Try this: INDYtoday’s 2023 pumpkin carving contest

Put your pumpkin carving skills to the test in our contest

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

Carve some time into your schedule. We’ve got a festive contest for you to take part in this spooky season — the INDYtoday Pumpkin Carving Contest.

Whether you planned to carve a pumpkin this season or not, this is your excuse to run to the nearest pumpkin patch or garden store, pick out your perfect pumpkin, and get creative. Don’t forget the carving kit.

The rules + details:

Create your own pumpkin masterpiece; carve, paint, shave, use stickers, or get creative in a way that is fun for you.

To make a submission, take a picture of your pumpkin + submit it here, along with a name for your art, a short description, your name, and your email address. Submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15.

While traditional pumpkin carvings and designs will be accepted, bonus points will be awarded to original and locally-themed designs. (Think: local landmarks, businesses, and icons.) Any submissions with offensive language or artwork will not be accepted.

Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in our newsletter on Friday, Oct. 20. These finalists will go head-to-head for the chance to be crowned best jack-o’-lantern of 2023 — you, our readers, will be the ones to vote — and the winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 27.

Want some pumpkin art inspo before you get started? Here are a few no carve ideas as well as some pumpkin carving pro tips.

Submit here.

More from INDYtoday
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women in Indianapolis making history through their work happening right now.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Indy’s many beautiful patios.
Feast your pies on this guide to local bakeries where you can grab the perfect pie for holidays, celebrations, special events — or just a gloomy Monday.
Like your Diet Coke jazzed up with creamers, syrups, and fruit purees? Here’s where you can find trendy dirty sodas around Indianapolis (without waiting in the line at Swig.)
Keep local love growing this spring with native plants that will support pollinators, save water, and make your yard or garden look beautiful.
Chase the rainbow at these St. Patrick’s Day events around the Circle City.
Did you know Indianapolis used to have its own gossip newspaper, ala Lady Whistledown from “Bridgerton?” Here’s a brief history of “The Locomotive.”
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We stumbled upon records of a long-lost bookstore and publishing company with the name of W.K. Stewart that was owned by a relative of Kurt Vonnegut. Here’s everything we know — and what we’re still trying to find out.