Culture

See the winning pumpkin from our 2023 jack-o-lantern contest

See which pumpkins made it to the finals and which one was voted the favorite by INDYtoday readers.

October 26, 2023 • 
Nicole Hernandez, Emily Shea-Owen, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A person holds a jack-o'-lantern in their lap, carving out the top of the pumpkin.

Don’t forget that you can roast pumpkin seeds in the oven for a crunchy fall snack.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels

Table of Contents
Winner: Pumpkin pup
Finalist: The evil eye
Finalist: Native princess
Finalist: Shark-o-lantern

The votes are in for our Pumpkin Carving Contest. Check out the pumpkins below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.

Winner: Pumpkin pup

We’re not surprised that this pumpkin won by 242 votes. What’s not to love about a pet portrait?

INDY_Pumpkin pup carving_OCT2023

Pumpkin Pup: a sketch of my dog, Tito.

Photo submitted by Clare C.

Finalist: The evil eye

This pumpkin will keep an eye on your packages and deter porch pirates. This pumpkin came in second place with 135 votes.

INDY_Evil eye pumpkin carving_OCT2023

The evil eye.

Photo submitted by Parisa F.

Finalist: Native princess

We loved seeing this gourd-geous Native princess + were wowed by the technique and detail of this carving. This pumpkin came in third place with 125 votes from our readers.

INDY_Native princess pumpkin carving_OCT2023

Native princess.

Photo submitted by Nikki E.

Finalist: Shark-o-lantern

Don’t stick your hand in this pumpkin. This angry shark earned 62 votes from our readers.

INDY_Shark-o-Lantern pumpkin carving_OCT2023

Shark-o-lantern.

Photo submitted by Lucy L.

More from INDYtoday
INDY_Goose the Market_charcuterie board_NOV2023
Culture
How to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home in Indy
Spending Valentine’s Day at home? Here’s how you can still have a special night without breaking the bank, hiring a sitter, or even leaving your couch.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_kid painting stock summer camp_MAR25
Education
Register the kids for these summer camps around Indy
From clowning to coding, find a camp that speaks to your kid’s unique interests.
February 6, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
A crowded TCU Amphitheatre in White River State Park
Play
20+ upcoming concerts headed to Indy
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Staff
A pothole with traffic cones on a rainy day
City
Pothole season in Indianapolis, IN
Feel like you’re driving on an obstacle course around Indy? Pothole season is officially here, so we’re sharing how you can help be part of the solution.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Staff
tax-season-custom-section.jpg
City
How to prepare and file your taxes for free in Indianapolis
Get started on filing your tax return with these free resources.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
INDYtoday: INDY_Tube Factory Artspace Lunar New Year dance_JAN25
Events
Lunar New Year celebrations around Indy
Kick off the Year of the Fire Horse with these festivities around town.
February 3, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_Bier Brewery curling Winter Olympics_JAN26
Sports
Try out these Winter Olympic Sports in Indy
Start your journey to the 2030 Winter Olympic Games by testing your curling, figure skating, and X skills around Indianapolis.
February 1, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_coldest day Jan. 19 1994 Indianapolis Star_JAN25
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Indy’s coldest day on record
Indy’s coldest day on record was Jan. 19, 1994 when the city hit -27°.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Ble Bistro Croque Monsieur_OCT25
Play
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Indy
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
January 28, 2026
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Monster Jam_JAN26
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Indy
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Staff