Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are we?
The Cambria Scarecrow Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that produces a community-wide event with hundreds of scarecrows displayed through out Cambria and San Simeon, California during the entire month of October. The Festival has been featured in places as varied as the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, ABCNews.com, USA Today, Huffington Post, and Woman’s Day. To learn more about us, go to the About page.
What will I see during the Cambria Scarecrow Festival?
As you walk around the villages of Cambria and San Simeon, you will see hundreds of scarecrows in front of businesses and in public areas. These scarecrows are truly one of a kind, created by local scarecrow artists.
What is the history of the festival?
The Festival made its first appearance in 2009 with just 30 scarecrows. Since then, thanks to the ingenuity and hard work of local students, residents, and businesses, the numbers have grown into the hundreds.
When is it held?
The Cambria Scarecrow Festival is held each year from October 1 to October 31.
Where can I see them?
Scarecrows are located from the East Village of Cambria to the West Village, along Moonstone Drive and throughout San Simeon. During the month of October, you will find a map of their locations on this website.
Is there a fee?
There is no fee to view any of the scarecrows.
How can I participate?
Since we are a volunteer driven community non-profit organization, we would love your help!
Volunteer! Helping us put this festival on is a great way to become involved in our community.There are many ways you can participate so that we can keep the festival fresh, fun, and whimsical. We need people who would like to explore their creative talents, help with organization, as well as those that would like to work “behind the scenes”. See how you can volunteer.
Display your own scarecrow. We encourage businesses to join us in creating their own scarecrows. To make sure you get recognition and in on the voting, you will need to register your scarecrow here.
Don’t want to do this? You can still get a scarecrow by joining the Friends Program (see below)
Donate through our Friends program. When you become a friend of the scarecrows, you will get to choose a scarecrow to be placed in front of your business or, if you’re not a business owner, placement will be determined by the set-up committee.
Can I vote for my favorite scarecrow?
During the festival, you will be able to vote for your favorite scarecrow on our website. Your vote enters you into a contest to win a free night’s stay in Cambria. We announce our scarecrow winners at our Salute to Scarecrow party that happens at the end of October.
Are other related events happening during the festival?
At the end of October, we host a Salute to Scarecrow party which is our main fundraiser which sells out every year. The best way to find out about when that party will be held is to sign up for updates.
Cambria has other festivals going on during the month of October as well. In the past, they ranged from Harvest Festivals to Open Studios tours to Chili Cook-offs and car shows. Check with Visit Cambria, Visit San Simeon and the Cambria Chamber of Commerce for these events.
Is photography allowed?
Not only is photography allowed, it’s strongly encouraged. We would love to see your photos and videos on our social media sites. When you share, please tag us at #cambriascarecrowfestival. We love sharing your photos on Instagram @cambriascarecrowfestival and Facebook @cambriascarecrows.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Most of the scarecrows will be viewable from sidewalks however, some of the displays are on uneven ground but still accessible.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, see above.
Are dogs allowed?
Cambria and San Simeon are pet friendly towns.
What should I bring or wear?
October can be chilly and rainy so we recommend bringing a jacket and dressing in layers. To get the best experience, walking is recommended so wear comfortable shoes. And of course, bring your camera!
Where can I stay?
Cambria and San Simeon offer a diverse selection of hotels at various price points. Visit VisitCambria.com, VisitSanSimeonca.com, or Cambriachamber.org to see what is available.
Where should I park?
Parking is available throughout the East Village and West Village, mainly on the street and in a few parking lots. The spots can fill up fast, especially on weekends, so we recommend that when you find, a parking spot take it and walk to see the scarecrows.
Do I have to see the scarecrows on foot?
Many of the scarecrows are close enough to the street so that you can view them from your car. We encourage you to view them on foot because not only can you see them up close, you will avoid slowing down traffic.
What is the weather like in Cambria during October?
Mostly the weather is beautiful in October but it can get chilly and rainy. See above for what to wear.
Where should I eat?
Cambria and San Simeon have dozens of great restaurants to choose from at all price ranges. From sandwiches to sit-down meals, burgers to fresh seafood, you will find a restaurant to satisfy your hunger.
What more can we see and do while we’re in the area?
This part of the Central Coast has plenty to offer. There are hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coastline and peaceful strolls through Monterey pine forests. Enjoy the beach, explore the tide pools along the rocks that sustain sea life and of course, you must check out the elephant seals up close is at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. You can even ride a Clydesdale horse if you wish. And of course, one of California’s most visited state park is just outside of San Simeon, Hearst Castle. Go to our Visit page to discover more information and to see what more is available during your visit.
In the village, take an Historic Walking Tour and shop at Cambria’s unique, quirky, and character-driven shops, boutiques, and art galleries. This region is also known for its farm-to-table dining, with several restaurants using locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious, seasonal dishes.
For those interested in wine, journey along the Pacific Coast Wine trail that features boutique wineries nestled along scenic Highway 1. The nearby Paso Robles wine region is home to over 200 wineries and tasting rooms. Many of these wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample a variety of wines while taking in the beautiful scenery.
How can we donate?
While we accept any donation, when you become a Scarecrow Friend at $100 or more, you can display a scarecrow of your choice at no additional cost. Find out more about how to donate here.
Who do we contact for more information?
You can email us at info@cambriascarecrows.com. The best way to stay in the loop to find out what is happening is to sign up for updates.
How can I follow you on social media?
You can follow us on:
Facebook: @CambriaScarecrows
Instagram: @cambriascarecrowfestival
Hashtags: #cambriascarecrows and #cambriascarecrowfestival