Atlanta’a favorite fall tradition is back! Scarecrows in the Garden returns, celebrating autumn with colorful creations created by local families, schools, businesses and community groups from across Atlanta. Celebrating the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, this year’s display also features a special showcase of supersized scarecrows built by past winners.
From playful to downright punny, every scarecrow tells its own story — making this a favorite fall photo-op for visitors of all ages.
Entries will be judged by a panel, with prizes including Premium Garden Lights, Holiday Nights tickets, Family Memberships, curated gift baskets from our Gift Shop and more! Winners will be announced via the Garden’s social media.
Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award during your visit, Oct. 1–18. The winning scarecrow will be revealed live at the Great Pumpkin Carving Festival on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Registration Begins: Aug. 17
Registration Deadline: Sept. 14
Exhibition Dates: Oct. 1 – Nov. 1 (closed Mondays)
Scarecrows in the Garden is sponsored by Huntington Bank.
Exhibition Dates: Oct. 1 – Nov. 1 (closed Mondays)
Scarecrow Name and Description Due: Monday, Sept. 14
Scarecrow Drop Off: Thursday, Sept. 24: noon – 6 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 27: noon – 4 p.m.
Scarecrow Pickup: Tuesday, Nov. 3: noon – 6 p.m.
Categories & Fees
General — $25: Families, schools, teams and individuals
Business — $100: May include business logo, hashtag, QR code and/or website (see guidelines)
Nonprofit — $25: May include organization logo, hashtag, QR code and/or website (see guidelines)
Supersized Scarecrows — by Invitation Only: A special 50th anniversary showcase of extra-large scarecrows created by previous winners
Guidelines
The Garden reserves the right to refuse any entry.
• No political or religious content
• Must be suitable for family and children’s viewing — no controversial or overly commercial subject matter
• A scarecrow name and brief description is required (due Sept. 14)
• Must be durable, weatherproof and able to withstand a month outdoors
• No live plant material, real pumpkins, or real food/candy (hay is acceptable)
• No electronic components
• No business logos, hashtags, QR codes or websites unless registered as Business, Nonprofit or Supersized (limit: one use, max 12″ x 12″)
• No additional signage, pamphlets or handouts — the Garden provides official identification signage
• Must be freestanding, under 50 lbs., and fit within a 6′ x 6′ footprint (cannot be staked or secured into the ground)
• Garden staff will place your scarecrow — you may not choose the location or request adjustments after installation
Drop-Off & Pickup Instructions
Bring entries to the Atlanta Botanical Garden back gate, behind Mershon Hall. Take a ticket at the Piedmont Avenue parking kiosk, proceed to the upper level of the parking deck, drive through the valet gate, and continue to the traffic circle behind Mershon Hall. Drop off at the back of the circle.
Parking Fees During Drop-Off/Pickup:
• 0–30 minutes: Free
• 31–60 minutes: $3
• Each additional 30 minutes: $2
Parking cannot be validated outside the designated drop-off/pickup windows
Assembly: If your scarecrow requires assembly, include a photo of the fully assembled piece in a plastic bag attached to the scarecrow.
Pickup Reminder: Scarecrows not collected by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 will be discarded. Given a month outdoors, consider it a “salvage opportunity” rather than pristine condition!
The Garden is not responsible for loss or damage. Please do not include materials you expect to have returned.
For questions, email exhibits@atlantabg.org.