From jazz and shrimp to helicopter candy drops, here’s how to October like a local
October on the Grand Strand isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and sweater weather—it’s a full-on festival season. From shrimp feasts on the waterfront to live jazz under the stars, Myrtle Beach and its neighbors are bursting with events that make fall feel alive. Whether you’re into running along the boardwalk at sunrise, sipping wine at a Lowcountry arts gala, or watching candy rain from a helicopter over a cornfield (yes, really), there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Here’s your ultimate guide to Myrtle Beach’s must-hit October happenings.
Autumn Goals: Harvest Home Weekend at Brookgreen Gardens
October 4th–5th
You know fall has truly arrived when Brookgreen Gardens throws open the gates for its Harvest Home Weekend. It’s pumpkins and hayrides, sure, but also art exhibits, live music, and scarecrow-building (bring your own flannel if you want to take it home for free). The setting? A dreamy sculpture garden bursting with Lowcountry charm. There’s also a hay maze for the littles, craft tables, live music from Doug & the Doc, and enough cider-sipping ambiance to fill your camera roll with autumnal joy.
The October MVP: Thompson Farm & Nursery
Every Friday & weekend in October
Let’s be real—this place deserves its own fan club. Thompson Farm in Conway isn’t just doing a fall festival. They’re doing all the fall festivals. We’re talking weekend after weekend of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, animal encounters, and wildly creative themed days like “Touch a Tractor” and “Princess & Superhero Weekend.” Need more? How about a helicopter candy drop. Yes, you read that right. A literal chopper flies over the farm and rains down candy. Add in Drive-In Mooovies, camping under the stars, and buffalo feeding, and you’ve got yourself the most jam-packed October destination around.
For the Culture: Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art
October 2nd–18th
Some events are good. This one is gourmet. The Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art is where jazz meets Fleetwood Mac tributes, ABBA impersonators, and bluegrass royalty like Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn. It opens with the Pawleys Island Wine & Food Gala—think: 65+ wines, gourmet bites, and live tunes. Then, it rolls into a weeks-long arts celebration that transforms the Lowcountry into one giant, laid-back, jazz-loving cultural hub. The vibes? Chill. The venue? Luxe. The crowd? Sophisticated, artsy, and probably sipping something delicious.
Run, Don’t Walk: Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K
October 11th
If your idea of a good time includes sunrise, sweat, and oceanfront views—this is your race. The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon and Coastal 5K are kind of a big deal. We’re talking thousands of runners, 6+ miles of oceanfront, and a post-race bash that includes snacks, smoothies, and yes, pizza. Whether you’re aiming for a PR or just in it for the long-sleeve tech tee and the beer at the finish line, this USATF-certified course is a fall staple. Bonus: You get to finish on the iconic boardwalk. Not a runner? No problem. The views (and cheering squads) are still worth getting out of bed for.
Shrimp, Swag, and Stilt Walkers: Little River ShrimpFest
October 11th–12th
If shrimp is your love language, this is your Super Bowl. Little River’s annual ShrimpFest is the kind of small-town-meets-big-festival event that makes you fall in love with the Grand Strand all over again. Picture this: over 100 vendors, two stages of live music, stilt walkers, and seafood galore—served up with a side of saltwater breeze and scenic waterfront charm. Fresh from local waters and tossed into everything from tacos to tempura.
Honorable Mention: Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival
October 17th–19th
If your soul runs on saxophones and your vibe is more “lawn chair and lemonade” than “pumpkin spice and paint night,” then the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival is your spot. It’s free, it’s funky, and it brings together local legends and national acts for three days of jazz, soul, and smooth grooves. Set on the site of the old Myrtle Square Mall, this festival keeps it casual—bring your own chairs, try the food trucks, and soak up the community energy. Donations are encouraged (suggested $20), and parking is on-site.
Ready to Fall in Love With Fall?
Whether you’re running a half-marathon, chasing shrimp down your shirt, or doing the monster mash in a corn maze, Myrtle Beach has your October covered. These events are equal parts scenic, soulful, and snackable—so mark your calendar and plan accordingly. Your best autumn yet is waiting.
