The 38th Annual Scarecrow Weekend, presented by St. Charles Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, will be held in downtown St. Charles, Illinois.

85+ handmade scarecrows will be showcased around town for visitors to view and vote on their favorites. There will be a Family Zone with live entertainment and family fun as well as an Activity Zone with festive photo ops, Scarecrow-to-Go and family activities.

While visiting, make sure to treat yourself to many sales, specials, and events throughout town including the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park.

Enjoy FREE entertainment in the Family Zone in Lincoln Park, presented by St. Charles Bank & Trust, both on and off the stage from local musicians, dance teams, magic shows, and more! Don't forget to stop by all our Family Fun Booths as they'll have exciting activities and more!

Friday, October 6, 2023

Family Zone Entertainment Schedule:

12:30pm - 1:00pm: St. Charles Dance Company

St. Charles Park District's very own St. Charles Dance Company is where students can develop dance techniques and choreography skills, performance abilities, and self-confidence. Students will grow as dancers through commitment, teamwork and persistence, and engage in the community with performances at various venues.

1:15pm - 1:45pm: Elite Academy of Dance

Elite Academy of Dance is one of the premier dance education programs in the Fox Valley, offering a wide variety of classes for students ages two through eighteen. It is their hope to inspire students to believe in themselves and dream big. At Elite Academy of Dance, they hope to teach that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything!

2:00pm - 2:30pm: Batavia Academy of Dance

Batavia Academy of Dance's mission is to provide exceptional instruction and development in the art of dance for all levels and ages. In a nurturing and safe environment, they strive to promote a positive self-image and instill a passion for dance in every student. They believe in doing things differently and they are committed to providing quality dance education to Batavia and the surrounding Fox Valley communities.

2:45pm - 3:15pm: Dreams Dance Academy

At Dreams Dance Academy, they offer classes for everyone. Whether it's their strong preschool program or their confidence boosting intensive program, their students receive the proper technical training to become well-rounded dancers, gain self-confidence, and learn the value of teamwork.

3:30pm - 5:30pm: The Collective

The Collective is an alternative rock party dance cover band based in Chicago. They cover bands including: Cage the Elephant, 3 Doors Down, Train, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, and much more!

Activity Zone Entertainment Schedule:

The Activity Zone, presented by McNally's Heating & Cooling, will be located on Riverside Avenue, and will feature fall activities for the whole family to enjoy! You'll find a professional pumpkin carver, a fun house maze, a pumpkin painting activity, and so much more!

12:00pm - 6:00pm: Butterfly and Straw Sculptures

Capture your time at St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend by snapping a photo in front of our Butterfly Fall Photo Op, sponsored by Gerald Subaru! Make sure to tag @stcalliance on social media, too! While you're there, admire the incredible Straw Sculptures from the Mt. Morris Straw Sculpting Competition!

12:00pm - 6:00pm: Fun House Maze

Take an adventure through the Fun House Maze and get lost in this spectacular wonderland! You'll have a blast trying to find the ending of this maze, inspired by the traditional carnival fun house.

12:00pm - 6:00pm: Professional Pumpkin Carver

See the incredible designs that our Professional Pumpkin Carver, Robert Childers, carves on pumpkins, sponsored by Route 64 Dental. Watch him transform traditional pumpkins into masterpieces!

12:00pm - 5:00pm: Interactive Family DJ

While you're enjoying all the fun things to do in the Activity Zone, hear the sounds of the interactive family DJ, DJ Jimmy Jamz! DJ Jimmy Jamz, or James Martin, has been DJing and showcasing his impersonations for over 30 years. He has had the opportunity to open for several acts from Chubby Checker to Kelly Clarkson and has been on several news stations including WGN and Channel 5 news. After all this, he has shown that he has learned the art of entertaining in all aspects of the entertainment business.

12:00pm - 6:00pm: Pumpkin Painting Activity

Channel your inner art skills and paint your very own pumpkin! Sponsored by Meijer, there will be a pumpkin painting station where you can create your fall-themed work of art!

12:00pm - 6:00pm: Scarecrow-to-Go

Make your very own Scarecrow with our Scarecrow-to-Go, formerly known as Scarecrow in a Box, sponsored by Comcast! This will come with everything you need to make a scarecrow. Craft it together at home, or at one of the stations at the event! The cost is $10 per Scarecrow-to-Go.

12:00pm - 6:00pm: Windy Acres Farm Tent

Make sure to swing by Windy Acres Farm's Tent to purchase fall decor and treats such as donuts, hand dipped caramel apples, apple cider, fresh fruit pies, local jams, gourds, mums, and more!

