Everything You Need for a Pumpkin Carving Contest & Party (for International Students)
Halloween in the U.S. isn’t complete without pumpkin carving. It’s fun, a little messy, and the perfect fall activity to experience American culture firsthand.
If you’re an international student, hosting or joining a pumpkin carving contest is one of the easiest (and coziest!) ways to make friends, learn traditions, and get into the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re planning a dorm event or a full-on pumpkin party, here’s everything you need, from tools to decorations, plus where to get them.
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Step 1: Get the Right Pumpkins
Not all pumpkins are created equal! For carving, you want medium to large carving pumpkins. They’re hollow, easy to clean, and have thinner walls.
👉 Pro tip: Avoid “pie pumpkins”; they’re smaller and used for cooking.
🛒 Shop carving pumpkins:
Local grocery stores, farmer’s markets, or pumpkin patches
Step 2: Gather Your Carving Tools
You’ll need a few key tools to carve safely and creatively:
Essentials
Pumpkin carving kit (with saws, scoops, and detail tools)
Spoon or ice cream scoop (to remove seeds and pulp)
Stencil kit or printable designs
LED candles or tea lights (safer than real candles)
🛒 Recommended:
👉 Unconventional tip: If you don’t want to carve, try painting or decorating pumpkins with glitter, paint pens, or stickers. It’s dorm-friendly and just as fun!
🛒 Acrylic Paint Kit for Pumpkins
Step 3: Prep Your Workspace
Pumpkin carving gets messy. Protect your area before starting!
You’ll need:
Table cover or trash bags
Paper towels or wet wipes
A bowl for seeds (you can roast them later!)
Trash bin or compost bag nearby
🛒 Reusable Table Protector for Crafts
👉 Fun idea: Roast the pumpkin seeds afterward with cinnamon or chili powder. It makes a cozy fall snack that also reduces waste
Step 4: Set the Vibe And Make It a Party!
Turn your carving session into a Halloween-themed party that your international and local friends will remember.
Music & Lighting
Create a “Spooky & Fun Halloween” Spotify playlist.
Add orange and purple string lights or pumpkin lanterns.
🛒 Halloween String Lights (Pumpkin +Bat + Ghost Combo)
Snacks & Drinks
Pumpkin spice cupcakes
Caramel popcorn
Apple cider or hot chocolate
Or make it cultural, have everyone bring a snack from their home country!
🛒 Halloween Snack Mix Party Pack
Decorations
Set up a photo corner with cute or spooky props!
Fake cobwebs
Balloons
Black & orange backdrop
🛒 Halloween Party Decoration Kit (Everything Included, 120 pieces with balloons)
Step 5: Host a Pumpkin Carving Contest
Turn it into a friendly competition! Create categories so everyone has a chance to win:
🏅 Category ideas:
Scariest Pumpkin
Funniest Pumpkin
Most Creative Design
Best International Theme (represent your country!)
👉 Unconventional idea: Let people vote anonymously using sticky notes or Google Forms so everyone gets to participate!
Step 6: Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to take photos of your creations because they make amazing Instagram posts or campus memories.
📱 Tips:
Take photos at dusk with the lights glowing inside the pumpkins.
Use orange filters or candles for cozy fall vibes.
Step 7: Clean Up & Compost
Once the fun is over, be eco-friendly! Compost your pumpkin scraps or check if your campus has a sustainability drop-off point.
👉 Pro tip: Save a few pumpkin seeds to plant next spring. It is a fun way to grow your own little piece of Halloween abroad!
🧡 Final Thoughts
Hosting a pumpkin carving contest is about more than creativity; it’s about connection. You’ll laugh, make a mess, and create something together — all while learning one of the most iconic U.S. traditions.
So grab your pumpkins, cue the spooky playlist, and carve out some unforgettable memories this fall. 🎃✨
