Apply to compete at the Gainesville Garden during FallFest on Oct. 3, 2026.
Teams of amateur carvers will have three hours during FallFest’s Pumpkin-Carving Contest to design and carve pumpkins at individual stations in front of event guests. Teams may contain up to two carvers.
All selected competitors will receive two (2) guest tickets to FallFest. The contest winner will receive one (1) Garden Golden Ticket, which grants access to a year of exciting special events at the Garden, including Glows ’26, JuneFest, Spring Exhibit, Music Series, FallFest, and one (1) Atlanta Garden event.
Applications open: Aug. 24
Application deadline: Sept. 25
Event date: Oct. 3, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (winners announced 2:30 p.m.)
Guidelines:
Open to pumpkin-carving enthusiasts 18 and older
Teams of up to two carvers
Minimum of 6 carvers required for the contest to run
Carvers must be on-site 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2026
Choose one (1) or two (2) medium-sized pumpkins, provided by the Garden
Carvers must bring their own tools and supplies
Carving must be suitable for viewing by children — no controversial, commercial, political or religious subjects
All carved pumpkins become the property of the Atlanta Botanical Garden
APPLICATIONS OPEN AUG. 24