THE GRANDPUMPKINCARVINGCONTEST
To enter, upload a photo of your carving between October 1 and October 29. That's it: every approved upload is automatically in the running.
How Ye Enter
Entering Is Merely Uploading
Join the Guild
Create your free account, or leave your email below and we'll notify you when entries open. No fees, no purchase, no premium tier. Ever.
Take Up Blade
Pick a stencil, follow a tutorial, or freestyle it. Any method counts, as long as you carved the pumpkin yourself this season.
Upload. That Is All.
Post a photo of your carving between October 1 and October 29. Every approved upload is automatically entered. No forms, no checkboxes.
All Hallows' Reveal
Community hearts rank the standings all month. The top 10 per category go to the judges, and winners are announced October 31. Prizes are sent within 48 hours.
The Prize Purse
Six Separate Wreaths of Glory
“The single best pumpkin carving of the year: the judges' pick from all category finalists.”
The most-hearted entry of the season. The community decides: no judges, no appeals. Rally thy friends: share thy entry and let their hearts do the talking.
The carving most likely to make trick-or-treaters cross the street.
The one that made the judges laugh out loud.
Best carving by (or with) a kid. Family-friendly category for younger carvers.
Wildcard category for the most original, unexpected, or genre-defying carving.
The Fine Print
The Short Version, In Plain Speech
- §1.Free to enter. No purchase, no payment, no fees.
- §2.Every carving photo uploaded and approved between October 1 and October 29 is automatically an entry.
- §3.Original work only: a pumpkin you actually carved this season.
- §4.Community hearts pick the finalists; judges pick the winners. People's Choice goes to the most-hearted entry outright.
- §5.Vote manipulation means disqualification. Carve better, not sneakier.
- §6.One prize per household. Ages 18 and up, or a parent or guardian submits on a young carver's behalf.
Oft-Asked Questions
Answers to the Most Pressing Inquiries
Is it really free to enter?+
Yes. No entry fee, no purchase required, no premium tier. The whole site is free, year-round.
How do I enter?+
Upload a photo of your carving between October 1 and October 29. That's the entire process: every approved upload is automatically entered. Upload as many carvings as you've carved.
How are the winners decided?+
Community hearts rank the standings all October. When entries close, the top 10 in each category become finalists and the judges choose the winners. People's Choice is the exception: the most-hearted entry of the season wins it outright, no judges.
Which category is my carving in?+
All of them it qualifies for, automatically. Every entry competes for the Grand Prize, People's Choice, and Most Creative. Scary carvings also compete for Scariest, funny ones for Funniest, and kid-made or kid-friendly carvings for Best Kids'.
How do I receive my prize?+
We email your account address within 48 hours of the announcement. Prizes are paid via PayPal, Venmo, or a paper check. Your choice.
Why do you ask for my email now if the contest isn't until October?+
So you don't miss it. We send exactly one email when entries open and one reminder in the week before they close. Nothing else.
Do Not MissThe Eventof the Season
Leave thine email below. We shall send word the moment the gates open upon the first of October.