Downtown Woodstock is about to be invaded by scarecrows. During October, as you drive into the downtown district from East Main Street, you will be welcomed by more than 230 scarecrows.
The 2023 WDSTK Scarecrow Invasion features amazing scarecrow designs from local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. The Scarecrow Invasion officially begins on October 2 and will be displayed throughout the month. The event brings thousands of people to Downtown Woodstock during the month of October, encouraging both locals and visitors to the area.
This year will feature a new layout for the scarecrow displays, with all Main Street locations situated north of Arnold Mill and the majority of displays visible within the Park City Center and Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. With thanks to the Woodstock Parks and Rec Department, who have allowed the majority of scarecrows to now be on display within the Park and Amphitheater, this change will allow visitors to more safely walk and admire the designs, organizers say.
Throughout the month of October, the public can also vote for their favorite Scarecrow at the Woodstock Visitors Center, located at 8588 Main Street. It’s open weekly Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A $1 donation equals one vote. All proceeds benefit INSeason, the design committee for IN WDSTK, and will be dedicated to Downtown Woodstock beautification projects.
The winners of the Scarecrow Invasion contest receive bragging rights and a trophy.
Another popular part of the event is the Woodstock Scarecrow Invasion Scavenger Hunt, which features ten clues related to specific scarecrows scattered throughout the area. Participants set out to find the correct scarecrows aligned with the associated clues.
The Scavenger Hunt is a fun, free activity and both adult and child-friendly.
The clue sheets are available at the Woodstock Visitors Center beginning Friday, October 6. When participants have solved all ten clues, they can turn in results to the Visitors Center to earn a special prize. This is a fun way to deepen the experience and explore all of the scarecrows on display at the Woodstock Scarecrow Invasion.
Click here for a map of scarecrow locations.
For more information, visit WDSTK Scarecrow Invasion online.
Other things to explore while in Woodstock
When you visit Scarecrow Invasion, plan on making a day of it. Shop in Woodstock’s many downtown boutiques and at the nearby outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Also, Made Mercantile offers a unique and inspiring creative incubator and local makers-space where you can shop for locally made goods.
Kids will enjoy The Downtown Playground. Designed as a natural space incorporating elements and textures from the landscape, this outdoor spot is a family favorite.
If you go early on a Saturday, you can pick up some fresh produce at the Woodstock farmer’s market. It runs almost year-round from April through the end of December, and welcomes a wide variety of local and international items.
Of course, while you’re there, you’ll want to enjoy the scavenger hunt and walk among the scarecrows. Once you’ve built up an appetite, you can enjoy any of the dozens of award-winning chef-driven restaurants downtown. They offer a diverse and delicious variety of local and international cuisine.
DIRECTIONS: Woodstock, Georgia, is located 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta and near the southeast shores of Lake Allatoona. It is about 85 miles southwest of Clarkesville, Georgia, by way of GA 400 or I-75.
INTERESTING NOTE: Woodstock has been the filming location for Netflix’s “Ozark,” Disney’s “Noelle,” HGTV’s “Flip or Flop Atlanta”, and more.
