Pet-Friendly Fall Festivals & Events in North Myrtle Beach

Written by: Helen Wells

Helen writes for Retreat Myrtle Beach, sharing local tips on the best beaches, attractions, events, dining, and vacation experiences throughout North Myrtle Beach.

Autumn in North Myrtle Beach offers seasonal festivals, Halloween events, live performances, local food, golf, and plenty of activities to enjoy with your dog.

Barefoot Landing hosts food, costumes, entertainment, and events for the whole family, including pet-friendly activities and support for the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach.

Besides festivals, enjoy coastal walks, outdoor pet-friendly dining, shopping, golf, and more. There are many ways to make the most of a fall visit, whether you travel with family, friends, or your dog.

Consider staying at Retreat Myrtle Beach for a spacious beachside rental near festivals, dining, golf, and pet-friendly activities.

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In This Blog:

  • Why Visit North Myrtle Beach During the Fall Season?
  • Pet-Friendly Fall Festivals & Events in North Myrtle Beach
  • More Fall Festivals Near North Myrtle Beach
  • Fall Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog
  • Fall Dog Regulations for North Myrtle Beach
  • Why Not Plan Your North Myrtle Beach Fall Getaway?
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Why Visit North Myrtle Beach During the Fall Season?

Myrtle beach in October.

North Myrtle Beach offers plenty to do in the fall—coastal relaxation, fall events, seasonal celebrations, outdoor dining, shopping, live performances, and family activities.

Staying in North Myrtle Beach puts you near the northern Grand Strand. You can visit Main Street, Cherry Grove, Barefoot Landing, or food festivals in nearby Little River.

Experience fall highlights through festivals, live music, seasonal activities, and dog-friendly patios and events!

Pet-Friendly Fall Festivals & Events in North Myrtle Beach

Several enjoyable autumn events for pet owners take place near North Myrtle Beach. Below are some of the most popular.

Sniffari on the Strand

Sniffari on the Strand, hosted by the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach, is a special event for dogs. The event features a one-mile dog walk with sniff stations, activities, prizes, and raises funds for the Humane Society.

Dogs must be on leashes no longer than 7 feet, and owners must clean up after them. Check the official Sniffari page for up-to-date details and registration.

BooFest at Barefoot Landing

Dachshund in Hot Dog Costume Looks Out While Trotting Right

BooFest at Barefoot Landing is a pet-friendly Halloween event. It features costume contests for children and pets, stilt walkers, vendor booths, and seasonal entertainment.

Dogs have their own costume contest, making BooFest a top pet-focused fall event!

Since there are many fall events, you should consider your dog's comfort when deciding how long to stay. Before you go, check the Barefoot Landing Calendar of Events to get the most up-to-date event information.

OktoberFest at Barefoot Landing

Oktoberfest at Barefoot Landing offers fun for pets and owners. It features German-style food, drinks, live music, merchant deals, and the popular "Every Dog Is a Wiener Dog" costume contest.

Dogs of all breeds can enter the costume contest with creative outfits. Proceeds from OktoberFest benefit the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach. This is a great fall event for pet owners that supports the local Humane Society.

More Fall Festivals Near North Myrtle Beach

Unfortunately, not all local festivals are pet-friendly. Always check each event's rules before bringing your dog. Below are a couple of events you and your family can attend, but you will have to leave your four-legged friend at home to attend them.

Halloween BOOnanza

Kids trick or treating.

The Halloween BOOnanza is held by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of North Myrtle Beach at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. This family Halloween event features a Monster Mash DJ, marshmallows, games, inflatables, costumes, and treats.

Little River Shrimp Fest

Seafood lovers can attend the annual Little River Shrimp Fest just north of North Myrtle Beach. The festival features live music, children's activities, arts and crafts, and seafood from local vendors.

Fall Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog

Besides festivals, enjoy outdoor activities with your dog in North Myrtle Beach this fall.

Take a Walk Along the Coast

North Myrtle Beach's nine-mile coastline offers plenty of ocean views. After Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach any time. Bring water, waste bags, a leash, and other essentials for your walk.

Explore Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing lets you eat, shop, enjoy water views, and attend seasonal events with your pet. Pets are allowed year-round if leashed or in strollers; owners must clean up after them. Shop and restaurant pet policies may vary.

Be sure to walk the outdoor areas, dine on dog-friendly patios, and check the event calendar for seasonal celebrations.

Plan a Pet-Friendly Brunch

Blueberry’s Grill at Barefoot Landing serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with dogs allowed on its waterfront patio. After your meal, stroll around Barefoot Landing or return to your rental to relax.

Fall Dog Regulations for North Myrtle Beach

Dog on the beach.

Fall is particularly pleasant for people with pets, since the North Myrtle Beach rule allowing dogs on the beach during the day in the summer ends after Labor Day.

Keep these important regulations in mind when taking your dog to the beach:

  • Fall beach access: After Labor Day, the summer daytime restriction no longer applies, giving you greater flexibility to enjoy morning, afternoon, or evening walks with your pup.
  • Leashes are required: Your dog must remain securely attached to a hand-held leash no longer than 7 feet.
  • Clean up after your pet: Owners are required to pick up and properly dispose of their dog's waste.

With summer restrictions lifted, fall offers more freedom to enjoy the beach with your dog at any time.

Review the latest city rules before your visit, as requirements may change.

Why Not Plan Your North Myrtle Beach Fall Getaway?

The living room of Seaside Cottage 1.

Featured Pet-Friendly Rental: Seaside Cottage 1

Autumn in North Myrtle Beach offers ocean views, delicious seasonal food, outdoor adventures, golf, family-friendly entertainment, and exciting fall festivals.

Pet owners can join in the fun at BooFest's pet costume contest, OktoberFest's 'Every Dog Is a Wiener Dog' contest benefiting the Humane Society, and the dog-friendly Sniffari on the Strand.

After the festivities, take time to enjoy the beautiful coastline, dine at pet-friendly restaurants, and explore all that North Myrtle Beach has to offer together.

Here at Retreat Myrtle Beach, we offer two options for pet-friendly stays - rentals that allow dogs larger than 40 pounds and rentals for smaller dogs or cats under 35 pounds. If you have any questions or would like help choosing a property, contact our reservation team, and we’d be happy to help you find the perfect rental for your stay!

Book with Retreat Myrtle Beach today for a spacious, comfortable home base near beaches, restaurants, golf, attractions, and events!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best pet-friendly fall festivals and events in North Myrtle Beach?

Sniffari on the Strand, BooFest, and OktoberFest are top pet-friendly fall events. BooFest has a pet costume contest, and OktoberFest hosts the "Every Dog Is a Wiener Dog" contest.

Are pets allowed at Barefoot Landing?

Yes, Barefoot Landing is pet-friendly year-round. Pets must be leashed or in a stroller, and owners must clean up after them. Shop and restaurant policies vary.

Can dogs go on North Myrtle Beach beaches in the fall?

Yes, after Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach all day in the fall, but they must be leashed (7-foot max), and owners must clean up after them.

What are some pet-friendly restaurants in North Myrtle Beach?

Taco Mundo Kitchen y Cantina, Crooked Hammock Brewery, and Blueberry's Grill offer dog-friendly outdoor dining at Barefoot Landing.