A Fall Festival Like No Other: Welcome to the Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival
If you’re planning an autumn island escape, there’s no better time to visit Prince Edward Island than during the Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival, running from October 3 to 31, 2025. This month-long celebration transforms the charming capital city into a whimsical wonderland, where over 800 creative scarecrows line the streets, parks, and storefronts.
Whether you're traveling with kids, seeking cozy seasonal vibes, or craving some spooky nighttime thrills, this is one festival where every family member—big or small—will find their fall groove.
👻 What Makes It So Special?
The Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival is Atlantic Canada’s largest scarecrow festival, and it’s not just about straw and flannel. It’s about transforming the city into a living, breathing storybook, filled with mystery, laughter, community, and creativity.
From free walking tours to haunted hotel rooms, this festival blends the magical and the macabre with a cozy small-town charm that makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a classic autumn movie.
🎭 Festival Highlights & Signature Events
Here's a look at what’s waiting for you this October in downtown Charlottetown:
🎃 Every Day of the Festival
- Self-Guided Scarecrow Walk (FREE)
Grab a map (coming soon!) and take your time exploring the hundreds of scarecrows decorating downtown. Some are cute, some spooky, others just hilariously weird—but all are photo-worthy. - Haunted Hotel Rooms
Book a stay in one of Charlottetown’s haunted accommodations... if you dare. - Wicked Spirits Cocktail Mix-Off
A boozy adult treat! Sample Halloween-inspired cocktails as local bartenders compete for the title of “Wickedest Mixologist.”
🔮 Fridays – Mystic Nights in the Square
Enjoy the mystical side of fall with tarot readings and mystical energy swirling in the historic downtown core every Friday night.
🕯️ Beaconsfield Events
- Beaconsfield by Candlelight (Oct 3–11)
Experience the historic Beaconsfield House lit by flickering candlelight—an atmospheric treat. - The Beaconsfield Séance (Oct 16–25)
Join a ghostly gathering and try to make contact with spirits of the past in this spine-tingling experience.
🐎 Horse & Wagon Rides (Oct 10, 11 & 30)
Traditional and haunted wagon rides will offer families a fun and nostalgic way to see the city.
🛍️ Special One-Day Events You Won't Want to Miss
🍂 Oct 5 – Farm Day in the City
PEI’s largest outdoor market features over 150 local vendors, farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment. Free and family-friendly!
🍺 Oct 11 – PEI Brewing Company's Oktoberfest
Grab a stein and enjoy live music, local craft beer, and hearty fall eats.
🧺 Oct 18 – Harvest Fest at Founders'
A cozy indoor/outdoor celebration of food, music, and PEI’s rich agricultural roots.
🧛♂️ Oct 18 & 25 – Haunted Patio at Merchantman Next Door
Sip spooky cocktails while ghouls lurk in the shadows.
🧙♀️ Oct 25 – Bewitching Market at Charlottetown Farmers' Market
Dress in your Halloween best and explore local crafts, treats, and seasonal surprises.
🧭 Planning Your Visit
Charlottetown is compact, walkable, and filled with historic architecture, quaint shops, and fantastic food. During the festival, many local businesses decorate their storefronts with themed scarecrows, turning every corner into a photo-op.
Need a warm-up? Cozy cafés like Receiver Coffee and Leonhard’s Café serve up seasonal drinks and hearty brunches. Want to extend the adventure? Check out PEI’s other fall events like the Fall Flavours Festival happening throughout the island.
🎉 Why You'll Love It
The Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival hits that perfect mix of family fun and festive chills. Whether you’re a parent chasing down fall photos of the kids, a foodie hunting for seasonal eats, or a traveler drawn to the strange and wonderful, this festival is your passport to a truly magical island experience.
So pack your sweater, grab your camera, and get ready for the ultimate fall escape—scarecrows, séances, markets, and all.
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