The Cambria Scarecrow Festival is back! This yearly tradition unites the community and provides a platform for local artists to display their creations. Blending art, community, and fun, the festival serves as a unifying experience for locals and tourists alike.
We have put together a list of ideas for planning your visit, including places to stay, a lay of the land, and instructions on how to make a scarecrow at home. There are over 80 scarecrows sprawled throughout Cambria, San Simeon, Harmony, and Moonstone Beach.
The Festival Through the Years
Over the last 15 years, the Cambria Scarecrow Festival has become a beloved tradition! Since its start in 2009 with just 30 scarecrows, the festival has flourished to include 400 works of art. At its heart, the festival is dedicated to highlighting the talents of local artists, a mission you can read more about in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and ABCNews.com.
Why You Shouldn't Miss the 2023 Festival
This year’s festival showcases captivating displays inspired by Disney’s “Encanto” and Netflix’s “Wednesday,” while also introducing the otherworldly Cambraliens. The festival spans the entire month of October, but this year it will feature a Salute to Scarecrows event on October 28, featuring food and drinks from local restaurants.
Scarecrow Spotting: Tips and Tricks
Since there are so many scarecrows to track down, it’s crucial to have a game plan in place. Don’t worry; we have your back on this. Check out our Scarecrow Festival map on the Visit Cambria app, which lists each scarecrow by name, location, picture, address, and coordinates. Have some fun checking off all of the scarecrows that you find.
Planning a Weekend at the Scarecrow Festival
With so many options to choose from when planning your day, we have put together an itinerary for a weekend at the festival.
Day 1:
- Morning (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.): Head over to one of our tasty coffee shops, like Cambria Coffee Roasting Company or Lily’s Coffeehouse for a morning treat.
- Mid-Morning (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.): Check out the scarecrows near Moonstone Beach.
- Lunch (12 p.m. – 2 p.m.): Savor a delicious meal at one of our many amazing restaurants like Moonstone Bar and Grill or Main Street Grill.
- Afternoon (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.): Explore the scarecrows in East Village.
- Evening (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Discover the scarecrows near San Simeon.
- Dinner (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.): Unwind and enjoy a meal at one of Cambria’s renowned restaurants like Robin’s Restaurant or Linn’s Restaurant.
Day 2:
- Morning (9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.): Kick your day off with breakfast at one of our amazing restaurants like Cambria Mimosas Steak and Seafood or French Corner Bakery.
- Lunch (12 p.m. – 2 p.m.): Grab takeout from one of our local restaurants like Soto’s True Earth Market or Boni’s Tacos, and head to Moonstone Beach for a seaside lunch with breathtaking views. For fun takeout trio pairing options, read here.
- Afternoon (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.): Explore the scarecrows in West Village.
- Evening (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Discover the scarecrows near Harmony.
- Dinner (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.): Enjoy dinner at one of Cambria’s renowned restaurants like Brydge Restaurant or Black Cat Bistro.
Scarecrow Festival lasts all throughout October, so there’s no need to limit your time to two days. The longer you stay, the more time you have to experience the season’s magic!
Where to Stay and Why It Matters
If you’re not local to the Central Coast, it’s important to prepare for your vacation by booking a stay at one of our beautiful lodging options in advance. When deciding on your accommodation, keep in mind what you’re looking for. We have options ranging from cozy bed-and-breakfast stays amid the ocean breeze to luxurious hotels and rental homes that offer a homier feeling. You can find detailed listings of amenities and policies on our booking page.
The Heart of the Festival: Community Involvement
The festival is deeply rooted in the community spirit! Each year it relies on the support of numerous volunteers to make it happen. Many of our local businesses and locals (groups and individuals) put in the work to make this event enjoyable for all who attend. Among this year’s valued sponsors are BOB FM 105.3, KSBY6, Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill, Ktea 103.5, Visit Cambria, and Visit San Simeon.
Plan Your Trip to Cambria
Now that you know all of the fantastic things that the Scarecrow Festival has to offer, make sure to plan your trip to this year’s event before it’s too late.