Scarecrow Festival

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026

The Scarecrow Festival always has the streets buzzing with excitement each year! The annual festival will return from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to downtown Dixon.

PLEASE NOTE: VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT.

More than 100+ booths and activities await on 6 city blocks, including crafters, pumpkin painting, street performers, games, donut eating contests, a petting zoo, face painting, flower pot decorating, and pumpkin bowling.

Pumpkin race “cars” will battle to be named the fastest racer down Hennepin Avenue as the annual Pumpkin Derby returns at 1 p.m. between First and Second Street.

For those looking to get a jump on holiday shopping, stores and downtown shops will be running specials and sales!

The Dixon Municipal Band will perform along the Riverfront. And make sure you come hungry, as food trucks will be located throughout the festival grounds!

Creativity will also be on display, as scarecrows decorated by local businesses and organizations can be seen throughout the festival and beyond in the downtown area.

Make sure you join Discover Dixon for Dixon’s largest festival of the year!

Pumpkin Derby – Starts at 1 p.m. on Hennepin Ave.

Pumpkin race “cars” will battle for fastest racer down Hennepin Ave. Cash prizes for “Grand Champion” & “Best In Show” will be awarded to winners in the Youth w/ Family (5 & under), Kids (6-12), Teen (13-17), Adult (18+) & Business/Organization categories. Registration will begin at noon.

Racers must be assembled using a single, whole, real pumpkin. While it may be hollowed out, it must retain its pumpkin shape. A bigger or heavier pumpkin does not necessarily make it faster.
Racers can be created using a prefabricated chassis of any kind (i.e., skateboard, stroller, toy truck, etc.) OR by inserting two independent axles through the pumpkin with wheels attached to the axles. Use wheels from an old lawn mower or gather pine derby car components. Kits are available to order online, but your imagination is FREE and creative engineering is encouraged!
NO MOTORS, EXPLOSIVES or PYROTECHNICS!
No pushing or “helping” your Racer. Racers must be placed at the starting line and GRAVITY will do the rest. Be sure your racer has enough ground clearance for your wheels to spin freely.
The best way to build a fast Racer is to make sure the axles are parallel so your racer will roll straight down the track. Many racers are eliminated because their racer veers into the side wall before crossing the finishing line. Check to ensure your wheels are parallel and spin freely.
Participants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian present during the contest.
Racers must be under 20″ in diameter.

Scarecrow Contest

Discover Dixon invites all families, organizations, groups & businesses to participate in the annual Scarecrow Contest downtown!

Scarecrows are put up on downtown light posts and the surrounding area.

Your Scarecrow must be family friendly, and the name of the organization, family, group, or business must be displayed somewhere on the scarecrow. This is a great way to gain exposure!

Scarecrows can be put up the weekend of Oct. 10. Please do not put up your scarecrow before 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

Judging is Tuesday, Oct. 13 and winners will be notified Friday, Oct. 16.

Scarecrows are to be taken down by Sunday, Oct. 25.

And lastly, please check your scarecrow daily to ensure that all parts are still attached, and the scarecrow is presentable. The weather does a number on the scarecrows.

Prizes will be awarded to the three most creative scarecrows! Be creative! Have FUN!

When you are finished setting up your scarecrow, please email [email protected] a picture with the name of the organization, family, group, or business and the location of your scarecrow.

Thank you!