THE DENTON SCARY CHAIRY ORCHARD

Registration for this year's Scary Chairy Orchard is now open.

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Register Now

All chairs will be entered into a contest upon drop-off to win in one of the following categories: 

• Mayor's Choice

• People's Choice

• Best Group/Business Chair

• Best Individual Chair

• And More!

Winners will be announced on Oct. 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. 

• Aug. 12 - Registration Opens

• Sept. 19 - Online Registration Closes 

• Sept. 24 - Chair Drop Off at City Hall  | 4 to 6 p.m.  

• Sept. 25 - Chair Drop Off at City Hall | 4 to 6 p.m.  

• Sept. 26 - Chair Drop Off at City Hall | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Oct. 1 - Scary Chairy Orchard Opens

• Oct. 23 - Winners Announced at 5:30 p.m.

• Oct. 31 - Final day of Scary Chairy Orchard Exhibit 

• Nov. 3 - Final day for chair pickup 

Thistle Creative Reuse is offering a special discount for all Scary Chairy Orchard participants, head there today to get all your supplies! 
 

• 50% off second-hand creative materials up to $20 ($10 maximum value)

• Discount does not apply to new and boutique items

• In-store use only, not valid for online purchases

• Expires 9/25/26 at 7 p.m

• Must give your name, phone number, and email address at checkout to receive the discount

• Discount can only be used once, if maximum discount value is unused, remainder is forfeited

Artists are encouraged to find chairs that could use a new, creative reimagining. Chairs should be made of plastic, wood or metal. Unfortunately, we cannot accept chairs that are made of upholstery or other porous materials. We’re happy to include chairs that feature artistically rendered creepy-crawlies consistent with the Halloween theme, but we would like to keep the real things out of our facilities! 

Chairs should lean toward the kooky, goofy, and cartoonish aspects of Halloween and less toward the gory and horrific. More Addams family, less Texas Chainsaw Massacre. After all, these chairs will be displayed in public areas where they will be seen by people of all ages. Chairs should be made of nontoxic materials and designed so that they do not pose a poking hazard or other risk. Participants are encouraged to think outside of the box for their chairs and to use many types of materials and mixed media. 

Artists are encouraged to find chairs that could use a new, creative reimagining. Chairs should be made of plastic, wood or metal. Unfortunately, we cannot accept chairs that are made of upholstery or other porous materials. We’re happy to include chairs that feature artistically rendered creepy-crawlies consistent with the Halloween theme, but we would like to keep the real things out of our facilities! 

The Parks and Recreation Department intends to display chairs in the Scary Chairy Orchard in the courtyard at City Hall. Participants will deliver their completed chairs to City Hall during the assigned drop-off days. Every effort will be taken to ensure that the chairs will be treated carefully, but it is possible that chairs may be damaged during transportation or while on display outdoors and exposed to the elements. Participants will need to take their chair home after the exhibit concludes at the end of the month.

1. Chairs must be an original design and creation.

2. Chairs must be able to withstand the outdoor elements for the month that they will be on display.

3. Chairs must be appropriate for an all-age audience. Think Addams Family, not Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

4. Chairs must be picked up by the final day of chair pickup, Nov. 3. Any chairs not picked up by the final day of pick up are subject to disposal or recreation.

5. Participants must register by 11:59 p.m. on September 19 to be included in the Scary Chairy Orchard.

6. Chairs must be dropped off at the City Hall Courtyard during the designated drop-off times in order to be entered into the orchard (Thursday, Sept. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday Sept. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday Sept 26 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

7. Registration is open to individuals, groups, and businesses.

8. Participants must be at least 16 years of age to register individually. Participants younger than 16 must be in a group with at least one adult 18 years of age or older.

9. Chair submissions may be refused and denied for display if deemed inappropriate.