Since its humble beginnings over 30 years ago, the annual Pumpkin Carve at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, has become one of the college and community's most artfully hallowed (and sometimes hilarious) traditions around Halloween.
The carve started as a small studio project within the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (APLA) and has grown into an iconic event, now organized by the Auburn University chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). The 2024 event on October 25 will mark its 36th year.
This year's creative carving and associated festivities will be happening all day (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) in the Dudley Hall Courtyard. All are welcome to witness this annual celebration of seasonal spirit and students’ skills. Activities include pumpkin carving (of course!), refreshments, and a napkin sketch silent auction. As dusk descends, the event culminates in the lighting of hundreds of beautifully carved pumpkins. And then the judging commences to determine the best design.
The organizers rally the support of sponsors, including local businesses who typically donate prizes. The winning pumpkins are auctioned to raise additional funds for the AU AIAS. Other items are sold as fundraisers for different student groups within the university’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, including event t-shirts, uncarved pumpkins, hot cider and hot chocolate, and pies.
And you thought you’d seen a cool carving night! I challenge you to top this one at the Loveliest Village on the Plains.
The Pumpkin Carve's longstanding ability to unite people on and off campus has solidified its place as Auburn University's most cherished fall event. Well … besides all of those football games, but you know what I mean. Speaking of, this year’s event precedes the Auburn Tigers’ matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. No doubt we’ll see some spirited designs that speak to the game.
To join the fun, mark your calendars for October 25th and head to Dudley Hall and Commons, located at 361 Graves Drive in Auburn, Alabama. Parking is always a premium on campus before 5 p.m., so if you do not have a parking pass, it’s recommended you park in or around downtown Auburn and walk over to Dudley. After 5 p.m., organizers recommend you park at the Arboretum, the gravel lot near the Med Clinic, and select parking decks. Check out the AIAS Pumpkin Carve event website for updates and more images from previous years.
After the gourd glow-up, head back over downtown and keep celebrating the spirit of Halloween in true Auburn style with dinner, drinks, and live music. This is a college town, after all! If you’re not traveling to Kentucky for the game, make a night or weekend of your stay on the plains at the new Graduate by Hilton Auburn, located in the heart of downtown on West Magnolia Ave.
Have you experienced the creative artistry and fun of the annual Pumpkin Carve at Auburn University? We’d love for you to share your stories with us.
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