Over 120 Scarecrows at 2026 St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend
St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend returns to downtown St. Charles on Oct. 9-11. The 41st annual festival will feature an array of free, family-friendly elements including live entertainment, fun activities, the Scarecrow Contest, and more.
The Scarecrow Contest is the highlight of the weekend and will take place throughout the entirety of the event. Visitors are invited to explore and vote for their favorite scarecrows among more than 120 creative entries across four categories: Individual, Clubs/Not-for-Profits/Schools, Business, and Mega/Mechanical.
Scarecrows will be displayed along Riverside Avenue, Lincoln Park, and 1st Street. Guests can cast one vote in each category and pick up an exclusive “I Voted” sticker from one of the information booths.
The Family Zone in Lincoln Park will have many family-friendly activities during the weekend, including live music, dance teams, family fun booths and roaming entertainment. Some of the entertainment that guests will be able to experience includes Ghostbusters, The Leslie Hunt Band, and The Big Al Wetzel Band.
Visitors to the Activity Zone on Riverside Avenue between Main Street and Illinois Avenue can find even more family-friendly fall activities including John Measner Magic Truck, rock climbing wall, an inflatable corn maze, a special appearance from the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile on Saturday, and more.
On the 1st Street Plaza, attendees can enjoy free live music entertainment throughout the weekend. Some of the performances include The Frizz, Daddy Wasn’t There, and Phase V. There will also be a “Fall in Love” photo opportunity for guests to take photos at, as well as a variety of mascot appearances, and more.
In the Municipal Building parking lot, visitors will find more activities with Scarecrow-to-Go, Jurassic Park Replica Jeeps with free photo opportunities, and Scarecrow Weekend T-shirts for purchase from Hairy Ant Screen Printing & Embroidery. Colonial Café will also have its Kitchen Sink truck on site, handing out free scoops during select times throughout the weekend.
Individuals at the event will be able to enjoy an array of food options throughout the weekend. In the Lincoln Park Family Zone, Just Kabobs and Taco Urbano will have food for purchase, along with Kimmer’s Ice Cream on Saturday morning and all day Sunday.
In the Activity Zone on Riverside Avenue, The Arcada Theatre and Franklin’s Hot Dogs will be selling food, as well as Windy Acres Farm with a variety of fall treats for purchase. In honor of the weekend, many other local businesses will be offering special sales and promotions. To learn more, visit scarecrowfest.com/salesandspecials.
“Every year, we see Scarecrow Weekend continue to grow with new elements and even more participation in the Scarecrow Contest,” said Jenna Sawicki, St. Charles Business Alliance executive director. “It’s amazing to see the community get together every year to celebrate the season in St. Charles, support local, and to admire all of the wonderful scarecrows that are on display for the event.”
The Presenting Sponsor for 2026 St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend is St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Additional Sponsors include McNally’s Heating & Cooling, St. Charles Bank & Trust, Aquascape Construction, Art of the Heartland, GEICO, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, The Hairy Ant Screen Printing, Embroidery & More, Hi-Lite Electric, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Meijer, Mendel Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Mercedes-Benz of St. Charles, MKFM Law, Napleton Chevrolet of St. Charles, Smile Haven Dental Studio, Teqworks, T-Fiber, Theriault Booth Attorneys at Law LLC., Goldfish Swim School, Grand Appliance, St. Charles Public Library, Encore Mt. Morris, Lakeshore Recycling Systems, M.K. Movers, Scouting America Three Fires Council, and Windy Acres Farm.
To find more information on St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend, including the full entertainment schedules, visit scarecrowfest.com. For additional inquiries, contact the St. Charles Business Alliance at 630-443-3967.