Cambria’s Beloved Annual Scarecrow Festival 2024: Harvest the Fun This Fall!

By Tracey Winikoff

If there’s one word to describe Cambria, it’s magical.

With its towering pines, sandy beaches, gourmet eateries, and charming villages, Cambria oozes enchantment, weaving a spell throughout its streets. 

More than just a pretty face, Cambria is renowned for its celebrations, including the annual Cambria Scarecrow Festival. But don’t just take my word for it. 

Not only did USA Today name the Cambria Scarecrow Festival one of the nation’s top 10 autumn festivals, but The Travel Channel also ranked it among the top 10 scarecrow festivals in the U.S. and Canada. 

While that’s a lot of hype to live up to, have no fear. Cambria delivers in bucketloads.

From October 1-31, the town rolls out the welcome mat for visitors from near and far, beckoning all to meander through its East and West Villages, Moonstone Beach, and San Simeon for a glimpse of these handcrafted works of art.

When it debuted in 2009, the Cambria Scarecrow Festival showcased 30 scarecrows. Today, hundreds will line the storefronts and streets. 

Best of all, you can view these unique creations for free.

So, grab the family—and Fido too (on leash, of course)—and don’t forget your camera! You’ll find photo ops at every turn. 

Perhaps you’ll be greeted by the “Welcoming Crowmmittee” of woodland animals sharing a picnic. 

Or maybe, you’ll encounter a scarecrow scene inspired by Disney and Netflix’s hit series, “Wednesday.” 

For a nostalgic twist, join in the fun and rekindle fond memories with the lively “Fun and Games” display featuring scarecrows playing our favorite childhood games. 

Now, scarecrows can’t have all the fun, can they? You’ll also play a role in the festivities when you vote for your favorite scarecrow. Your vote earns you a contest entry to win a free night’s stay in Cambria!

Volunteer and Get Involved!

This community-wide celebration relies on a village of volunteers to produce this bewitching experience. Many opportunities are available, and everyone is welcome!

Whether you’re creative or consider yourself more of a behind-the-scenes person, here are a few ways to get involved:

Design, reimagine, or repair scarecrows

Sew costumes

Set up a workshop

Conduct community outreach

Imagine playing a part in sparking joy for thousands of people!

The Salute to Scarecrows! Fundraiser Event

The month-long fall fest culminates in a grand finale fundraiser, “The Salute to Scarecrows! A Starlit Celebration of Cambria,” where the winners of the scarecrow contest will be unveiled.

Held at the Cambria Nursery and Florist on Saturday, October 26th from 6-8 p.m., this “culinary extravaganza” will feature live music and delectable food and wine from the town’s restaurants and wineries. 

And what would an autumn festival be without a costume contest? Get ready to unleash that creativity, and maybe, you’ll scare up a prize!

Tickets sell out quickly. They can be purchased at my805tix.com.  

For more festival information, including a map of scarecrow locations, please visit www.CambriaScarecrows.com or email info@cambriascarecrows.com. You can also call (805) 203-0743.

After wandering through the town and marveling at these whimsical works of art, you’re sure to be infused with inspiration! Let your imagination soar as you dig out those old scarecrows from storage and craft your own fantastical creatures.

Who knows? You just might surprise yourself in the wildest, wackiest, most wonderful way!