Halloween on Folly 2025: Your Guide to Oct 30-31

Halloween on Folly 2025: Your Guide to Oct 30-31

Crisp evenings, costumes by the marsh, and community traditions that feel like home. If you are planning a last-minute coastal Halloween, Folly Beach has you covered with two nights of festivities and a few beloved island rituals.

What is happening on Folly this Halloween

 

Thursday, October 30: Decorated House Contest
Folly’s annual house decorating tradition returns on Thursday with judging set for 4:30–5:30 PM. Residents bring out lights, props, and plenty of spooky beach spirit. If you are staying on the island, keep an eye out for standout displays as you stroll or bike around in the late afternoon. Details and the 2025 listing appear on the City homepage and events pages.

 

Thursday, October 30: Movie Night in the Park
After the judging wraps, head to Folly River Park for a community movie night featuring Hocus Pocus. Bring a chair or blanket and something warm to sip. Check the City calendar before you go for final timing and any weather updates.

 

Friday, October 31: Halloween Carnival and Witches Dance
Halloween night centers around the family-friendly carnival at Folly River Park, organized with the City and community partners. Expect games, treats, costumes, and the Witches Dance performance that has become a local favorite. The City’s events listing confirms the Halloween Carnival on October 31, 2025. Arrive early, bring cash for small purchases, and plan for photos under the oaks.

 

Bonus: Island happenings
Some local venues add live music or themed parties on Halloween. For example, The Washout and Pier 101 have promoted Halloween night events for 2025. As always, confirm hours, cover, and any age requirements directly with the venue.

 

Where it all happens

Most public activities take place at Folly River Park on Center Street, which is an easy walk from restaurants and shops. The park setting keeps things comfortable for families and convenient for anyone who wants to pair the events with dinner before or after. The City’s website lists upcoming Halloween items right on the homepage, with links to the full calendar for updates.

 

Practical tips for an easy Halloween on Folly

  • Park smart. Center Street fills up quickly around event times. Consider rideshare or arrive early to use public lots and signed street parking. Then enjoy the short walk to Folly River Park. (Check posted signs for any temporary restrictions.)
  • Dress for the breeze. Coastal evenings feel cooler near the water. Costumes with a light layer underneath pay off once the sun drops.
  • Pack the basics. Reusable water bottles, a small flashlight for post-movie strolls, and a tote for treats keep hands free.
  • Keep it friendly for families. The Friday carnival is geared toward kids, so plan glitter, smiles, and camera-ready patience.
  • Know the rules. If your plans include a beach walk before or after events, remember that between May 1 and September 30 dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Outside those dates, leashes are required at all times. Pets are not allowed on the Folly Beach Pier. Always check official rules before you go.

Make a weekend of it

Turn Halloween into a full Folly weekend. Catch the house lights and movie on Thursday, sleep in near the surf, then spend Friday exploring shops, grabbing a shrimp basket, and returning to Folly River Park for the carnival and Witches Dance. The island’s annual events page gives a nice overview of the season and what is coming up after Halloween too.
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Peaceful & Beautiful

This was my families first time at the ocean and I will never forget the look of joy on my youngest daughter’s face the moment the waves first came up on her feet. The beach was not over crowded, was clean, and was great for relaxing, swimming, and collecting seashells. There is a long pier for fishing off of and it is a beautiful sight at night. The town atmosphere was a nice mix between relaxing and having a good time and can work for the over 21 crowd as well as for families with small kids. There are plenty of great food stops and cute shops.

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Fantastic & Peaceful

This beach is very relaxing and a great place to chill out. We saw several dolphins and enjoyed walking on the fishing pier. I would consider staying on the beach here next time we are in Charleston instead of downtown.

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Cute, Calm & Peaceful

First time visitor to Folly Beach–loved it! Quiet and peaceful with many trees left on island.

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