Apply to compete in Atlanta’s Great Pumpkin-Carving Contest, held live at the Garden on Oct. 22, 2026.
Teams of amateur carvers will have three hours during the Garden’s annual Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival 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 one (1) Garden Golden Ticket, which grants access to a year of exciting special events at the Garden and two (2) guest tickets to the Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival. The contest winner will receive additional prizes.
Applications open: Aug. 17, 2026
Application deadline: Oct. 1, 2026
Event date: Oct. 22, 2026, 4–9 p.m. (winners announced 8:30 p.m.)
Guidelines:
Open to pumpkin-carving enthusiasts 18 and older
Teams of up to two carvers
Carvers must be on-site 4–9 p.m. on Oct. 22, 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 Atlanta Botanical Garden
Apply to carve