Scarecrows in
the Garden
Oct. 1 - Nov. 1 (closed Mondays): Enjoy creative scarecrows handcrafted by businesses, individuals, schools and organizations scattered throughout the Garden.
Atlanta’s favorite fall tradition is back! Scarecrows in the Garden returns, celebrating autumn with colorful creations from the local community.
Entries will be judged by a panel, with prizes including Golden Tickets to future Garden events, Family Memberships, curated gift baskets from our Gift Shop and more! Winners will be announced via the Garden’s social media and in person at the Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival.
In celebration of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, we are going even bigger this year with a new category: Supersized Scarecrows. These larger-than-life scarecrows will take over the Great Lawn, reaching heights of up to 12’ tall.
Back again this year: 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 to win a Family membership!
About the exhibition
Scarecrows in the Garden brings to the Garden dozens of creations by local artists, crafters, youth groups and more. Entrants and visitors will delight in discovering their own personal favorites.
Categories for your creations
Families, schools, teams and individuals.
Entries can include logo, hashtag, QR code and/or website. See guidelines for details*
For Participants
Anyone can register! Families, community groups, businesses, schools, college students and individuals are all welcome to participate. Registration for 2026 will open August 17th.
2026 Guidelines coming soon
Visit with your Scarecrow
For each paid registration, you will be entitled to four (4) free daytime admission tickets to the Atlanta Botanical Garden during the exhibition. Registrants can only pick up tickets at check-in during the scarecrow drop-off.
Members see it free
Members enjoy unlimited daytime admission during regular hours, save on classes and gift shop purchases, and more.
Great Pumpkin-Carving Fest
Oct. 23: This extra special Fest-of-Ale evening features live performances, roving entertainment, festive treats and a beer garden, culminating in an epic carve contest spotlighting our most talented pumpkin-loving Garden members and friends!
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.