Halloween is taking over the Lowcountry this October, and Beaufort, South Carolina, has plenty of ways to celebrate.
From family-friendly trick-or-treating and outdoor movies to haunted history tours and a witches’ paddle, Halloween 2026 offers something for just about every age and level of spooky enthusiasm.
Whether you’re visiting Beaufort for the weekend or looking for something fun to do close to home, here are some of the Halloween events to put on your calendar:
Downtown Beaufort Halloween Celebration — October 17:
Families can kick off their Halloween festivities at the Downtown Halloween Celebration on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and along downtown Beaufort.
Presented by Main Street Beaufort, the celebration will include games, prizes, Halloween crafts and other family-friendly activities. One of the biggest additions for 2026 is trick-or-treating on Bay Street. Beginning at noon, Bay Street will close to traffic so costumed children can take over the street for trick-or-treating.
Costumes are encouraged, and families are encouraged to bring their own candy bags. Facebook Page.
Annual Beaufort Witches & Warlocks Paddle — October 17
For a Halloween experience that’s a little different, grab a kayak and join the Annual Beaufort Witches and Warlocks Paddle. Participants are invited to dress in their best witch or warlock costumes before launching at noon from the Whitehall boat ramp area. The approximately three-hour outing travels through Factory Creek, beneath the Swing Bridge and toward Chambers Waterfront Park, giving spectators around Beaufort’s waterfront a chance to see a colorful parade of costumed paddlers.
The organizers recommend arriving early because parking may fill up. Participants should also bring required safety equipment, including life jackets and whistles, along with water and their paddling gear. Facebook Page.
Hunting Island State Park Annual Trunk-or-Treat — October 17
Make sure to head to Friends of Hunting Island State Park, Inc. on October 17th for annual Trunk-or-Treat from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy trunk-or-treating in parking lots, games, a Halloween scavenger hunt, and the lighthouse open for climbing until dusk. The Costume Contest starts at 6 p.m., with winners announced at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite from 3-7 p.m., near the Lighthouse Gift Shop. Facebook Page.
Hocus Pocus Movie Night in the Park — October 17
The fifth annual Hocus Pocus Movie Night in the Park returns to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Guests can begin arriving at 6 p.m., with the movie scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
The event is free and family-friendly. Organizers plan to provide free popcorn, candy and soda, while visitors can bring blankets and low-back chairs. Costumes are welcome, making this an easy way to end a busy Halloween Saturday in downtown Beaufort. Facebook Page.
Little BOO Bash — October 18
Parents of younger children can keep the Halloween fun going Sunday, October 18, with the Little BOO Bash at Palmetto Playhouse Beaufort. Scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m., the not-so-scary Halloween party features open play, trick-or-treating, dancing, a costume parade and a special appearance by a favorite blue heeler. Tickets are listed at $17 for the first child and $15 for siblings, plus applicable fees. Because space is limited, families should check availability and ticket information ahead of time. Website.
Beaufort Ghost Tours — October 16–30
If your idea of Halloween involves historic homes, mysterious stories and a little more suspense, Beaufort’s annual ghost tours offer a different way to experience the city. The 2026 Exchange Club of Beaufort and CAPA Ghost Tours are scheduled for October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30.
Visitors can choose between narrated carriage tours and walking tours through Beaufort’s Historic District. Carriage tours depart every 15 minutes beginning at 6:30 p.m. from 1006 Bay Street, while walking tours begin at 7 p.m. from Cannon Park. The carriage tours last approximately 45 minutes and are listed at $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 3–11. Walking tours last about an hour and are listed at $20 for all ages. The 7 p.m. walking tour is designated as stroller- and pet-friendly. Website.
Haunted Hallows Festival in Port Royal — October 24:
Just a short trip from downtown Beaufort, Port Royal will host the third annual Haunted Hallows Festival from 3 to 9 p.m. at Naval Heritage Park.
The free, family-oriented festival will feature live entertainment, a vendor village, food trucks, children’s games, roaming characters and the popular community Witches Dance. Other activities planned for 2026 include an expanded passport adventure, free broom-making, fire-twirling and aerial performances, STEM activities and costume-themed stage competitions.
Visitors can also participate in competitions such as best werewolf howl, witch cackle and maniacal laugh. Admission is free, although food, beverages and merchandise will be available for purchase. Facebook Page.
Make a Halloween Weekend of It
One of the best things about Halloween in Beaufort is that several events are concentrated around the same October weekends. October 17, in particular, is shaping up to be a packed day: families can start with the downtown Halloween celebration, watch the costumed witches and warlocks paddle through the waterways around midday, and finish the evening with Hocus Pocus at the waterfront.
For those who prefer something more atmospheric, the ghost tours offer an opportunity to explore Beaufort’s historic streets after dark. And on October 24, Haunted Hallows in neighboring Port Royal provides another full afternoon and evening of Halloween entertainment.
Because event schedules, ticket prices and weather-related plans can change, visitors should check the event organizer or the official Beaufort-area calendar before heading out.
