Experience Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles, IL: A Fall Tradition That Captures the Heart of the Fox Valley
- Hannah Schramm
- Oct 7
- 7 min read
The 40th Annual Scarecrow Weekend is almost here!
October 10th–12th, 2025 | Downtown St. Charles, IL
Fri, Oct 10th, 12-6pm | Sat, Oct 11th, 10am-6pm | Sun, Oct 12th, 10am-5pm
As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the crisp scent of autumn, St. Charles, Illinois transforms into a storybook setting for one of the region’s most anticipated events, Scarecrow Weekend. This beloved fall tradition, hosted in the heart of downtown, draws visitors from across the Midwest who come to experience the creativity, charm, and community spirit that make St. Charles such a special place to live.
At The McKay Group, we’re proud to call St. Charles home and even prouder to share the events and traditions that make our city shine. Scarecrow Weekend is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of local artistry, family connection, and the welcoming small-town charm that continues to draw new residents to this corner of the Fox Valley year after year.
A Beloved Tradition with Deep Roots
What began in 1985 as a modest fall festival featuring just 39 handcrafted scarecrows has grown into an award-winning event and a community favorite tradition attracting more than 80,000 visitors from near and far each year. Over the decades, Scarecrow Weekend has become a signature celebration of St. Charles, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and family fun in a way that perfectly embodies the spirit of the city.
Today, visitors can stroll the streets to admire more than 120+ unique, handmade scarecrows showcased around downtown, each one crafted with creativity and community spirit. What used to draw in only about 10,000 visitors quickly evolved into a three-day community celebration, where both locals and visitors can stroll the streets, vote for your favorite scarecrows, and enjoy:
A Family Zone filled with live entertainment & fun for all ages
An Activity Zone with festive photo ops, Scarecrow-to-Go kits, & more family-friendly activities
Live music on the 1st Street Plaza all weekend long
Sales, specials, & events happening throughout downtown
Activities: Scarecrow Contest, Face Painting & Tattoos, Live Music, Pumpkin Painting, Magic Shows, Characters, Dance Teams, Stilt Walker, Photo Opportunities, Autumn on the Fox Craft Show, Rock Climbing, Festive Fall Attractions, Delicious Food & Drinks, and much more!
Scarecrow Contest
As you explore the event, look at all of the unique handcrafted scarecrows on display throughout the weekend in downtown St. Charles and vote for your favorites in the Scarecrow Contest!
Each one tells a story created by local residents, businesses, and schools. The Scarecrow Contest invites everyone to vote for their favorites across four categories: Business, Individual, Club/Not-for-Profit/School, and Mechanical/Mega.
Four Scarecrow Categories, Displayed in Three Different Locations:
Business - Lincoln Park
Individual - 1st Street
Club/Not-for-Profit/School - Riverside Avenue
Mechanical/Mega - Lincoln Park
Voting runs all weekend long, starting on Friday at 12pm and ending on Sunday at 5pm. Vote via the Travel St. Charles app or in-person by picking up and returning voting sheets to the Information Booths located in Lincoln Park or at the voting box on Riverside Ave. This gives everyone a chance to celebrate the creativity of this community. One voting slipper person, one vote per category.
The Heart of the Festival: Lincoln Park Family Zone
Located at 450 W. Main Street, Lincoln Park becomes the central hub for families throughout the weekend. The Family Zone offers something for everyone, from family-friendly activities, live entertainment and dance team performances to interactive magic shows, bubble artists, and roaming characters and attractions that delight kids and adults alike.
Plus, visit the Family Fun Booths to participate in fun activities, get awesome goodies, and learn more about local businesses.
Visitors can enjoy:
Pumpkin bowling and games
Face painting and kids’ craft booths
Giveaways & free samples from local vendors
Live music
Community and dance performances
Countless scarecrows to admire up close
And More!
This family-friendly atmosphere captures what locals love most about St. Charles, a community that values togetherness, creativity, and simple moments of joy.
The Activity Zone: Riverside Avenue’s Fall Playground
Just a short walk away, Riverside Avenue (between Main Street and Illinois Avenue) comes alive with even more festive fun. The Activity Zone is where adventure meets artistry, featuring a full lineup of hands-on experiences and seasonal activities. The family-fun booths offer games, freebies, and more fall activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend!
Activity Highlights include:
Scarecrow-to-Go kits so you can create your own masterpiece at home
An inflatable corn maze for kids
A professional pumpkin carver creating works of fall art
A rock climbing wall
Pumpkin Painting Activity and face painting
Straw sculptures and several festive photo opportunities
Interactive family DJ, magic shows, and more!
Local organizations and small businesses host booths with giveaways, free swag, games like pin the smile on the scarecrow, bucket toss, Plinko board, and more. There's even pet adoptions from Rover Rescue Dog Adoption, adding to the weekend’s community charm.
Live Music and Local Energy on 1st Street Plaza
The newly renovated 1st Street Plaza serves as the social heart of downtown St. Charles (29 S. 1st St). Here, visitors can unwind with live music from talented local artists, admire all the unique scarecrows displayed on 1st Street, meet beloved characters like Bluey, or join in on the Trunk or Treat event that’s a favorite among families.
