Overview:
Cash prizes up to $250 on the line at the 2026 Nevada Day celebration, "Pumpkins, Pioneers & Tall Tales."
Nevada Day Inc. is calling on Nevada’s most creative pumpkin artists to show off their skills at the Pumpkin Decorating & Carving Contest on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, part of the Nevada Day celebration in Carson City. The contest ties in with this year’s parade theme, “Pumpkins, Pioneers & Tall Tales.” Entrants will show their work to thousands of spectators celebrating Nevada’s birthday.
The contest has four divisions, so everyone from young decorators to experienced carvers can take part:
- Kids (Decorated Pumpkin) – Free entry; winner receives a goodie bag
- Amateur – $5 entry; winner takes home $50
- Intermediate – $10 entry; winner takes home $100
- Advanced – $20 entry; winner takes home $250
The Amateur, Intermediate, and Advanced divisions are open to teens and adults. These divisions accept pre-carved pumpkins only, and no carving is allowed on site, so entrants should bring finished pieces ready for display and judging.
“Nevada Day is all about bringing people together to celebrate our state, and this contest is a fun way for families and artists to be part of that,” said Chantell Peck, Executive Director of Nevada Day Inc. “We can’t wait to see what Nevadans create.”
Pumpkins will be displayed in front of the Nevada Day Gift Shop, 508 N. Curry St., Carson City. Judging begins at 3 p.m., and winners will be announced at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Registration is open now at NevadaDay.com. It stays open until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, one hour before judging begins.
About Nevada Day Inc.
Nevada Day Inc. is a Carson City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces the annual Nevada Day Parade, the state’s largest celebration. It also runs community events throughout the year, including the Freedom Cruise, Soapbox Derby, Easter Egg Hunt, and Rock Drill and Beard Contest. Learn more at NevadaDay.com.
