THE GRANDPUMPKINCARVINGCONTEST
The 2026 season is in the books: 10 carvings entered, 10 finalists per prize, and 3 winners crowned. The contest returns next October.
How Ye Shall Enter Next Year
The 2027 contest will run the same way: 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 shape the finalist group through October 29. The top 10 per category go to the judges, who pick every winner from that group. Winners are announced October 31 and emailed within 48 hours.
The Prize Purse
3 Cash Prizes · One Prize per Person
“The single best pumpkin carving of the year: the judges' pick from the Grand Prize finalists.”
The crowd favorite: the entry the judges feel the community connected with most, picked from the finalist group.
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.Upload your original carving photo between October 1 and October 29. Once approved, every eligible upload is automatically an entry.
- §3.Original work only: a pumpkin you actually carved this season.
- §4.Community hearts pick the finalists; judges pick every winner from that group, People's Choice included.
- §5.Vote manipulation means disqualification. Carve better, not sneakier.
- §6.One prize per person and per household. Ages 18 and up, or a parent or guardian submits on a young carver's behalf.
- §7.The contest needs at least 25 eligible entries to run. If fewer come in by October 29, it is void and no prizes are awarded.
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 shape the finalist group through October 29. When entries close, the top 10 in each category become finalists. Judges choose the Grand Prize, Most Creative, and People's Choice winners from that pool. Each person can win only one prize.
Which category is my carving in?+
Every eligible entry automatically competes for the Grand Prize, People's Choice, and Most Creative. Scary, funny, classic, and family carvings are all welcome. No category selection is needed.
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.
Our ThanksTo EveryCarver
The gallery is better for every pumpkin entered this season. The 2027 contest opens next October 1st; leave thine email and we shall send word the moment the gates open.
Prefer to compete in person? Peruse the directory of local carving contests across these United States.