Cambria Scarecrow Festival returns for another magical October

By Staff Report · Mon Jul 20 2026

CAMBRIA — The Cambria Scarecrow Festival will return this fall, transforming the Central Coast into a whimsical display of creativity throughout the month of October.

Since its debut in 2009 with just 30 scarecrows, the festival has grown into a popular community event featuring more than 200 handcrafted scarecrows scattered throughout Cambria Village, along Moonstone Drive, and on Castillo and Hearst Drive in San Simeon.

Highlights returning this year include the “Fantastical Cove” display with mystical creatures, a unicorn, sea serpent, colorful mushrooms, and gnomes, as well as the playful “Crowchella” music-themed display featuring scarecrow versions of KISS band members, Taylor Swift, Ozzy Osbourne, and others. A brand-new display, “PJ’s in the Patch,” will debut in San Simeon with bedtime storytelling, a granny pillow fight, camping adventures, and more.

“The Scarecrow Festival is truly a labor of love created by an incredible team of volunteers, artists, and community supporters,” said Shelley Holden, President of the Cambria Scarecrow Festival. “Every year we look forward to surprising visitors with new scarecrows and displays while bringing back some of the characters people have grown to love.”

The festival is entirely community-driven and supported by local residents and businesses. Donations can be made through the Friends of the Cambria Scarecrow Festival Program, which offers tax-deductible contributions and the opportunity to adopt a scarecrow.

For more information, visit cambriascarecrows.com