Celebrate all things autumn at one of Atlanta’s favorite fall traditions, the Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival! This ticketed event promises an unforgettable evening in the Garden with exciting entertainment, live music, handcrafted cocktails, clever crafts, brews and bevvys, and delicious seasonal concessions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as teams of talented amateur pumpkin carvers compete for great prizes. Costumes are welcome, adding to the fun and festive spirit of the night!
Arrive via rideshare, bike or foot for Zoom and Bloom perks, including a complimentary “Pear of Falling Leaves” pear lemonade mocktail, express entry to the Garden and a chance to win a drawing for tickets to a future Garden event.
Buy Tickets
Tickets are required for all guests, including members and children ages 3-12.
Member admission: $40 adult | $13 children
Non-member admission: $45 | $18 children
Member Tickets Non-Member Tickets
About the Event
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Atlanta’s best amateur carvers compete throughout the evening in the Levy Parterre, on the Great Lawn and in Skyline Garden. Scan the QR code to vote for your favorite team by 7:45 p.m. Winners are announced at 8:15.
Masterclass Carving
Sculptor and pumpkin-carving expert Lundy Cupp cuts up and shares tricks of the trade through the evening in front of Longleaf.
Outdoor Kitchen Demos with Virginia Willis
Autumnal chef demos with James Beard Award-winning chef and Southern cookbook author Virginia Willis in the Outdoor Kitchen, 6 – 6:30 p.m. and 7 – 7:30 p.m.
Scarecrows in the Garden
The beloved fall exhibition of community-created scarecrows is on full display throughout the Garden with awards – including the visitor’s choice award – announced at 6:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
Sip & Script Pumpkin Painting
Trade your carving knife for a brush and create a fabulous monogram pumpkin with artist Jennifer Kiser! Practice calligraphy basics and take home the tools to hone your craft. Sittings are half-an-hour at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. in Gardenhouse Gallery.
Entertainment
The Off-Centered Project: The folks behind the beloved costumed performers return for seasons tricks, treats and pics with guests. Be on the lookout for leaf pile man!
ToonHeadz Face-painting on the Great Lawn and Rose Garden: Bring your alter ego to life, be it a butterfly, clown or superhero.
Shows in the Rose (Garden): Watch on as Charlie Brown awaits the Great Pumpkin in showings at 7 and 7:30 p.m.
Upang Band in Levy Parterre: Logan Lee plays hour-long sets of chill coffeehouse-country vibes at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Kurt Thomas in Skyline Garden: Country + yacht rock + pop favorites in hour-long sets at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Amp’d Entertainment DJ on the Great Lawn: BOO-gie down to spooky-season live mixes and dance hits
Concessions for Purchase
Harvest Boxes: NEW! Share the bounty of the season with curated boxes of fall-inspired sweet and savory treats.
• Chicken salad with mini croissants
• Pimiento cheese sandwich
• Cucumber sandwich
• Edamame hummus with crudite
• Charcuterie skewers with fennel jam
• Mini pumpkin pie
• Apple pie Pastry
• Salted caramel cheesecake squares
• Red velvet whoopie pie
• Pecan sandies
• Maple meringues
Dulce & Sabrosa: Mac-n-Cheese Bar on Lanier Terrace
Vanilla Crepes: Sweet and savory selections in the Skyline Garden.
Always Sweet: Fresh-roasted glazed nuts, specialty popcorn and pralines on the Great Lawn.
No Big Whoop! Bakery: Assorted seasonal whoopie pies, including pumpkin spice, apple cardamom and chocolate with butter beer frosting.
Dining at Longleaf: Reservations are recommended at the Garden’s full service, sit-down restaurant.
Craft Cocktails/Mocktails/Beer: Card-only bars located in Harden Visitor Center, Mershon Hall, Skyline Garden, Snack Bar and on the Great Lawn.
Know Before You Go
Chairs, pets, tobacco/vape products/smoking of all kinds, outside food/drinks are not permitted in the Garden. Food and beverages available for purchase while supplies last. Tickets are non-refundable. No rain checks. Only guests 21 and older may purchase alcohol, ID required. Bars close at 8:30 p.m.