Charleston has a reputation as one of America's most haunted cities, and its October calendar reflects it, running from family trick-or-treat nights to late-night costume parties. Here is a rundown of the main Charleston Halloween events and things to do around October 31. Several events take place in late October, but schedules vary by organizer, so confirm dates, times, and venues on each official event listing before you plan, since annual events can shift from year to year.
Charleston Halloween at a glance (2026)
- Ghost tours: guided haunted walks and carriage rides run year round; October is a popular time to take one
- Haunted attraction: Southern Screams: MACABRE at Holy City Brewing, North Charleston
- Family: The Charleston Museum's Halloween Edition evening, late October
- Adults (21+): King Street area bar crawls and the Skinful Halloween costume party
- Timing: many scheduled events take place in late October
Dates and prices change each year. Confirm on each event's official page before planning.
What Are the Best Charleston Halloween Events in 2026?
Charleston's Halloween season includes guided ghost tours, a seasonal haunted attraction in North Charleston, family activities at local museums, and adult costume parties.
Several events take place in late October, but schedules vary by organizer, so check the official event listing before making plans. Because Charleston leans on its history and its ghost stories, a lot of the season is built around guided tours and seasonal attractions rather than one central festival. That gives you options for almost any group, from children in costume to adults looking for a night out. The sections below break the season down by what you are after.
Ghost Tours and Haunted Walks
Charleston offers guided ghost walks throughout the year, including tours focused on the city's historic streets and reported ghost stories. Bulldog Tours offers a Ghost and Dungeon Tour that includes access to the Provost Dungeon at the Old Exchange. Old South Carriage Company also offers an evening Haunted Carriage Tour. Tour routes, departure times, age restrictions, and availability vary, so confirm the details with the operator before booking. October is a popular time for ghost tours, and reservations are recommended.
Haunted Houses and Spooky Attractions
Southern Screams: MACABRE returns to Holy City Brewing at 1021 Aragon Avenue in North Charleston for selected dates from September 25 through November 7, 2026. Check the official attraction schedule for operating nights and ticket information.
Boone Hall Plantation has discontinued its Fright Nights attraction. Visitors should not include Fright Nights in their 2026 plans, although other seasonal activities at Boone Hall may still be available. Confirm current attractions directly with each venue, since seasonal schedules change.
Family-Friendly Halloween in Charleston
The Charleston Museum's Nighttime at the Museum: Halloween Edition is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event includes trick-or-treating through the galleries, a scavenger hunt, and themed crafts. Reservations are required, and admission varies by membership and age.
For other family activities, check the current calendars of individual museums, farms, and community organizations. Daytime carriage tours and a walk through the historic district are easy, low-key ways to enjoy the season with children. Confirm the event date, admission, age requirements, and operating hours before visiting.
Halloween Bar Crawls and Costume Parties (21 and Up)
Several organizers list Halloween bar crawls in downtown Charleston around the final weekend of October, with the King Street area a common place to check in. These events have separate ticketing, schedules, and check-in arrangements, and participating venues may differ by organizer. Check the official ticket listing for the specific crawl you plan to attend, and note that these crawls are for guests aged 21 and up, with a government-issued photo ID required.
Skinful Halloween is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Building 64, 2301 Noisette Boulevard, in North Charleston. The event is for guests aged 21 and older, and costumes are required. Check the event's official ticket page for the latest lineup, admission details, and entry information.
Getting Around and Where to Stay
The downtown ghost tours and the King Street area bar crawls are within the walkable peninsula, while the Skinful party and the Southern Screams attraction are in North Charleston, a drive or rideshare away. If you would rather not deal with a car, see our guide on how to enjoy Charleston without a car, and if you are driving in, our Charleston parking breakdown covers your options. A central base makes the downtown events easier to reach on foot. The Iris Charleston is an apartment hotel at 84 Line Street, one block off King Street, with apartment-style suites, if you want a downtown spot to come back to after a late night out. For more of the season, see our guide to Christmas in Charleston, and if you are building a first-time trip around the holiday, our 3-day Charleston itinerary is a good starting point.
Halloween in Charleston FAQs
You can take a guided ghost tour or haunted carriage ride, visit the Southern Screams haunted attraction in North Charleston, join a 21-and-up bar crawl in the King Street area, or take children to The Charleston Museum's Halloween Edition evening. Confirm current dates on each event's official page.
Yes. Charleston has a reputation as one of America's most haunted cities, and its October calendar covers family events, a haunted attraction, and adult parties. Several events are scheduled for late October.
Several major events are scheduled for late October, including the bar crawls and costume parties around the final weekend of the month. Ghost tours run year round, so you can take one on any night in October.
If you enjoy history and ghost stories, a guided ghost walk or haunted carriage ride is a popular way to experience the season. Reservations are recommended, and you should confirm your start location and time with the operator.
Not for the downtown ghost tours and King Street area crawls, which are walkable from a central stay. You will want a car or rideshare for events in North Charleston, such as the Skinful party and the Southern Screams attraction.