Show off your pumpkin carving skills at these 5 fall events in VA

There are no tricks here—just treats! Show off your artistic abilities at one of these pumpkin carving contests or events taking place across the commonwealth.

From fall festivals to one-off events, there are plenty of opportunities to create the perfect jack-o-lantern this spooky season. Spoiler alert: One event even includes goats!

Pumpkin Carving Contest at the Bensley Recreation Center

Location: 2900 Drewry’s Bluff Rd, North Chesterfield

Date: Thursday, Oct. 3 

Organized by Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation, get ready for some pumpkin carving fun in North Chesterfield. The event takes place in the Bensley Recreation Center’s multipurpose room from 1 to 3 p.m. After you’ve shown off your epic carving skills, be sure to grab a provided snack and enjoy the fellowship. 

To register for the event, click here. 

Pumpkin Carving with Goats at Stony Point Fashion Park Mall

Location: 9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Richmond

Date: Saturday, Oct. 5

Pumpkins and goats? Sign us up. Presented by Pactamere Farm, the event features a unique group of special pumpkin carvers—Nigerian Dwarf goats! 

But wait; it actually gets even better. The goats will be in costume.

Tickets are $20 per person and include carving and stencil materials; pumpkins are available for $15 each. No outside pumpkins are allowed.

To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, click here.

Blue Mountain Brewery, Hop Farm & Restaurant

Location: 9519 Critzer Shop Rd, Afton

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 22

Enjoy a day in the mountains while being creative? Don’t mind if we do! Reserve your spot for Blue Mountain Brewery’s annual pumpkin carving event by calling (540) 456-8020. The $8 purchase price includes a pumpkin and carving tools. Both the full menu and a kids menu will be available during the event. 

To learn more, click here. 

Matthews Living History Farm Museum’s Pumpkin Folk Festival

Location: 476 White Pine Rd, Galax 

Date: Thursday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 26

There’s plenty of fall fun taking place at Matthews Living History Farm Museum—and yes, the nonprofit does have a whole event centered around the large orange gourds. On Thursday, Oct. 24—two days before the venue’s annual fall festival—the farm invites you to come out and take part in a night of carving pumpkins from 5 to 7 p.m.

The jack-o-lanterns will be on display on Saturday, Oct. 26 for the community to enjoy during the farm’s Autumn Folk Festival and Light the Porch Event. The festivities start at 10 a.m. and highlight German, Scottish, and Irish heritage traditions and stories. Vendors and musicians will also be on site. 

As night falls, the pumpkins illuminate. Guests can vote for their favorite, and the pumpkins with the most votes will win prizes. 

You can learn more about the fun on the farm by clicking here. 

4th Annual Fall Farm Fair

Location: 444 St Brides Rd W, Chesapeake

Date: Saturday, Oct. 26 

Are you looking for an event that the whole family can enjoy? That’s exactly how the Fall Farm Fair is designed. Presented by Equestrian WISH, the event will feature a multitude of vendors, a costume contest, treasure quest, hayrides, horse rides, a maze, pumpkin carving, and more.

For more information, click here.