What's New at 2026 St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend?
The very best fall weekend of them all is right around the corner! The 41st annual St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend, presented by St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, will be taking place in downtown from Friday, October 9th through Sunday, October 11th. There is always so much to see and do at this community favorite event, and in additional to all of the amazing returning Scarecrow Weekend favorites, we are thrilled to be able to share some brand new elements, too. Keep reading below to learn more!
Colonial Ice Cream
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Colonial Ice Cream
Celebrating their 125th anniversary, Colonial Ice Cream will have their famous Kitchen Sink Ice Cream Truck at the Municipal Building Parking Lot during the event! The best part is that they will be handing out free scoops of chocolate chip, mint chip, and vanilla during these times:
Friday: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Jurassic Park Vehicle
Photos Courtesy of CJ Warner
At this year's Scarecrow Weekend, we are going to go back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth. In the Municipal Building Parking Lot, you'll be able to admire two Jurassic Park replica vehicles! Plus, you can also get your photo printed out with custom background!(FREE OF CHARGE).
League of Enchantment
Photos Courtesy of League of Enchantment
Even superheroes can't stay away from the fun at Scarecrow Weekend! From 2-6PM on the 1st Street Plaza, we will be joined by The League of Enchantment who are sending some awesome heroes and characters that cannot wait to see you! The League of Enchantment is a nonprofit that works together with local hospitals and community organizations and events to bring hope and smiles to kids (and kids at heart).
The Pumpkin Butcher
Photos Courtesy of The Pumpkin Butcher
There's no reason to worry about this brand-new element at Scarecrow Weekend - unless you're a pumpkin, of course. This year, we'll be joined by Chris Larsen "Pumpkin Butcher", in the Riverside Activity Zone. The Pumpkin Butcher is a professional Pumpkin Carver who's been featured on Food Network's Halloween Wars, and throughout the weekend, he'll be carving up some awesome creations that will certainly leave you in awe.
What's the First Zone You'll Visit this Scarecrow Weekend?
St. Charles Bank & Trust Lincoln Park Family Zone
McNally's Heating & Cooling's Riverside Activity Zone
1st Street Plaza
Municipal Building Parking Lot
Kimmer's Ice Cream
Photo 1 Courtesy of Kimmer's Ice Cream
Kimmer's Ice Cream at Scarecrow Weekend?! This sounds like an absolute dream come true. Attendees will be able to find Kimmer's brand new truck in the Family Zone in Lincoln Park on Saturday from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and all day Sunday. Come enjoy their super premium, small-batch ice cream while enjoying all the fall festivities at the event.
Big Al Wetzel Band
Photo 1 Courtesy of Big Al Wetzel Band
Wrapping up the live entertainment in the Lincoln Park Family Zone on Sunday, the Big Al Wetzel Band will be taking the stage from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Prior to the band, Al Wetzel toured the country with legendary country rock act, Hello Dave. Now, Big Al Wetzel Band draws from fan favorites of every genre, delivering amazing first-class live music throughout Chicagoland and beyond.
Arcada Theatre
Photo 1 Courtesy of Arcada Theatre. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
There is going to be some delicious food at this year's event, and we are excited to have the Arcada Theatre join the fun in the Riverside Activity Zone. They'll be selling their tasty pizza and pretzels to keep your appetite satisfied as you enjoy the event. To view more food that will be available at Scarecrow Weekend, please click the button below.
New Family Fun Booths
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
There are plenty of fantastic Family Fun Booths throughout the event, and we are so excited to have some brand new businesses join this year. Take a look below at what you can find at some of the new booths:
Aquascape Construction: They'll be building a beautiful water feature with pumpkins for you to admire.
Big Blue Swim School: Enjoy beanbag toss, bubbles, and temporary tattoos.
Elite Remodeling Group: Get drawn by their caricature artist and have a great laugh.
Geico: Stop by for a variety of giveaways.
J Blanton: Try your luck at both Spin the Wheel and Plinko.
Lou Malnati's: Play Plinko, win prizes, coupons, and a chance to win free pizza for a year.
T-Fiber: Challenge your friends at giant Connect 4 and bags.
These are just a few of the many Family Fun Booths at this year's Scarecrow Weekend. Click the button below to view the full list at the desired zone:
Coming from out of town for Scarecrow Weekend and looking for the very best resource for experiencing St. Charles? Download our FREE Travel St. Charles App to find local dining, shopping, lodging, and so much more.
