Conway Prepares for Annual "Halloween SC" Transformation Starting October 1

For the fifth consecutive year, the mayor of Conway will officially proclaim the historic city on the Waccamaw River as "Halloween, South Carolina" for the entire month of October. Starting October 1, 2026, downtown Conway will adopt a seasonal, rebranded identity complete with new entry signage, thousands of plastic trick-or-treat buckets strung through live oak trees, and seasonal displays including a haunted pirate ship tied near the marina.

The monthlong transformation carries no legal force, meaning mail, property records, and utility bills will still reflect Conway. However, the event has grown into one of Horry County's largest fall tourism draws, bringing hundreds of thousands of pedestrian visits to the historic district each October.

The city funds its seasonal decorating budget—roughly $225,000 annually across all holidays—entirely through local hospitality fees collected on prepared food and beverage sales. Downtown business owners have consistently reported strong revenue increases during October, making the seasonal campaign a significant local economic driver.

With the heavy influx of visitors, residents and travelers should anticipate notable traffic delays on corridors feeding into downtown, including Highway 90, Highway 905, and routes coming from the beaches. Drivers who do not need to visit downtown Conway during October are advised to use the U.S. 501 Bypass to avoid central congestion.

City public works and public safety teams will implement traffic and parking management adjustments in and around the historic district throughout the month. The display will run through October 31, 2026, before city staff and volunteers begin dismantling the decorations overnight on November 1 to prepare for the winter holiday season.