Halloween Tunes and Spooky Fun slated for the weekend

Falling only slightly from last year’s numbers, this year’s U.S. Halloween-related spending, as reported by the National Retail Federation, may reach nearly $7 billion – that’s a lot of candy corn. Further, some 80-percent of millennials say they “plan to do something fun with their friends” to celebrate this weekend, and since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, the merriments are myriad. If you and your friends enjoy live music, here are a few options around the Grand Strand for a Halloween celebration where the tunes aren’t just an afterthought.

Marsh Walk

Now a South Strand tradition, the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk Halloween adult costume contest features bedazzled participants and admirers visiting all or most of the Marsh Walk establishments for an opportunity to win cash prizes and swag. Along the way some of the area’s finest musical talent will be on display. A dance party with zombies, ghouls, hot nurses, and $3,000 in prize money promises to be a spectral spectacle not to be missed.

Here’s the lineup: The Dead Dog Saloon (‘N’ Tranze), Creek Ratz (The Austin Mowery Band), Bubba’s Love Shack (Bullfrog), Drunken Jack’s (Justin Mychals), Wahoo’s (Julio & The Saltines).

Though not on the Marsh Walk proper, some of Murrells Inlet’s other live music venues are also planning Rocktober events on Halloween. Hot Fish Club (Matt Parker and the Deacons), and the Crooked Floor Tavern (Throwin’ Peanutz at Monkeys).

Myrtle Beach

Two of Myrtle Beach’s most popular live music venues will not disappoint this Halloween weekend. The Pine Lakes Tavern will feature Kid Drew and the Brassholes on Halloween, and the neighboring Bourbon Street Bar & Grill will feature DJ/instrumentalist-vocalist Christopher Garcia (All Are One), also on Halloween.

Garden City Beach

The Marlin Bar & Grill in Garden City Beach will host the Tim Clark Band Friday, and Jericho Creek on Halloween.

North Myrtle Beach

The House of Blues will hold a pre-Halloween bash and costume contest, Heaven & Helloween, on Friday, Oct 30 on The Deck with the Americana/rockabilly act Whiskey Diablo. Also worth noting, though not quite a live music event, WAVE 104.1 hosts a lip synch contest on Halloween, also on The Deck. Participants compete for a chance to win cruise tickets.

Boardwalk Billy’s 3^rd Annual Halloween Bash features Glen Todd.

A North Myrtle Beach Main Street mainstay, The Pirate’s Cove, will feature King Tyrone and the Graveyard Ramblers. Performing throughout the mid-Atlantic and Carolinas, the alter ego of Jim Quick and Coastline, King Tyrone, will let loose with a variety of danceable rock ‘n’ roll, and rhythm & blues.

Though far from an exhaustive list of all the area Halloween hoots and hollers, we hope you find the haunted hayride of your dreams, and stay safe out there among the free spirits on this freakishly fun holiday.

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 8:46 AM with the headline "Halloween Tunes and Spooky Fun slated for the weekend."