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show
Pottawatomie Park
8 North Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174

Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show presented by Art of the Heartland exhibits over 100 crafters in a variety of jewelry, metal art, stained glass, photography and more!

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Family Zone Entertainment Schedule:

10:00am - 10:30am: Thompson Middle School Choir

A tradition at Scarecrow Weekend - our very own Thompson Middle School Choir!

10:45am - 11:15am: Marquee Youth Stage

St. Charles' own Marquee Youth Stage is a 501(C)(3) performing arts education organization, established in January 2011 and dedicated to empowering youth for life. It is their mission to broaden the reach and impact of theatre so that students of all abilities, ethnicities, skills and economic backgrounds may benefit, thereby increasing the opportunities for theatre in order to inspire creativity, support, enrich and empower youth with the skills and knowledge of how the arts can serve and influence the community at large.

11:30am - 12:00pm: Moves Dance Studio

For over 33 years, Moves Dance Studio Inc. has trained thousands of dancers. Their success begins with a commitment to each and every student. Moves provides world class instructors in a professionally charged environment.

12:00pm - 3:00pm: Glowby the Bubbler - Roaming

Glowby the Bubbler will be providing soap bubble entertainment all around Lincoln Park. He will be making some unique bubble designs, using custom equipment and lots of audience participation.

12:30pm - 2:00pm: Paul & Jay

The musicians in "Paul and Jay" have been playing together for more than 30 years after meeting at NIU! Since then, they have been in great demand as the most entertaining two man show in Chicagoland! They engage the audience and perform an incredible dance medley containing 40 songs in 40 minutes!

1:00pm - 4:00pm: Magic of Scott Piner - Roaming

Known for his magical personality, Scott Piner specializes in engaging audiences with interactive magic. With a degree in Theatre Arts from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Scott blends his passion for storytelling, people, marketing, math, and the arts to think creatively and create customers. In his youth, Scott was one of only a select few students from the Midwest chosen to attend the prestigious Tannen's Magic Camp in Long Island, New York. He lives with his wife and daughter in St. Charles and is a past President of the St. Charles Rotary Club. Scott performs for parties, events, and fundraisers year-round.

2:30pm - 4:00pm: Leslie Hunt and the Hunt House Showcase

Leslie Hunt, renowned musician and owner of Hunt House Creative Arts Center, is taking the stage with her students at this year's Scarecrow Weekend. Leslie Hunt, who performs both as a solo artist and with a progressive rock band, District 97, even achieved top ten females on Season 6 of American Idol. This live performance will not only highlight Leslie Hunt's diverse musical range, which spans from rock to R&B, but also showcase the skills of very talented Hunt House Creative Arts students, as well.

4:00pm - 5:30pm: Leslie Hunt Band

Leslie Hunt began her life in the Chicago area, playing piano and singing at the age of four. Through the years, she has performed on many stages in many roles, and has been celebrated all throughout her development as a performer. While many will remember her from her all-too-brief stint on American Idol, where she made it to the top ten females, the singer/songwriter has since matured at an accelerated rate. Leslie performs regularly as a solo artist, enchanting rooms large and small with nothing but a piano or guitar and her voice. She also has a full backing band for shows that are less intimate, yet still wholly riveting. Leslie has also been the front woman and co-composer for the progressive rock band, District 97, since 2008. Leslie has worked with numerous established talents, including drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Sting) and bassist Vail Johnson (Stevie Nicks, Herbie Hancock). But ultimately, what sets Leslie apart is sonic variety, never sticking with a single genre for too long. On all five of her studio albums, you will find indie, classic rock, bossa nova, Americana, R&B, funk, soul, pop and rock. Whether it is a cheerful, hook-heavy song about love or a dark and insightful ballad of self-discovery, Leslie Hunt's music is a window into her soul for any listener willing to look.

Activity Zone Entertainment Schedule:

10:00am - 6:00pm: Butterfly and Straw Sculptures

Capture your time at St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend by snapping a photo in front of our Butterfly Fall Photo Op, sponsored by Gerald Subaru! Make sure to tag @stcalliance on social media, too! While you're there, admire the incredible Straw Sculptures from the Mt. Morris Straw Sculpting Competition!

10:00am - 6:00pm: Fun House Maze

Take an adventure through the Fun House Maze and get lost in this spectacular wonderland! You'll have a blast trying to find the ending of this maze, inspired by the traditional carnival fun house.