Face painting and temporary tattoos, balloon art, and an abundance of photo ops make this area a can’t-miss stop during your weekend visit. Surrounded by boutique shops, cafés, and the scenic Fox River, it’s the perfect place to relax, listen to music, and take in the sights of St. Charles in full fall color.
Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show
Craft Show Hours: Fri & Sat, 10am - 5pm | Sun, 10am - 4pm
Location: 8 North Ave, St. Charles, IL
No fall weekend in St. Charles would be complete without a stroll through Pottawatomie Park for the Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show. Hosted along the Fox River, this event brings together more than 100+ talented artists and crafters from across the Midwest.
Shoppers can explore one-of-a-kind, handmade items, from jewelry, stained glass, and photography to woodworking, ceramics, metal art, and seasonal décor. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or simply enjoying the crisp riverfront air, this art show is a quintessential St. Charles experience that showcases the area’s creative spirit.
Food Vendors: Savor the Flavors of Fall
Scarecrow Weekend is also a celebration of local flavor. Throughout the festival, visitors can indulge in a variety of food options available for purchase from local vendors and community groups. Local businesses will also be offering grab & go food, drinks, and other specials!
Lincoln Park (450 W. Main):
Just Kabobs:
Kabobs (w/ Pita)
Chicken or Pork
Gyro Sandwich
Hot Dog
Baklava
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Soda & Water
Taco Urbano:
Tacos
Chicken or Steak
Chips & Salsa
Soda & Water
Front Municipal Building (Parking Lot 2 E. Main St):
Franky's Red Hots and St. Charles Breakfast Rotary Club:
Hot Dog
Chips
Soda & Water
Riverside Ave:
Windy Acres Farm:
Donuts
Caramel Apples
Apple Cider
Fruit Pies
Local Jams
Arcada Theatre:
Pizza
Hot Dogs
Sandwiches
And More
Downtown restaurants and cafés like The Graceful Ordinary, Dukes Northwoods, Coroco Coffee, and Kilwins will also be offering special seasonal menus and limited-time treats.
Sales and Specials: Shop, Stroll, and Celebrate Local
Beyond the main events, local businesses in downtown St. Charles comes alive with sales, specials, and pop-up events all weekend long. Visitors can browse stylish boutiques like Jeans and a Cute Top Shop and Magnolia Soap & Bath Co., unwind at Spa Bleu, or stop by Beauty Rx Aesthetics for mini treatments and giveaways.
Local hotels, such as the Courtyard by Marriott, make it easy for out-of-town guests to stay and enjoy the full weekend experience and once you’ve spent a few days exploring St. Charles, you’ll understand why so many people who visit decide to make it home.
The stores listed below are offering special deals, discounts, limited-edition items & fall treats, free goodies, patio games, and hosting events in honor of Scarecrow Weekend!
Food & Drink: 3rd Street Pub, Coroco Coffee, Dukes Northwoods, The Graceful Ordinary, Flagship on the Fox, Extract Juicery, Kilwins, and more!
Shopping: Double Take Consignment, Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, SG Too Consignment, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co., Circa Vintage Gallery, and more!
Spas & Salons: Spa Bleu and Beauty Rx Aesthetics
Lodging & More: Courtyard by Marriott, Riverview Miniature Golf, and Urban Air Adventure Park.
Why People Fall in Love with St. Charles
Between the historic charm of Main Street, the vibrant energy of downtown events, and the natural beauty of the Fox River, St. Charles offers an unmatched quality of life. It’s a place where community spirit runs deep, where neighbors come together to celebrate, create, and connect.
Events like Scarecrow Weekend showcase exactly what makes this city so special: the perfect balance of small-town warmth and big-city accessibility. For families, professionals, and retirees alike, living in St. Charles means experiencing this sense of connection all year long, from summer concerts in the park to winter festivals, art fairs, and beyond. For more fun things to do in St. Charles, check out our blog post on Things To Do In And Around St. Charles, IL!
Fall in Love with St. Charles and Find Your Next Home
At The McKay Group, we believe that a community is more than just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle. Scarecrow Weekend captures the heart and soul of St. Charles, reminding us why we’re proud to call this city home and to help others do the same.
If you’re visiting this fall and find yourself enchanted by our riverfront charm, historic homes, and vibrant downtown, we invite you to explore what living here could look like.
Why Choose The McKay Group for Your Real Estate Needs?
At The McKay Group, we specialize in helping clients buy and sell homes throughout the Fox Valley, including St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elgin/South Elgin, Elburn, Wayne, and beyond. With years of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the local market, our team provides expert guidance through every step of the real estate process. Our proven track record, personalized approach, and strong community connections make us the trusted choice for homeowners and buyers alike. Take a look at some of the exceptional properties we’ve recently had the privilege to represent!
The McKay Group, led by top-producing agents Debora McKay and Roger Erikson, has been a trusted name in Fox Valley real estate for over 25 years. As recognized leaders in the industry, we proudly rank among the top 1% of agents in the U.S. and have held the title of #1 in Kane County for seven consecutive years. With a commitment to building lasting relationships, leveraging unparalleled experience, and executing powerful marketing strategies, we are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way in finding your perfect home in the Fox Valley Area.
Contact us to learn more about neighborhoods, schools, and the lifestyle that makes St. Charles one of Illinois’ most desirable communities.
Happy Scarecrow Weekend, we’ll see you downtown!
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