Support Us Button Widget
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
Heartland Film Festival attendees and festival photos.
Sponsored
🎬 Ever wanted to meet the filmmakers behind the screen? Now you can.
Explore 100+ independent films, exclusive premieres, and live filmmaker Q&As this October.
Sponsored by
INDYtoday: INDY_Earth Wind & Fire_SEPT25
History
Do you remember the 21st night of September in Indy?
Put on your Earth, Wind & Fire LP and take a trip down memory lane to see what was going on in Indy this September week throughout the years.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_Flamin' Chicken and Breakfast hot chicken_JUL25
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.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Staff
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.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Staff
INDY_Aerial view of Victory Field
Play
The ultimate guide to sports teams in Indianapolis
From the Colts to the Pacers, we’re sharing all details of Indianapolis sports teams.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Workingman's Friend cheeseburger_MAR24
Live
Where to find lunch for $10 or less in Indianapolis
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these lunches from sandwiches to diverse eats.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Staff
A view of Monument Circle from the air
Live
Indy’s most iconic landmarks
From art installations to skyscrapers, consider these landmarks across Indy our Hollywood signs.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_1933 Lounge St. Wecaesar salad fries martini_SEPT25
Food
Where to grab a caesar salad, fries, and a martini in Indy
Caesar salad, fries, and a martini have taken social media by storm as the perfect meal. Here’s where you can try it out for yourself around the Circle City.
September 14, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
280695437_1201361403945046_1544027100697600259_n copy
Food
Local ice cream to enjoy in Indianapolis
Nothing screams summer like ice cream — here’s your guide to the best scoops around Indy.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Staff
Garfield Park Farmers Market with flowers
Live
Farmers markets in Indianapolis
Pack your reusable shopping bags — we’ve rounded up eight farmers markets around Indianapolis with everything from fresh produce to gorgeous flowers and beyond.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Staff