10:00am - 6:00pm: Professional Pumpkin Carver

See the incredible designs that our Professional Pumpkin Carver, Robert Childers, carves on pumpkins, sponsored by Route 64 Dental. Watch him transform traditional pumpkins into masterpieces!

10:00am - 5:00pm: Interactive Family DJ

While you're enjoying all the fun things to do in the Activity Zone, hear the sounds of the interactive family DJ, DJ Jimmy Jamz! DJ Jimmy Jamz, or James Martin, has been DJing and showcasing his impersonations for over 30 years. He has had the opportunity to open for several acts from Chubby Checker to Kelly Clarkson and has been on several news stations including WGN and Channel 5 news. After all this, he has shown that he has learned the art of entertaining in all aspects of the entertainment business.

10:00am - 6:00pm: Pumpkin Painting Activity

Channel your inner art skills and paint your very own pumpkin! Sponsored by Meijer, there will be a pumpkin painting station where you can create your fall-themed work of art!

10:00am - 6:00pm: Scarecrow-to-Go

Make your very own Scarecrow with our Scarecrow-to-Go, formerly known as Scarecrow in a Box, sponsored by Comcast! This will come with everything you need to make a scarecrow. Craft it together at home, or at one of the stations at the event! The cost is $10 per Scarecrow-to-Go.

10:00am - 6:00pm: Windy Acres Farm Tent

Make sure to swing by Windy Acres Farm's Tent to purchase fall decor and treats such as donuts, hand dipped caramel apples, apple cider, fresh fruit pies, local jams, gourds, mums, and more!

10:00am - 1:00pm & 2:30pm - 5:30pm: Face Painting

On Saturday, you can have the opportunity to look your very best in the Activity Zone and get your face painted! Show off your festive designs as you explore everything that Scarecrow Weekend has to offer.

11:00am, 1:00pm, & 4:30pm: John Measner Magic Truck

John Measner is a classically trained magician and skilled manipulator with many mystifying illusions. Having performed mind-blowing magic for over 25 years, Measner has performed on Chicago's own "Bozo Show," cable TV talk shows and dazzled audiences at popular festivals. Get ready for a thrill!

2:00pm - 3:00pm - 2 Heats: Culver's Ice Cream Eating Contest

Can you ever have too much ice cream? At this year's Scarecrow Weekend, there will be a Culver's Ice Cream eating contest, thanks to Culver's at 4068 East Main St. in St. Charles! There will be two heats of the contest! Sign up at the Informational Booth at the Municipal Building to test your ice cream eating skills! Participants must be 18 years or older to enter.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show
Pottawatomie Park
8 North Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174

Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show presented by Art of the Heartland exhibits over 100 crafters in a variety of jewelry, metal art, stained glass, photography and more!

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Family Zone Entertainment Schedule:

10:00am - 10:30am: Dance Dynamics

Dance Dynamics, located in Batavia and celebrating 15 years of top-of-the-line dance instruction for children of all ages. Their recreational program starts at age 2, and their competitive program starts at age 5. They are where artistry is born and where true dancers are created.

10:00am - 5:00pm: Windy City Ghostbusters - Roaming

The Windy City Ghostbusters are a 501(C)(3) charity group of Chicago-based Ghostbuster enthusiasts who make and wear their own movie-accurate costumes. They march in parades and attend events dressed as Ghostbusters.

10:45am - 11:15am: Duet Dance Academy

Duet Dance Academy Inc. is proud to be more than just a dance studio. They are dedicated to being a positive presence in the Fox Valley community involved with local youth. They are passionate about their skills and motivated to provide the best dance experience possible in a safe, fun-filled environment.

11:00am - 2:00pm: Magic of Scott Piner - Roaming

Known for his magical personality, Scott Piner specializes in engaging audiences with interactive magic. With a degree in Theatre Arts from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Scott blends his passion for storytelling, people, marketing, math, and the arts to think creatively and create customers. In his youth, Scott was one of only a select few students from the Midwest chosen to attend the prestigious Tannen's Magic Camp in Long Island, New York. He lives with his wife and daughter in St. Charles and is a past president of the St. Charles Rotary Club. Scott performs for parties, events, and fundraisers year-round.

11:30am - 12:00pm: 3rd Street Dance

3rd Street Dance & Theatre Academy's Mission is to challenge students to be the best they can be, through hands-on personalized instruction and to develop a solid technical background in dance and theatre. They believe an education in the arts builds imagination and self-confidence in the student while helping them grow as a person and prepare for the future in and out of the studio.

