For three decades, neighbours have hand-built life-sized scarecrows that turn
every porch and lamppost into a gallery. What began as a handful — a way for
shops and restaurants to keep the season going after summer wound down — has
grown into one of Nova Scotia’s most-loved fall traditions.
Today, 250+ handmade scarecrows fill the streets all around town:
pop-culture icons and original characters alike, designed and painted by artists
and volunteers who spend hours sewing, painting and constructing them. A stroll
turns up something new around every corner.
More than scarecrows
Across the season you’ll find the Pumpkin Path, the Nova Scotia Pottery Market,
a quilt show and sale, the pie baking contest, a giant book sale, live music,
kids’ crafts, and tours of the iconic Three Churches waterfront — the
most-photographed view in the province.
“Summer sort of ends and then the Scarecrow Festival kicks in. It really keeps
that steady flow you’d expect in summer going just a little bit longer.”
It’s a marquee shoulder-season event that draws an estimated 30,000 visitors
at its peak into a town of about a thousand — handmade, neighbourly, and free for
everyone.
Schedule
Day-by-day community events. Scarecrow displays run the full festival window.
All festival long
The Mahone Bay Museum Free admission
Thursday–Sunday, all festival · 11:00 AM –3:00 PM · 578 Main Street
Scarecrow fun and activities for kids; open for all.
Friday · Sep 25
2 events
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
World of Colour: 2026 Quilt Show and Sale Arts Market Ticketed $6
◈ Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street
Mahone Bay Quilters' Guild exhibit of quilts, plus the artisan boutique.
7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Pumpkin Patch Gallery Family After dark Free
◈ Jubilee Park
A magical dusk display of 100+ artfully carved pumpkins.
Saturday · Sep 26
11 events
9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Yard Sale and Bake Sale Community Market
◈ St. John's Lutheran Church, 89 Edgewater Street
See and taste what they have on offer.
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Annie's Attic Yard Sale Community Market
◈ St. James' Church Hall, 14 Parish Street
Find a treasure at this Mahone Bay Museum annual fundraiser.
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mahone Bay Centre Giant Book Sale Community Market
◈ Large Conference Room, 45 School Street
A ginormous sale of books for all ages; a local favourite in support of the Mahone Bay Centre.
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
World of Colour: 2026 Quilt Show and Sale Arts Market Ticketed $6
◈ Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street
Mahone Bay Quilters' Guild exhibit of quilts, plus the artisan boutique.
12:00 PM
Famous Town Corn Boil Food Music Free
◈ Famous Town Pie Shop, 16 Orchard Street
Free corn on the cob for all, while supplies last, plus a free Diggin' Up Grubs concert outdoors. Fair-weather event.
12:00 PM–2:00 PM
Bean Luncheon Food Ticketed Adults $15 / kids $8
◈ Trinity United Church, 101 Edgewater Street
Bean luncheon with all the fixin's.
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Family Day: The Fast and the Furious Toy Boat Squadron Family Free
◈ Jubilee Park (portable pond)
Build a boat of your own design and float it in the portable pond. Adult accompaniment for under-12s.
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Family Day: Eye Spy Family Free
◈ Baseball field & Jubilee Woods
Walk the trail and find all the scarecrows and hidden objects; a treat awaits children who complete the task.
2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Family Day: Fun on the Bay to Bay Trail Family Free
◈ Bay to Bay Trail at Jubilee Woods (near Hawthorn Road)
Contribute to a painted rock creature, build a natural birdfeeder, try geo-caching, and see the updated trail.
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Doors Open for the Three Churches Heritage
◈ Mahone Bay waterfront
Hosted by the Three Churches; a Heritage Trust Nova Scotia program.
7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Pumpkin Patch Gallery Family After dark Free
◈ Jubilee Park
100+ carved pumpkins at dusk.
Sunday · Sep 27
6 events
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Brunch Food Ticketed $13
◈ Mahone Bay Legion
A popular event for good reason — it's delicious.
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mahone Bay Centre Giant Book Sale Community Market
◈ Large Conference Room, 45 School Street
A ginormous sale of books for all ages, in support of the Mahone Bay Centre.
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
World of Colour: 2026 Quilt Show and Sale Arts Market Ticketed $6
◈ Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street
Mahone Bay Quilters' Guild exhibit of quilts, plus the artisan boutique.
11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Really Awesomely Bad Portraits Fundraiser Family Ticketed $10
◈ Main St & Edgewater, beside Northern Sun
A hilarious fundraiser for the Signature Festivals — sit for a portrait, then rate it on the Portrait-O-Meter. Look for the tent.
Sponsored by Northern Sun Gallery and Gifts
12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Mahone Bay United Old Country Fair Family Fundraiser
◈ Mahone Bay Centre Field
An afternoon of fun for the kids, supporting the Mahone Bay United Soccer Program.
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Doors Open for the Three Churches Heritage
◈ Mahone Bay waterfront
Hosted by the Three Churches; a Heritage Trust Nova Scotia program.
Friday · Oct 2
1 event
11:00 AM–2:00 PM
The Tale Makers Open House Arts
◈ The Bay Hive
A group of creators working with Kate Church, open house across the weekend (Fri–Sun).
Saturday · Oct 3
3 events
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Mahone Bay Makers Market Market Arts
◈ Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street
Presented by Wreath & Wire Coastal Markets, in support of the Mahone Bay Centre. Vendors welcome — applications open.
A group of creators working with Kate Church, open house across the weekend (Fri–Sun).
11:30 AM–2:00 PM
4th Annual Nova Scotia Fruit Pie Baking Contest & Sale Food Contest Ticketed Pie $6/slice, $30/whole
◈ Trinity United Church Hall, 101 Edgewater Street
Enter your baking for a chance at cash prizes; watch celebrity judges while you enjoy a chowder lunch and a slice. Awards at 1:30 PM. Chowder luncheon (fish or corn) available for purchase — dine in or take out.
Free street and lot parking around town and the waterfront. Arrive early on weekends — the town fills up fast.
Getting around
The scarecrows are dotted all around town — a gentle, flat stroll to take them all in. Drivers go slow and courteous.
Where to eat
Cafés, bakeries and restaurants line the route. See our Great Places to Eat guide.
TODO: link “Great Places to Eat” PDF
Where to stay
Inns and B&Bs book up early for leaf season. See our Great Places to Stay guide.
TODO: link “Great Places to Stay” PDF
Good to know
How much does it cost?
Nothing — the Scarecrow Festival is free to wander all season long. Donations are always welcome.
When is the best time to come?
The scarecrows are up for the full window (Sept 25 – Oct 12, 2026). Weekends are liveliest with markets and activities; weekdays are quieter for a peaceful stroll.
Is it accessible and family-friendly?
Yes. The scarecrows are spread around a flat, walkable town centre and it's very family-friendly. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome outdoors.
Where do I park?
Free street and lot parking is available around town and the waterfront. Arrive early on weekends.
⚠️
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