Scarecrow Festival 2026 at Thanksgiving Point

As the leaves change and fall colors fill the Gardens, dozens of scarecrows and creatively carved pumpkins submitted by members of the community will line the pathways of Ashton Gardens. Wander through 50 acres of autumn color, find your favorite creations, enjoy festive seasonal displays, and cast your vote for the People’s Choice awards.

Scarecrow Festival runs October 12–17 and is FREE for Thanksgiving Point Members or included with regular Ashton Gardens admission. For even more fall fun, visit October 15–17, when the Festival Market and concessions will be open with local vendors, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.

Get your Ashton Gardens admission and start planning your fall day at Scarecrow Festival.

Want to be part of the festival? Community members are invited to submit their own homemade scarecrow or creatively carved pumpkin for display throughout the week—and there are some pretty great prizes up for grabs!

Every registered scarecrow and pumpkin entry receives four complimentary tickets to Scarecrow Festival and an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. Scarecrows will compete for Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards, with prizes including trophies, Thanksgiving Point gift cards, and even a Thanksgiving Point Family or Grandparent Membership for the Judge’s Choice First Place scarecrow. Pumpkin entries will also compete for Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards, with gift cards and ribbons awarded to the winners.

Registration closes October 5 at 6 pm, and all registered entries must be dropped off at Ashton Gardens on Saturday, October 10, from 11 am–4 pm. No day-of submissions will be accepted.

Scarecrows should be homemade, at least 36 inches tall, weigh less than 100 pounds, and be sturdy enough to withstand outdoor conditions throughout the week. Pumpkins should be ready for display at drop-off, and battery-operated LED lights are welcome. All entries must be appropriate for guests of all ages.

Have an idea already? Register your scarecrow or carved pumpkin and become part of Scarecrow Festival 2026!

Make your visit even more festive during the Scarecrow Festival Market, October 15–17. Browse local vendors, grab a seasonal treat, and enjoy additional family-friendly activities while exploring the Gardens.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Vendor applications open August 10, giving local businesses and makers the opportunity to be part of this favorite fall tradition at Thanksgiving Point.

Scarecrow Festival ends with one of the most exciting ways to experience the Gardens—the Scarecrow 5K on Saturday, October 17, 2026!

Get into costume and race through Ashton Gardens and the Discovery Garden while passing colorful fall scenery and community-created scarecrows along the 3.1-mile course. Keep your eyes open, though—some of those scarecrows might just come to life!

The race begins at 8 am, with participants encouraged to arrive before 7:30 am. The Scarecrow 5K is wheels-friendly, so strollers and running aides are welcome. Every participant receives a Scarecrow 5K race shirt and finisher medal.

Registration is $35 through September 15 and increases to $40 from September 16–October 14. Late registration T-shirt sizes may be limited, so registering early is encouraged. Packet pickup takes place Friday, October 16, from 12–8 pm at the Ashton Gardens Visitor Center Roundabout. Packets will not be available on race morning.

Lace up your running shoes, grab your costume, and register for the 2026 Scarecrow 5K today!