Apply to Carve
Individual competitors and teams of amateur carvers get three hours to design and carve pumpkins at individual stations in front of event guests during the Garden’s annual Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival. Teams may contain up to two carvers, age 18+. All selected competitors receive one (1) Garden Golden Ticket, which grants access to a year of exciting special events at the Garden, and two (2) guest tickets to the Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival! The contest winner – voted by Great Pumpkin-Carving Festival attendees – will receive additional prizes!
Applications open: Aug. 17
Deadline: Oct. 1
General Admission
Adult members: $30
Adult non-members: $35
Children members, ages 3-12: $10
Children non-members, ages 3-12: $15
Premium Admission
Adult members: $60
Adult non-members: $65
Children members, ages 3-12: $23
Children non-members, ages 3-12: $28
Tickets are required for all guests and members. Pricing is per person.
About the Event
Fall fun takes center stage at the Great Pumpkin Carving Festival, where Atlanta’s best amateur pumpkin carvers compete for bragging rights—and your vote for Fan Favorite! Celebrate the winners of Scarecrows in the Garden and stroll among their incredible designs and thousands of pumpkins. Find your groove with live music on three stages throughout the Garden. Settle in for a classic movie and pumpkin crafts on the Rose Garden lawn, or hit the hay-lined dance floor under the string lights. From yacht rock and Americana to country, rock and bluegrass, it’s a festive fall evening filled with music, creativity and plenty of pumpkin magic.
Member Ticket Link
Non-member Ticket Link
What’s Happening in the Garden
Pumpkins & Scarecrows
Watch Atlanta’s talented amateur carvers transform pumpkins into works of art, then cast your vote for Fan Favorite. Plus, see this year’s award-winning creations from Scarecrows in the Garden.
Scarecrows in the Garden Awards begins at 6:30 p.m.
Pumpkin Carving Awards begins at 8:30 p.m.
Live Music
Clay Duke Trio — Levy Parterre Garden
Enjoy smooth yacht rock under the lights in the Garden setting.
Mandi Strachota and her 7-piece band — Great Lawn
Americana, blues, country and rock take center stage beneath the string lights, with a hay-lined dance floor for boot-scootin’.
The Surly Trolls — Skyline Robinson Gazebo
Follow the pumpkin-lined Flower Walk to the Skyline Robinson Gazebo for lively bluegrass from this five-piece band.
More Fall Fun
Classic Movie on the Lawn
Settle in on the Rose Garden lawn for a favorite fall short film under the stars.
Pumpkin Crafts
Get creative with a festive pumpkin-inspired craft for kids and kids at heart.
Vote for Fan Favorite
Watch the carvers at work throughout the evening and cast your vote before the winners are announced at 8:30 p.m.
Food & Drink
Food and seasonal cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Cash bars are available throughout the Garden.
Know Before You Go
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Advance purchase recommended. Tickets required for all guests and members.
Available online and at the door while supplies last.
Parking: $15 per vehicle. (SAGE cards not accepted).
General Admission:
$30.00 Adult members
$35.00 Adult non-members
$10.00 Children member (ages 3-12 years old)
$15.00 Children non-member (ages 3-12 years old)
*Cash bars available throughout the Garden. Card-only facility.
No chairs, pets, smoking/vaping, or outside food/drinks. Food and beverages available for purchase while supplies last. Tickets are non-refundable; no rain checks. Only guests 21+ may purchase alcohol (ID required). Bars close at 8:30 p.m.