Piedmont Arts’ Gravely-Lester Art Garden will host a Pumpkin Palooza on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 4 to 8 p.m., according to a release.

Everyone’s favorite pumpkin carving contest is now a fall festival with live music, food, drinks and kids’ crafts. This year’s event is sponsored by The Eye Site – Dr. Julie Brown.

“This year, Pumpkin Palooza is packed with activities,” said Bernadette Moore, director of Marketing, Communications and Design. “In addition to the pumpkin carving contest, we will have live music by Jason Springs Band, delicious barbecue from Hylton’s Wood Cooking Grill and a selection of craft beer from Mountain Valley Brewing. There will also be yard games and fun crafts for kids, making the event perfect for all ages.”

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with a ribbon cutting for the Gravely-Lester Art Garden.

“We are excited to officially open the Art Garden,” Moore said.

Teams interested in entering the Pumpkin Palooza pumpkin carving contest can download a registration form at PiedmontArts.org or pick up a copy at the museum.

The registration fee of $50 per team is due Oct. 10.

“The pumpkin carving contest is open to everyone – businesses, artists, any group that wants to test its pumpkin carving skills and have a blast making a pumpkin masterpiece,” Moore said. “We hope families, friends and co-workers will join in on the fun and enter a carving team. It’s all for fun and winning teams take home kooky handmade trophies.”

Tickets are $15 and are available at Piedmont Arts, by calling (276) 632.3221 or online at PiedmontArts.org. In case of inclement weather, Pumpkin Palooza will be held at Piedmont Arts.