
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is thrilled to invite the community to join their celebration of the fall season during the 15th Annual Scarecrow Festival. Scarecrow Festival is open to the public from October 7-25. To provide more pumpkin season fun, Shangri La Gardens is also hosting two additional fall events, an Addams Family-themed Sip & Stroll on October 16 and Autumn Fair on October 25. Admission to these events is free of charge.
Scarecrow Festival offers visitors an opportunity to stroll through fall flowering displays, thousands of pumpkins and more than 50 unique scarecrow exhibits. The festival showcases the talent and creativity of community members who create unique scarecrow displays featuring recycled and repurposed materials. Scarecrows are always innovative, inspiring and kind to their world.
“The changing season brings much excitement to the gardens. Our Scarecrow Festival is a community favorite that blends seasonal celebration, local creativity and eco-friendly fun. It’s amazing to see how our community has come together for 15 years to make this such an amazing experience for all ages,” said Angie Mason, executive director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.”
Scarecrow Festival is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.). For an opportunity to experience the scarecrows after-hours, visitors are encouraged to attend the Addams Family-themed Sip & Stroll on Thursday, October 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m., scarecrow trail closes at 7:15 p.m.). Fall celebrations conclude with Autumn Fair on Saturday, October 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“For this season’s Sip & Stroll, we are partnering with the Lutcher Theater and Free State Cellars Winery to present a kooky, mysterious and altogether spectacular evening. Come get into the fall spirit, experience the magic of our gardens and enjoy local artisanal wines,” said Mason. “We are excited to introduce Morticia’s Garden, a new garden display featuring carnivorous plants. We are also thrilled to welcome back the talented Austin duo Pendulum Hearts to perform live music.”
Prior to Sip & Stroll, Free State Cellars Winery will have a specially curated picnic box and wine available for pre-order. A specialty cocktail, Uncle Fester’s Electric Lemonade, wine by the glass and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase onsite. At Sip & Stroll, visitors may enter a drawing to win a pair of tickets to the performance of “The Addams Family” at the Lutcher Theater on October 23 at 7 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to wear fun Addams Family-inspired attire.
The day of Autumn Fair will be the final opportunity to view the unique scarecrows. The winners of scarecrow voting will also be announced. Visitors can expect to experience a day filled with fun, hands-on activities including a scavenger hunt, obstacle course, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, Outpost Tours along Adams Bayou and much more. Autumn Fair promises fun for the whole family.
“Autumn Fair is all about creating special memories for families. We love seeing visitors of all ages spend time together in nature and enjoy our gardens, all while celebrating the joys of fall,” said Mason.
Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas. For more information, please visit shangrilagardens.org.
Social Media