Pumpkin Palooza at Heathcote Botanical Gardens – Paint, Donate & Inspire!

Get ready for a colorful, creative, and fun-filled fall at Heathcote Botanical Gardens!

We’re inviting artists of all ages to join us for Pumpkin Palooza, a special community fundraiser where creativity meets giving. It’s simple:

  • Paint a pumpkin masterpiece*
  • Donate it to Heathcote Botanical Gardens
  • Your pumpkin will be auctioned at our Fall Garden Festival Silent Auction to support our ongoing projects—including the development of our Sensory Garden. .
  • Pumpkins will be judged, and the winner will receive “The Golden Gourd Award”.

Participation is FREE! Just fill out the participation form and drop off your pumpkin at Heathcote on October 18th at 9 am.

✨ Not only will your pumpkin brighten the festival, but it will also help cultivate a thriving, beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s celebrate the season, showcase local creativity, and grow something special together.

Pumpkin Bidding: Highest bidder takes home the pumpkin or if you really want a particular  pumpkin there will be a take me home now price that you can pay to secure your favorite pumpkin gets to leave with you.

Learn more & download the participation form here: Heathcote Pumpkin Palooza Participation Form

*Heathcote does not provide any materials for the pumpkin painting. Painted Pumpkins can be real, Styrofoam, cardboard or any other material.

Pumpkin Palooza Artwork Criteria

To keep the event welcoming and enjoyable for all ages, pumpkin artwork must follow these guidelines:

✅ Family-Friendly Only – Designs should be appropriate for all ages.
✅ Painted Only – Pumpkins may be real or artificial, but only painted designs are accepted. No carving, cutting, or puncturing.
✅ No Offensive Content – Designs must not include profanity, violence, gore, or graphic imagery.
✅ No Political Statements – Pumpkins may not promote political parties or candidates.
✅ Original Work – Designs should be the artist’s own creation and not copied from copyrighted characters or logos.
✅ Securely Painted – Decorations and paint should be applied so they don’t smear, flake, or cause mess during handling and display.
✅ Positive Spirit – We encourage themes of fall, harvest, gardens, nature, family, creativity, and community.

Tip: Think “festive, colorful, and creative” — from autumn leaves and flowers to butterflies , pumpkins , or even whimsical garden creatures !

Pumpkin Palooza Judging Criteria

Pumpkins will be judged on the following:

  1. Creativity & Originality – Unique design, fresh ideas, and imaginative themes.
  2. Craftsmanship ✨ – Neatness, attention to detail, and overall quality of the work.
  3. Theme & Presentation – How well the pumpkin captures the spirit of fall, gardens, and family-friendly fun.
  4. Visual Impact – First impression, boldness, and ability to stand out in the display.

Judges will select one winner to receive Heathcote’s Golden Gourd Award! Judge’s decisions are final.