Friday, September 25 | 4 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square
FREE
Scarecrow Fest
In this third annual Scarecrow Trail, Downtown Highland Park will transform into an autumn wonderland complete with over two dozen uniquely decorated scarecrows throughout the Central Business District. Attendees can spend the afternoon exploring the scarecrow displays before casting a vote for “Best in Show Scarecrow.” The Scarecrow Trail will run from September 25 - October 10; the winner will be announced during the 5th-annual Stews & Brews also taking place at Port Clinton Square.
Entertainment
ALL DAY: Giant scarecrow puppets, mini pumpkin painting, ring toss, tic-tac-toe, bubbles, and more!
4 PM - 6 PM | FREE Face Painting & Airbrush Tattoos
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Meet & Greets with Dorothy & Glinda from The Wizard of Oz
4 PM - 4:30 PM | Miss Jamie’s Farm
4:45 PM - 5:15 PM | Istvan & His Imaginary Band
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Ben Tatar & the Tatar Tots
6:30 PM - 8 PM | Taylor & Mane
End the afternoon by embarking on a magical Scarecrow Trail! Find over two dozen festive scarecrows across Downtown Highland Park, all decorated by local businesses and sponsored by Mariani Landscape. Be sure to vote for best in show! Voting will close at 8 PM on October 10 — winners to be announced During Stews & Brews.
See the gallery below for last year’s scarecrows. View the Trail Map.
Food & Beverage Vendors
Getting to the Scarecrow Fest Square & Parking
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton Square will take place at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.).
Ample parking can be found throughout downtown Highland Park, including a parking garage underneath Port Clinton Square, nearby surface lots, a parking lot along St. Johns Ave., and a two-level parking deck south of Central on First St. and St. Johns. The City encourages guests to use non-motorized transportation where available. Bike racks are available in the immediate vicinity, and the Metra is a viable option, too. Information about parking in the City of Highland Park is available here.
Downtown Highland Park is also easily accessible via public and non-motorized transport.
Metra - take UP-N to the Highland Park station, located a 4 minute walk from The Lot.
Pace Bus - take Highland Park/Highwood Route 472 to the St. Johns/Central stop, across the street from The Lot.
Bike/Walk - from the north, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail south to Vine Ave. Head east on Vine, turning south onto St. Johns Ave. From the south, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail north along St. Johns Ave. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity.
Thank you to our sponsors
