Scarecrows in
the Garden
Oct. 1 - Nov. 1: Enjoy creative scarecrows handcrafted by businesses, individuals, schools and organizations scattered throughout the Garden.
Atlanta’s favorite fall tradition returns with colorful community creations by local schools, families, artists, businesses and nonprofits. In celebration of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, we’re going even bigger this year with a new, invitation-only category: Supersized Scarecrows. These larger-than-life scarecrows will take over the new Great Lawn Garden, reaching heights up to 12’ tall.
Entries compete for prizes, including Golden Tickets – a year of Garden events – Family-level memberships, curated gift baskets from the Garden Gift Shop and more. Entries will also compete for the Visitor’s Choice Award! During your visit, scan the QR code in the Hardin Visitor Center to vote for your favorite scarecrow. Voters with valid email addresses will be entered for a chance to win a Family-level membership!
Winners will be announced via the Garden’s social media and in person at the Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival.
Guidelines:
The Garden reserves the right to refuse any entry that does not meet the criteria listed below
- 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
Join the Stuffing Fun!
Registration opens Aug. 17. All are welcome: families, community groups, businesses, schools, college students and individuals. Each paid registration entitles the participant to four (4) free daytime admission tickets to the Garden during the exhibition. Registrants must pick up tickets at check-in during the scarecrow drop-off.
Categories
GENERAL
Families, schools, teams and individuals.
BUSINESS & NONPROFIT
Entries can include a logo, hashtag, QR code and/or a website. See guidelines for details.*
NEW! SUPERSIZED SCARECROWS
An invite-only showcase of extra-large scarecrows created by previous winners.
Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival
Oct. 22: This extra special Fest-of-Ale evening features live performances, roving entertainment, festive treats and more, culminating in an epic carving. Applications to become a carver are open through Oct. 1
Fest-of-Ale
Thursdays in October: Check out the Scarecrows in a new light as days grow shorter during this beer fest featuring a variety of specialty ales from cash bars along with live entertainment.
Goblins in the Garden
Oct. 18: Enjoy live entertainment, train rides, pumpkin-decorating, and more during this popular day of fall family fun. Costumes are encouraged!
Members Save!
Members enjoy unlimited daytime admission during regular hours – which includes Scarecrows in the Garden and Fest-of-Ale, and receive discounts to special events like the Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival.