Some may call it low-season, but North Myrtle Beach is a year-round destination for a reason. October weather, fewer crowds, and an abundance of festivals help shine a light on local life here along the South Carolina coast.
Read on to learn what to expect and what NMB activities in the fall should be at the top of your to-do list when you stay at Grand Strand vacation home this October!
Why Visit North Myrtle Beach in October
Let us bring you in on a little secret: we love North Myrtle Beach in October. Fall festivals, live music, and low-key “off-season” vibes hit just right.
It’s Just More Chill
Life in North Myrtle Beach slows down in the heart of fall. The grand heights of summer crowds have dissipated, and the weather follows suit.
In October, visitors can enjoy comfortable temperatures, with average highs of 77 degrees. In addition, the water temperature along the coast remains at a relaxing and balmy temp of 72.
Enjoy slow mornings along the Grand Strand with your coffee in hand, all before the sounds of the rolling waves at Cherry Grove, which welcome you to a brand new day.
It’s the Perfect Time for Adventure
Life down by the beach here in South Carolina doesn’t get much better than the month of October. Yes, you now know how pleasant the weather promises to be. But that average temperature opens up an array of opportunities.
There may be no better time to break out the clubs and book a tee time at one of North Myrtle Beach’s top-shelf golf courses. Likewise, you can take advantage of the weather by kayaking along the oceanfront or exploring Little River on a stand-up paddleboard. Add in surfing, indoor water parks, a hikes through local parks, and you’ll have an itinerary packed with fall adventures.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
There’s great weather and all the adventure you can handle. But October in the North Myrtle Beach area has a sweet sense of joy. There are festivals and live entertainment events occurring throughout the month. The colorful atmosphere and community invigorates the coastline and creates endless ways to enjoy some family fun.
October Events in North Myrtle Beach
Here are some of our favorite fall festivals in North Myrtle Beach.
Halloween
It may be tucked in at the end of the month, but Halloween marks the peak of family fun here in North Myrtle Beach. Your getaway to NMB is about to become scarily fun.
In the days leading up to Halloween, you can visit a haunted house on North Ocean Boulevard, experience fright nights along the Boardwalk, costume contests, and all the trick-or-treat candy you and your little ones can handle.
Barefoot Landing Pumpkin Patch
Address: 4898 Highway 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Nothing quite says October, like giant pumpkins and an abundance of hay. NMB may not get that fall foliage like elsewhere in the United States, but it makes up for it with the Barefoot Landing Pumpkin Patch.
A traditional-style pumpkin patch, visitors explore this event every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In the Dockside Village, you can grab your own pumpkin for cheap, enjoy a classic hayride, or experience the Jack-o-Lantern inflatable.
Proceeds from the Barefoot Landing Pumpkin Patch are donated to help with local hurricane and flood relief.
Loris Bog-Off Festival
Address: Main Street, Loris, SC
Around 30 minutes northwest of North Myrtle Beach lies the Loris Bog-Off Festival. A staple of the October calendar, the festival has occurred every year since 1980.
It all started as a chicken bog cooking contest but has evolved into something grander. Visitors will find a day packed with live entertainment, local artisans, amazing food, and fun for all ages.
The cooking contest continues to this day. But if you’re not willing to put your skills on the line, you can enjoy great southern cuisine, including local chicken bog, along with live music, an enormous kid’s area, and over 200 vendors.
Brookgreen Gardens Harvest Home Weekend
Address: 1931 Brookgreen Drive Murrells Inlet, SC
Another traditional fall event takes place in early October at the beloved Brookgreen Gardens. Harvest Home Weekend brings all the fall vibes, with its own pumpkin patch and scarecrow building for showing off your creative side. Create your own scarecrow with one of the garden’s mystery scarecrow kit, or even bring your outfits from home!
Later, let the kids run amok in the hay maze before they sit down for some face paint and more creative fun at the craft tables. As they make an adorable mess, enjoy the local eats at the Harvest Restaurant.
Art in The Park
Address: 1120 Farrow Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC
In the Grand Strand’s Market Common, Art in The Park is the region’s premier artistic event. It was established in 1972 by the Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild and occurs on three weekends throughout the year. Yep, you guessed it, one of those is in October!
The event showcases amazing local art, with only original and high-quality prints allowed to be submitted for display. You’ll uncover a remarkable mix of artistry from sculptures, metal, photography, woodwork, and the list goes on.
Little River ShrimpFest
Address: 4468 Mineola Ave, Little River, SC
You’ll hear the tunes, smell the Low Country cuisine, and see folks of stilts long before you arrive at the Little River ShrimpFest. A fun, boisterous, community-centric festival takes place along the historic Little River Waterfront and celebrates all things South Carolina.
Of course, the focus is on the local shrimp, which is elevated by amazing recipes passed down through generations. Turning it from a seafood haven to an all-around good time lies in the efforts of 200 other vendors, live music, and eye-catching entertainment.
Best Things To Do in North Myrtle Beach in October
It’s Still Beach Time
The temperature may have dropped on land, but the Atlantic remains in pleasant condition. This makes October a great time to enjoy a beach day or two during your getaway to North Myrtle Beach.
Fewer fellow travelers, relaxed beach rules (bring along your pet and beach tent!), and less sweltering under the summer sun are what you’ll be in store for.
Local favorites include Cherry Grove, the central North Myrtle Beach (how appropriate!), and, with a little work, the pristine shores of Waties Island.
Broadway at the Beach
Beach days don’t always have to be about sun, sand, and swimming. Sometimes, they need a touch of razzmatazz and a dose of shopping. Steps from the sand lies a 350-acre megapolis of entertainment, dining, and boutique wares.
The largest complex of its kind in the state, Broadway at the Beach has a litany of fun things to do, so you could easily spend a day or two experiencing the Backstage Mirror Maze, escape rooms, the theater, and a classic carousel.
Go Find the Dolphins
October is a great time to get out on the water in North Myrtle Beach. In fact, it’s also the perfect time to go dolphin spotting along the coast. Here’s our guide to the best dolphin cruises in the Myrtle Beach area!
Book Your October Getaway to North Myrtle Beach
As the mercury dips, the fun really starts in North Myrtle Beach. In October, you’ll uncover a world of family fun, fall festivals, and the perfect conditions to enjoy the coast.
Come and experience the charm, grace, and slow pace of life with Grand Strand Resorts.