Fall Fun is Back at Hearthstone
Save The Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Hearthstone’s 8th Annual Scarecrow Festival is returning this fall!
Join us for a full day of autumn magic, hands-on activities, creativity, and community cheer. Whether you come for the scarecrows, the food, the music, or simply a beautiful day outdoors, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Bring the family, invite your friends, and spend the day wandering the Gardens while celebrating one of our favorite seasons.
Festival Highlights
There will be plenty happening throughout the day, including:
Live music at the Pavilion
Hayrides and pony rides
Classic Cake Walk and Bake Table
Local vendors featuring handmade crafts and treats
Hotdogs, hamburgers, and popcorn
Kids’ crafts, face painting, and rock painting
Photo opportunities with colorful scarecrows
Games, raffles, and prizes
Live plant sale
Take your time exploring the Gardens, grab something tasty to eat, listen to the music, and enjoy all the creativity scattered throughout the property.
Enter the Scarecrow Contest
One of the highlights of the festival is our annual Scarecrow Contest, and everyone is invited to participate!
Create something traditional, funny, whimsical, garden-inspired, or completely unexpected. Enter your scarecrow in one of four categories:
Children & Youth
Adults & Families
Businesses & Organizations
Field Scarecrows
Festival visitors will also have the chance to admire the entries and vote for their favorites.
Prizes
First Place: Cash prize
Second Place: Basket of goodies
Third Place: Ribbon
How to Enter
Entry is free and open to everyone. Scarecrows may be dropped off at Hearthstone Botanical Gardens October 6–13. Participants will set up their scarecrow in the marked area for their category, where it will remain on display through Festival Day. Please attach your name and phone number to the back of your entry and make sure your creation is family-friendly and sturdy enough to handle outdoor weather. Scarecrows must be picked up after the festival.
Whether you enter the contest or simply come to see what everyone creates, the scarecrow displays are a fun way to help bring the Gardens to life for fall.
Spend a Fall Day in the Gardens
Wander the pathways, enjoy the cooler season, discover the scarecrows, support local vendors, and make a few memories along the way. Admission is free, and leashed, well-socialized pets are welcome.
So mark your calendar, bring your scarecrow spirit, and join us for a day filled with laughter, leaves, local charm, and plenty of fall fun. We can’t wait to see you at Hearthstone Botanical Gardens on Saturday, October 17 from 10 AM to 3 PM!
