Iowa Scarecrow Festival Debuts Oct. 18 – Call for Entries Now Open

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – July 17, 2025 – A new fall tradition is taking root in Iowa. The Iowa Scarecrow Festival will debut on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, running alongside the popular Made in Iowa Fall Market, which draws over 150 curated vendors from across the state and thousands of attendees.

Part art installation, part community showcase, the Festival of Scarecrows invites individuals, families, businesses, schools, and organizations to submit their most creative scarecrow designs for public display. From classic straw-stuffed sentries to quirky characters made of recycled metal, fabric scraps, or even kitchen utensils—there’s room for every kind of creativity.

Entry is free and submitting a scarecrow is a fun way to showcase your creativity, build team spirit, and get your name out in the community. Ribbons will be awarded in three size categories.

– Entry Deadline: October 1, 2025
– Drop-Off: Thursday, October 16, from 12PM to 3PM at Hawkeye Downs
– Pick-Up: Saturday, October 18, between 5PM and 6PM after the event

Three size categories
– Small (under 12 inches)
– Large (3–5 feet tall)
– Medium (1–3 feet tall)

Scarecrow submissions are now open at https://scarecrowfestival.org.

Art Meets Impact: Partnering to Fight Hunger

The event also features a charitable twist. Made in Iowa has partnered with Together We Achieve, a Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit working to end food insecurity across Eastern Iowa. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation, and 10% of all door proceeds will directly support local hunger relief efforts.

From 2–3 p.m., select scarecrows will be available for donation-based adoption — an additional fundraiser for Together We Achieve.

“With the launch of the Scarecrow Festival, we’re adding even more joy, whimsy, and purpose to the Made in Iowa Market,” said event organizer Cynthia Freese. “It’s a celebration of community creativity with a mission to give back.”

“Fall should be a time of warmth and comfort,” added Raymond Siddell, Executive Director of Together We Achieve. “Partnering with Made in Iowa lets us remind families across Eastern Iowa that they’re not alone – and that we’re building something better together.”

Iowa Festival of Scarecrows & Made in Iowa Fall Market
Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hawkeye Downs Expo Center | Cedar Rapids, IA
$5 admission – Includes market entry, scarecrow displays, free parking, and supports local hunger relief.

About Made in Iowa

Made in Iowa curates high-quality vendor markets celebrating the talent and creativity of Iowa’s makers. Events regularly feature 150+ vendors from dozens of communities across the state and thousands of attendees. Upcoming Made in Iowa dates include Oct. 18, Nov. 29–30, Dec. 20–21, Jan. 31–Feb. 1, and April 18. The Made for Her Market — a celebration of women and the things they love — will take place March 14, 2026. Learn more at MadeInIowa.org.

About Together We Achieve

Based in Cedar Rapids, Together We Achieve provides emergency food support and wraparound services to families in need, with a mission to build stronger, hunger-free communities. Learn more at TogetherWeAchieve.org.