Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival

Don’t miss the annual Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival taking place from Friday, September 25 until Monday, October 12!

This annual fall festival is celebrating its 30th year in 2026 and will once again see the town of Mahone Bay transformed into a whimsical autumn destination filled with creativity, community spirit, and family fun. Throughout the festival, visitors can stroll the streets and waterfront, discovering hundreds of handmade scarecrows that are on display throughout town. Local businesses, residents and community groups all take part, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of fall on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Spot celebrity scarecrows and celebrate the most colourful season in one of the most picturesque communities in Nova Scotia!

Scarecrow Displays: Sept 25 – Oct 12
Visitors can explore imaginative scarecrow displays throughout town, ranging from traditional harvest figures to humorous and artistic creations. The displays encourage guests to wander through Mahone Bay’s shops, waterfront, and historic streets while enjoying colourful fall scenery and photo opportunities around every corner.

Mahone Bay Pumpkin Patch: Sept 25 and 26 from 7pm – 8:30pm
Families can visit the Pumpkin Patch to admire over 100 creatively carved lit up pumpkins. Enjoying a classic fall tradition in a friendly community setting. The event is especially popular with children and offers a relaxed and festive autumn experience.

Family Activities & Children’s Events: Sept 26 from 1pm – 4pm
The festival includes family-friendly activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. In Jubilee park families will enjoy Eye Spy , a wonderful walk through the woods to find the hidden Scarecrows. Toy Boat Squadron is also there to teach children how to build their own wooden toy boat. When a boat is completed, it gets a test sail in a giant shallow pool. These interactive experiences create lasting fall memories for both residents and visitors alike.

Nova Scotia Pie Baking Contest: Oct 3 from 11:30am – 2pm
The Pie Contest showcases homemade baking talent from all over NS. The bakers are competing in a variety of Nova Scotia Fruit categories. Visitors can experience the warmth of small-town hospitality while enjoying the sights, aromas, and flavours of traditional fall baking. Professional judges award a Best in Show as well as category cash prizes. Enjoy a chowder lunch, seafood or corn and top it off with a slice or two of pie.

Nova Scotia Pottery Market: Oct 4 from 10am – 4pm
New for this year, the Scarecrow Festival proudly introduces the first Nova Scotia Pottery Market event in Mahone Bay at the Mahone Bay Centre. Featuring more than 30 pottery vendors, the market will showcase a wide variety of handcrafted ceramics created by talented artisans from across the region. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet makers, browse unique handmade pieces, and experience live pottery demonstrations throughout the event.

With free admission, the pottery market offers an inviting and accessible experience for art lovers, collectors, families, and anyone looking to enjoy creativity and craftsmanship during the festival weekend.

Shopping & Dining in Mahone Bay
Throughout the festival, Mahone Bay’s local shops, cafés, galleries, and restaurants embrace the spirit of the season with autumn décor, special offerings, and warm East Coast hospitality. Visitors can enjoy browsing unique boutiques and sampling local food while taking in the festive atmosphere.

Scenic Autumn Experience
Set along the picturesque waterfront of Mahone Bay, the Scarecrow Festival offers visitors the chance to experience one of Nova Scotia’s most charming seaside towns during the peak of fall colour season. The combination of creative displays, community events, coastal scenery, and local culture makes the festival a memorable autumn getaway.