If you’ve ever been to Charleston before, it’s likely you’ve gone on one of the many ghost tours offered throughout the city. But did you know that several major horror films, including the newest Halloween and Wes Craven’s Swamp Thing, were filmed in the area, too? With a rich history of haunted hot spots and scary filming locations, it’s no wonder that Halloween is a particularly exciting time to be in this part of South Carolina. Here are some of our favorite things to do this year in Charleston between now and October 31.
Go on a tour of the haunted Old City Jail
If you want to go on a ghost tour of Charleston, you have several options, but go with Bulldog Tours, which was named the “Best Tour Company” in 2018 by Charleston City Paper. It offers a wide variety of spooky tours, including the nighttime trip round the Old City Jail. Operated between 1802 and 1939, this downtown Charleston jail was home to pirates, Civil War prisoners, and Lavinia and John Fisher, who were infamous for poisoning guests at their hotel in the 1800s. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, a portion of each ticket sale benefits local restoration efforts. To date, it’s raised over $2.7 million for the preservation of the Old City Jail, as well as the Circular Church’s graveyard and the Old Exchange. The Haunted Jail Tour happens every night throughout the year at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m., so you can still take part even if you’re not in Charleston for Halloween. 18 Anson Street, $28, bulldogtours.com
Participate in Boo Fest at Workshop
From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m on Saturday, October 27, 2018, head up King Street to Workshop, Charleston’s new food court (with a rotating list of six kitchens), for its second annual “Boo Fest.” There will be a dog costume contest, live entertainment, and lots of Halloween candy for kids and adults alike. Make a day of it and try something from each one of the current kitchens, such as Vietnamese food from Little Miss Ha, simple Cuban American cuisine at Spanglish Cuban Kitchen, or tacos with locally made tortillas at Rebel Taqueria. 1503 King Street, free, workshopcharleston.com
Boone Hall Plantation hosts the state’s largest haunted event each year.
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Get scared silly at Boone Hall Fright Nights Every year, Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens transforms its grounds into South Carolina’s largest haunted event. You can choose from four different attractions there, including a haunted corn maze and hayride (if you’re brave enough, you can pay $33 to experience all four). If you’re easily scared, or with children under the age of 12, Boone Hall also hosts a family-friendly pumpkin patch every day of the week through October 31 until 6 p.m. 2413 North Hwy. 17, Mt. Pleasant, from $11, boonehallfrightnights.com
Take in the cuteness at the Kenpuppy Derby costume contest
For something a little more awww than ahhh! head over to Bay Street Biergarten on Sunday, October 28, to watch Charleston’s dogs don their Halloween best at the Kenpuppy Derby. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can enjoy a Halloween-inspired Sunday brunch menu and watch the puppy costume contest. It’s free to get in, but 50 percent of the proceeds from the special cocktail menu that day benefit Pet Helpers Adoption Shelter and Spay/Neuter Clinic. 549 E. Bay Street, free, facebook.com
Watch Hocus Pocus with commentary by local comedians
On Tuesday, October 30, three local comedians will provide running commentary to the beloved Halloween movie Hocus Pocus (if you’re a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, you’ll likely enjoy this). It’s part of the Cinerruption Live! series at the Charleston Music Hall; doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. 37 John Street, $10, charlestonmusichall.com
>> Next: Plan Your Trip with AFAR’s Guide to Charleston
