What To Know If You Go: St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

ST. CHARLES, IL — One of St. Charles' biggest annual events returns this weekend, when an estimated 80,000 people are expected to head downtown for Scarecrow Weekend.

Now in its 41st year, the three-day fall festival will feature more than 120 scarecrows, live music, children's activities, food and entertainment spread throughout downtown. Organizers expect about 80,000 people to attend this year's festival, similar to last year's turnout, St. Charles Business Alliance Marketing Content Coordinator Nicholas Lowe told Patch. Weather, however, could affect attendance, he said.

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This year's festival also brings several new attractions, including the Pumpkin Butcher, Jurassic Park replica vehicles, superheroes from the League of Enchantment and new family activities, food and entertainment, Lowe said.

Here's what to know if you're planning to go.

When And Where

Scarecrow Weekend runs Oct. 9-11 throughout downtown St. Charles, with activities centered around Riverside Avenue, Lincoln Park, First Street Plaza and the Municipal Building area.

Many activities are free and geared toward families and the full schedule of events can be found here.

The Scarecrows

More than 120 entries in the annual Scarecrow Contest will be displayed along Riverside Avenue, Lincoln Park and First Street throughout the weekend. Organizers said participation is roughly on par with last year's contest.

Visitors can vote for their favorites in four categories: Individual; Clubs/Not-for-Profits/Schools; Business; and Mega/Mechanical. Guests can cast one vote in each category and pick up an "I Voted" sticker at an information booth.

Organizers aren't opining on which creations could be standouts this year.

"The community always has talented artists that bring a lot of creativity to life," Lowe told Patch. "We can't wait to see what everyone creates this year."

What's New For 2026

Several attractions will make their Scarecrow Weekend debut this year.

Among them is the Pumpkin Butcher, along with Jurassic Park replica vehicles and costumed superheroes from the League of Enchantment. Organizers said visitors will also find new family activities and additional food and entertainment options throughout the weekend.

Activities For Kids

Lincoln Park will become the festival's Family Zone, offering live music, dance teams, activity booths and roaming entertainment. Ghostbusters characters are also expected to make an appearance.

The Activity Zone along Riverside Avenue between Main Street and Illinois Avenue will feature a rock-climbing wall, inflatable corn maze and the John Measner Magic Truck.

Visitors can also participate in Scarecrow-to-Go near the Municipal Building.

Special Attractions

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is scheduled to make a special appearance Saturday.

First Street Plaza will feature a "Fall in Love" photo spot, mascot appearances and free live music throughout the weekend.

Live Music

Performers scheduled during the weekend include the Leslie Hunt Band, Big Al Wetzel Band, The Frizz, Daddy Wasn't There and Phase V.

Food And Downtown Shopping

Food vendors will be stationed throughout the festival, including Just Kabobs, Taco Urbano, Kimmer's Ice Cream, Franklin's Hot Dogs and Windy Acres Farm.

Downtown St. Charles businesses also are planning specials and promotions, and organizers say the festival's large crowds provide a significant boost for local businesses.

"Scarecrow Weekend brings a tremendous amount of foot traffic into St. Charles, and as attendance has grown, so has the opportunity for our local businesses," Lowe told Patch. "We consistently hear positive feedback about the impact the weekend has on our downtown."

Before You Go

With about 80,000 visitors expected over the three-day weekend, attendees should be prepared for a busy downtown, particularly during peak festival hours.

The full entertainment schedule, festival map and additional information are available on the Scarecrow Weekend website.