand, and one of the best family stops is BooFest! at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 24, 2026, when the shopping and dining complex turns into a playground of costumes, contests, and spooky fun from noon to 4 p.m.
- What: BooFest! Halloween celebration
- When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Barefoot Landing, 4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Contest registration: Starts at 11 a.m.
- Bonus: Free showing of Hocus Pocus at 7 p.m.
Costume Contests: Time to Show Off
The costume contests are the highlight of the day. Whether your little one is a superhero, a classic Halloween character, a cute animal, or something totally original, there’s a spot on the stage for them. Here’s the schedule:
- 12 p.m.: Ages 3 and younger
- 1 p.m.: Ages 4–7
- 2 p.m.: Ages 8–12
- 3 p.m.: Pet costume contest
Registration opens at 11 a.m., so plan to arrive early enough to sign up and get settled before your age group’s turn. According to Visit Myrtle Beach, prizes go to first, second, and third place in each of the kids’ categories, which adds a little friendly competition to the afternoon.
More Halloween Fun Around the Stage
BooFest! is about more than costumes. Expect costumed stilt walkers, vendor booths, children’s activities, and other Halloween-themed entertainment throughout the afternoon. Everything centers on the Dockside Village Stage, across from Lulu’s, so it’s easy to find and easy to wander between activities.
Bring your camera. Between the costumes, the Halloween decorations, and the scenery around the lake, you’ll have plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Turn It Into a Full Day at Barefoot Landing
BooFest! pairs well with a relaxed day at the boardwalk. Before or after the festivities, you can stroll along the waterfront, browse the shops, grab lunch or dinner, pick up a sweet treat, and enjoy the views. Barefoot Landing mixes shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor attractions in a laid-back boardwalk setting, so there’s something for everyone in your group.
Stay for Movie Night
The fun doesn’t have to end at 4 p.m. Visit Myrtle Beach lists a free showing of the original Hocus Pocus at 7 p.m. on the Dockside Village Stage after the daytime festivities. Have an early dinner nearby, then come back for a full Halloween evening.
Halloween Weekend Isn’t Over Yet
If your family wants even more candy, Barefoot Landing also hosts Trick or Treat on the following Saturday, October 31. Check the Barefoot Landing website for the latest details on times and participating shops.
Make It a Halloween Getaway
With BooFest! on October 24 and Halloween the weekend after, October is a great time for a Grand Strand trip. Start with a Myrtle Stays vacation rental, then find more to do on our Experiences page and the Myrtle Stays blog. Bringing the whole crew? Our 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom rentals give everyone room to spread out after a day of costumes and candy.
Plan Your BooFest! Visit
- Event: BooFest! at Barefoot Landing
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Barefoot Landing, 4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Contests: Kids’ costume contests at 12, 1, and 2 p.m., pet contest at 3 p.m.
- Registration: Begins at 11 a.m.
So grab the costumes, bring the family, and get ready for an afternoon of spooky smiles and Halloween fun on the Grand Strand. Ready to plan your trip? Browse our vacation rentals or call us at (843) 702-9979.
