Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival

From the venue:

One of Atlanta’s favorite fall traditions, The Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival returns with live music, handcrafted cocktails, cookie classes, face painting, festival fare and more – all the makings of a wonderful autumn evening in the Garden. Costumes welcome! Tickets are on sale now.

There’s a couple of slots left for talented local carvers who can join in the fun. All selected competitors will receive one (1) Garden Golden Ticket, which grants access to a year of exciting special events at the Garden AND 2 guest tickets to the Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival! The contest winner will receive additional exciting prizes!

Admission

Member Adults $40
Member Kids (3-12) $13
Non-member Adults $45
Non-member Kids $18
 

Event Details

Hardin Visitor Center

Enter the Hardin Visitor Center to family-friendly beats by a live DJ from Amp’d Entertainment, get a selfie at the fall photo op, and say “hello” to the autumn-clad stilt-walker who loves taking pics with guests.

Alston Overlook

For many in the South, fall means football. Get into the spirit with performances by the UGA Redcoat Alumni Band with a couple of sets 6 – 7 p.m.

Mershon Hall

Cookie season has officially arrived! Join Cookies by Jenny in Mershon Hall for quick, fall cookie decorating classes at 5:30, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Box them up or scarf them down!

Rose Garden

Take a breather as a beloved fall film plays on the big screen at 7 and 7:35.

Great Lawn

Enjoy nostalgic lawn games as the Getaway Band plays several sets of folksy fall music 5 – 9 p.m. Purchase savory and sweet pies or a plate for the mac-and-cheese bar by Dulce & Sabrosa.

Skyline Garden & Event Lawn

The main event begins at 6 p.m. in the Skyline Garden with the announcement of the 2023 Scarecrows in the Garden winners, the introduction of the pumpkin-carving teams and the start of the carving competition.

20 Ride, a Zac Brown Tribute band, emcees and plays Southern rock favorites throughout the evening.

As you watch the carvers chisel away at their creations around the Skyline Garden pond, purchase concessions from the beer garden on the Event Lawn, including local brews, hot apple cider, butter beer, handcrafted “Ghost-a-Rita” and “Smashing Pumpkin” cocktails, specialty popcorn, caramel and candy apples, Vanilla Crepes and other festival fare.

And what fall festival is complete without face painting? Have the kids (and kids-at-heart!) sit for a complimentary face painting or gather the crew for a commemorative caricature by ToonHeadz.

Vote electronically for your favorite pumpkin carving before the winners are announced from the stage at 8:15.