Celebrate the changing season at the 13th Annual Scarecrow Festival, featuring dozens of unique scarecrow designs, fall flowering displays, thousands of pumpkins and autumn decorations displayed throughout the gardens.

See what the talented members of the community can create with repurposed and recycled materials, as well as a heap of imagination. Scarecrow exhibits are always innovative, inspiring and kind to their world!

Visitors may also vote for their favorite scarecrow exhibit in the Scarecrow Festival. The winners will be announced at Autumn Fair.

Activities:

October 26, 2023:

5:00 - 8:00 p.m: Sip and Stroll (Last Entry at 7:30)

Discover all the gardens have to offer throughout this unique, after-hours experience while enjoying LIVE music and delectable treats during golden hour. This FREE event is a collaboration with Free State Cellars.

Visitors may pre-order picnic boxes and wine from Free State prior to the event. Gin Atomic Traveling Cocktails camper will be set up at the Frog Ponds to purchase drinks by the glass and non-alcoholic selections. Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket to sit on while they enjoy artisanal wines, craft sangrias and delicious charcuterie. There will be a limited number of tables and chairs available on-site. Visitors may stroll through the garden pathways leading to the back of the gardens prior to dusk. After this time, visitors may enjoy the Frog Ponds and courtyard areas, where Free State will be located, until 8:00.

Please note that outside food and beverages will not be permitted into the venue. Sip and Stroll events will be held rain or shine.

Pre-order Free State here https://www.freestatecellars.com/Shop/Food

October 28, 2023:

10:30 a.m - 3:00 p.m: Autumn Fair

Join us for Autumn Fair activities.

Autumn Fair is a family event to celebrate the season and all that is associated with it. It is the grand finale of the Scarecrow Festival and the last day that the scarecrows are on display. This is also the day that the winners of the Scarecrow voting are announced in the afternoon. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. with multiple opportunities for hands-on activities. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt, tackle our Shangri La Gardens obstacle course, decorate pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, investigate some of the critters that call Shangri La Gardens home, cruise Adam’s Bayou on a pontoon boat ride and much more!

Dates: October 10 - 28, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m (Tuesday - Saturday)

Location:

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center,
2111 West Park Avenue,
Orange, TX 77630.

Admission: Free

Click here for more information.