You don’t have to be a kid to dress up for Halloween. In fact, a good costume will earn you a lot more than candy at some of the bigger contests around town.

The Halloween Bash on the Avenue at Broadway at the Beach is one of the top spots for adult trick-or-treaters in Myrtle Beach. The Celebrity Square area, which features rows of bars and restaurants and a Halloween party that spills out into the courtyard, attracts hundreds of revelers decked out in their best costumes while competing for cash prizes.

On the south end in Murrells Inlet, Halloween on the Marshwalk is the place to be. The kids’ costume contest begins at 6pm and the adults’ begins at 7. Over $4,000 in prize money is given out to the winners of the adults’ contests. The categories for the kids include Most Creative, Best Group, Funniest, and Scariest, while the categories for adults include Best Duo, Best Group, Best Individual, Big & Bulky, Murrells Inlet themed, and Honorable Mention.

But Broadway at the Beach isn’t the only place in town that gets into the Halloween spirit. The Boathouse, located on the Intracoastal Waterway near Highway 501, holds an annual Halloween bash that rivals the big outdoor party at Broadway, and the costumes are known for being more original and a bit more on the risque side. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, and will feature a KISS tribute band. Prizes will be awarded for best, sexiest and most original costumes.

On the not-so-wild side, Barefoot Landing hosts a pair of Halloween costume contests – one for kids and another for pets. It’s a chance for some great photo ops.

The city of North Myrtle Beach also hosts family fun at its annual Howl-o-Scream event at McLean Park, where costume contests and other seasonal activities are held.

For a less traditional costume contest, check out the Surfside Beach Halloween Car Show, where you can deck out your ride and enter it into the Best Decorated Car or Best Decorated Truck contests.

If you’d like to add a contest to this list, please email info@myrtlebeach.com.