Shangri La Botanical Gardens announces 14th Annual Scarecrow Festival

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is thrilled to invite the public to come experience the changing season at the 14th Annual Scarecrow Festival. This beloved community event offers visitors an opportunity to stroll through the transformed autumnal gardens featuring flowering displays and thousands of pumpkins. The festival showcases all that nature has to offer, as well as the talent and creativity of community members who create unique scarecrow displays featuring recycled and repurposed materials. Scarecrow Festival begins October 8 and culminates with a day of family fun at Autumn Fair on October 26. Admission to the Scarecrow Festival is free of charge.

This season will feature more than 60 unique scarecrow exhibits that represent local businesses, schools, churches and other community organizations. In keeping with Shangri La's mission that encourages others to "Be Kind to Your World," scarecrow exhibits are always innovative, inspiring and environmentally friendly. The festival affords these organizations an opportunity to gain recognition with Shangri La visitors that travel from near and far. In 2023, 17,717 families, school groups and organizations enjoyed this free community event.

Scarecrow Festival is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entrance at 4:30 p.m. Other fall festivities occurring throughout Scarecrow Festival include Sip and Stroll on Thursday, October 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., as well as Autumn Fair on Saturday, October 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and lasting throughout the day. Admission to Sip and Stroll and Autumn Fair is also free of charge.

"The changing season also brings about new offerings at this year's Scarecrow Festival. We are excited to unveil a new garden pathway, in addition to bringing the fall spirit to plantings at the new Petrified Forest," said Angie Mason, executive director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. "We are also thrilled to welcome a talented band from Austin, Pendulum Hearts, to Sip and Stroll. This after-hours experience is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy spirits and food from Free State Cellars Winery and the unique sound blend of Gypsy Jazz and Texas Swing from Pendulum Hearts," said Mason.

The grand finale of Scarecrow Festival is celebrated at Autumn Fair. This day of family fun includes multiple opportunities for hands-on activities including a scavenger hunt, Shangri La obstacle course, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, a pontoon boat ride on Adams Bayou, investigating some of the critters that call Shangri La home and much more.

"October provides so many phenomenal occasions for families to enjoy memory making opportunities in the gardens," said Mason. "It is our hope that families will make Scarecrow Festival a seasonal tradition for the years to come."

Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas. For more information about Scarecrow Festival, please visit shangrilagardens.org.