The Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s “Amazing Pumpkin Carve” is back at Woolsey Park this weekend, celebrating more than a decade of fall fun with giant glowing pumpkins, live music, and—for the first time—a beer garden.
Now in its 11th year, the event runs through Sunday, October 12, featuring more than 30 massive pumpkins transformed by local artists into whimsical and spooky creations beneath a big-top tent. Visitors can stroll among the illuminated displays, gather around fire pits, and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the park.
“The Carve has become a beloved tradition, and this year promises to be our most exciting yet,” said Carol Lipson, executive director of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. “It’s more than just pumpkin art—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of fall.”
A showcase of local talent
All of the pumpkins were carved on Thursday. Carvers arrived in the morning and worked throughout the day on their creations ranging from lighthearted to haunting. Many are returning carvers who participate annually, while others are new to the event, joining students, families, and professional artists in creating the displays.
“This is the only place you can see my work,” said carver Michael Davies. “This is something I do every year, but it is the only public place to see my carving.”
Local artist and first-time carver Bodhi Williams was finding ways to incorporate his own art, which often uses found and recovered objects, into his “Leonardo da Pumpkin” carve. “I found some lamps on my way here that I’m using to light the pumpkin,” he said. “And the lamp shade will be the hat.”
By Thursday afternoon, the tent at Woolsey Park was filled carvers hard at work with the sound of carving, conversation, and the occasional power tool as everyone got ready for opening night.
Weekend schedule
🎃 Friday, October 10 | 5–9 p.m.
- Beer: River Horse Brewing Co.
- Food: Nomad Pizza and Johnsons Family Ice Cream
- Live music: 7–9 p.m. — Captain Mike & the Lauretto Band
- Fire pits and illuminated pumpkin displays throughout the evening
🎃 Saturday, October 11 | Noon–9 p.m.
- Beer: Needle Creek Brewery
- Food: Nomad Pizza and Johnsons Family Ice Cream
- Live music:
• 12–2 p.m. — Crash Landing
• 2–4 p.m. — Juan Carlos y La Fiesta Cubana
• 4–5 p.m. — Gabe Parsons
• 5–8:30 p.m. — Castle Lane - For kids: Face and mini-pumpkin painting (daylight hours)
- Special activity: 2–3 p.m. — Hula hoop demo and lessons by Color Me Hoopy
- Fire pits and evening pumpkin viewing
🎃 Sunday, October 12 | Noon–7 p.m.
- Beer: Needle Creek Brewery
- Food: Nomad Pizza and Johnsons Family Ice Cream
- Live music:
• 12–1:30 p.m. — School of Rock
• 2:30–4 p.m. — Dan Hagen
• 4–5 p.m. — Two of Us (Dan & Dennis Hagen) - For kids: Face and mini-pumpkin painting (daylight hours)
- Final day to view all carved pumpkins under the big-top tent
If you go
The Pumpkin Carve takes place at Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing–Pennington Road, Titusville, next to the Hopewell Township Public Works building.
Tickets are available online or at the gate: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $8 for youth (ages 5–17), and free for children in strollers.
Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds but not inside the pumpkin tent.
Event proceeds support the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s art programming and honorariums for participating carvers.
For full details and tickets, visit hvartscouncil.org .
