Atlanta in October has plenty of ways to feel festive, but Scarecrows in the Garden 2026 offers a particularly easy one: take a walk, discover a few surprising characters among the plants, and let the afternoon move at its own pace. The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual display returns October 1 through November 1, 2026, with scarecrows made by local families, schools, artists, businesses, and community groups.
This is a guide to making the visit feel like a good day out, whether you are going with children, meeting a friend, or adding a little fall color to an Atlanta weekend. Details below were checked against the Garden’s official pages on September 27, 2026; confirm tickets, hours, and any event changes before leaving.
Scarecrows in the Garden 2026 at a glance
- When: October 1–November 1, 2026.
- Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta.
- What to expect: Handmade scarecrows placed throughout the Garden, including a new supersized display.
- How long to allow: The Garden says an average visit takes about 1½–2 hours; leave more time if you want to explore beyond the scarecrows.
- Before you go: Check the official exhibition page and current visitor information.
What makes the 2026 display different?
The Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, and this year’s scarecrows have a bigger stage. Alongside the community-made entries, an invitation-only Supersized Scarecrows category will bring larger creations by past winners to the new Great Lawn Garden. The Garden says some can reach 12 feet tall.
That mix is the charm of the event. One scarecrow may be funny; the next may be intricate or a little spooky. The entries are made by people and groups around Atlanta, so the walk feels more like exploring a local gallery outdoors than viewing a row of identical decorations. Visitors can also vote for a favorite using the QR code in the Hardin Visitor Center, according to the Garden’s event page.
Choose the visit that suits you
For a relaxed daytime stroll: Pick a regular Garden day. The Atlanta location currently lists Tuesday–Sunday hours of 9 a.m.–7 p.m. during this fall period, with a special Monday opening on October 12. The display runs across the Garden, so comfortable walking shoes and time to wander matter more than a strict itinerary.
For a Thursday evening: The Garden’s Fest-of-Ale lets visitors explore the scarecrows after 5 p.m. on Thursdays in October while enjoying live music and seasonal drinks. The Garden says this program is included with Garden admission, except that the October 22 Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival is a separately ticketed event. Some areas may close at dusk; check that evening’s details before you go.
For a family-focused date: Goblins in the Garden is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Garden lists costume activities, performances, pumpkin decorating, and train rides, with the event included in Garden admission. It is a good choice if the children want more than a walk through the display.
Make a simple route through the Garden
Start at the Hardin Visitor Center, where you can check the day’s map and find the visitor voting information. Then follow the scarecrow displays at a comfortable pace instead of trying to see every corner immediately. If you have children, give them a small mission: pick the funniest creation, the cleverest materials, and the scarecrow they would build themselves.
Leave a little time for the Garden beyond the seasonal display. The official map highlights the Lou Glenn Children’s Garden, Storza Woods, the Kendeda Canopy Walk, and other areas that can turn the visit into a fuller outing. The Garden posts temporary closures on its visitor page, so check those notices if a particular area is important to your plan.
Tickets, parking, and a few useful details
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is at 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, beside Piedmont Park in Midtown. Its visitor page lists on-site parking in the SAGE deck on levels 4–6, entered from Piedmont Avenue. The deck and Garden are card-only. If you prefer transit, the Garden lists MARTA NextGen Bus Route 7 to its Monroe Drive entrance.
Check current Garden tickets for your date rather than relying on a price copied into an article. Special programs can have different admission rules: the October 22 Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival, for example, requires its own ticket. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Garden, though food is available on site. A phone ticket, water for before or after the visit, and comfortable shoes will cover most of the practical planning.
Before you head out
- Choose a daytime visit, a Thursday Fest-of-Ale evening, or October 18 for family activities.
- Open the official event and visitor pages for the latest hours, ticket rules, and closures.
- Decide whether to park in the SAGE deck or use transit, and save the entrance you need.
- Allow at least the Garden’s suggested 1½–2 hours, with extra time for photos and other displays.
If you want another fall outing after the Garden, see our pumpkin patches near Kennesaw guide. For more ideas throughout the city, browse things to do in and around Atlanta. You can also plan another art-filled fall day with our Chalktoberfest guide for Marietta.
Frequently asked questions
When is Scarecrows in the Garden in 2026?
The Atlanta Botanical Garden lists the display for October 1 through November 1, 2026. Check the Garden’s calendar for the hours on your chosen date.
Is the 2026 display good for children?
Yes, the walk is designed around creative community-made scarecrows. Families looking for additional programming can consider Goblins in the Garden on October 18, which the Garden says is included with admission.
Information checked September 27, 2026, against the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s official event, ticket, and visitor pages. Seasonal schedules can change.