12:30pm - 2:00pm: Gregory Hyde

Gregory Hyde is a Chicago-based Singer/Songwriter who has received comparisons to a broad array of artists such as Weezer, the Eagles, and Jellyfish. Hyde has toured North America as an original artist, and as an entertainer for major corporate events. He has performed live on national radio, had his songs paced in award-winning films, documentaries, & shows, sold over 7,000 copies of his independently produced albums, is a recipient of the Billboard Music Songwriting award, and still plays upwards of 200 solo acoustic shows and private events a year. Gregory has toured with and shared the stage with notable performers like Jay Leno, Jim Gaffigan, Pat Benatar, Barenaked Ladies, Soul Asylum, 10,000 Maniacs, Sister Hazel, Gin Blossoms, Los Lonely Boys, Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Smithereens, The Jayhawks, Edwin McClain, Tesla, America, Guster, The Fixx, Air Supply, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bo Bice, and many others.

1:00pm - 4:00pm: Glowby the Bubbler - Roaming

Glowby the Bubbler will be providing soap bubble entertainment all around Lincoln Park. He will be making some unique bubble designs, using custom equipment and lots of audience participation.

2:30pm - 4:30pm: Tim Gleason Trio

Tim Gleason is a Yorkville, IL-based country artist that performs cover songs and original music. His eclectic playlist includes country, rock, pop, and dance music. Tim Gleason and his band have played at venues including Country Thunder, Bub City, Skooters, Bourbon 115, Joe's Live, and many of the biggest venues in the Chicagoland area.

Activity Zone Entertainment Schedule:

10:00am - 5:00pm: Butterfly and Straw Sculptures

Capture your time at St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend by snapping a photo in front of our Butterfly Fall Photo Op, sponsored by Gerald Subaru! Make sure to tag @stcalliance on social media, too! While you're there, admire the incredible Straw Sculptures from the Mt. Morris Straw Sculpting Competition!

10:00am - 5:00pm: Fun House Maze

Take an adventure through the Fun House Maze and get lost in this spectacular wonderland! You'll have a blast trying to find the ending of this maze, inspired by the traditional carnival fun house.

10:00am - 5:00pm: Professional Pumpkin Carver

See the incredible designs that our Professional Pumpkin Carver, Robert Childers, carves on pumpkins, sponsored by Route 64 Dental. Watch him transform traditional pumpkins into masterpieces!

10:00am - 5:00pm: Interactive Family DJ

While you're enjoying all the fun things to do in the Activity Zone, hear the sounds of the interactive family DJ, DJ Jimmy Jamz! DJ Jimmy Jamz, or James Martin, has been DJing and showcasing his impersonations for over 30 years. He has had the opportunity to open for several acts from Chubby Checker to Kelly Clarkson and has been on several news stations including WGN and Channel 5 news. After all this, he has shown that he has learned the art of entertaining in all aspects of the entertainment business.

10:00am - 5:00pm: Pumpkin Painting Activity

Channel your inner art skills and paint your very own pumpkin! Sponsored by Meijer, there will be a pumpkin painting station where you can create your fall-themed work of art!

10:00am - 5:00pm: Scarecrow-to-Go

Make your very own Scarecrow with our Scarecrow-to-Go, formerly known as Scarecrow in a Box, sponsored by Comcast! This will come with everything you need to make a scarecrow. Craft it together at home, or at one of the stations at the event! The cost is $10 per Scarecrow-to-Go.

10:00am - 5:00pm: Windy Acres Farm Tent

Make sure to swing by Windy Acres Farm's Tent to purchase fall decor and treats such as donuts, hand dipped caramel apples, apple cider, fresh fruit pies, local jams, gourds, mums, and more!

11:00am - 4:00pm: Interactive Bubble Stations

Who doesn't love bubbles? Several tables will be all set up where kids will get to try out a whole variety of different bubble wands, both wands that are readily available and also wands that were made by the Bubble Man himself! Kids will be shown how different bubble wands will make different types of bubbles, and they'll learn some bubble tricks too!

Dates: October 6 - 8, 2023

Festival Hours:

Friday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Locations:

Downtown St. Charles, Illinois
 
Family Zone: Lincoln Park
450 W. Main St., St. Charles, IL
 
Activity Zone: Riverside Ave.
Between Main St. and Illinois Ave.

Autumn on the Fox Craft Show:
Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave.

Click Here for more information.