Pumpkins — those iconic fall gourds we love to carve, place on our front porches, and mix into seasonal baked goods. Step up your gourd game this year with these pumpkin-centric events.

Bond Park Pumpkin Flotilla

Friday, October 25, 4-7 p.m.

Drop off a carved jack-o’-lantern the day before, or just stop by to see the floating parade. In addition to the flotilla show, enjoy boat rentals, live music, and food trucks in the park. Note: Flotilla space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pumpkins must meet certain specifications. See website for details.

Pumpkin Carving with Goats

Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Carve a pumpkin and let the goats of Haven Farm in Knightdale nibble on the innards. Entry includes a pumpkin plus access to a bounce house, hay ride, and lawn games.

Pumpkin Flower Arranging Class

Gather Goods Co

Tuesday, October 22, 6-8 p.m.

Join Gather Goods Co shop owner Michelle Smith for an intimate and fun pumpkin flower arranging class inside the downtown Cary shop. You’ll walk away with a finished real pumpkin that you have carved into to make a beautiful centerpiece for your table. You will have a large variety of flowers to choose from, hands-on instruction, an apron to use during the class, as well as a take-home guide.

Pumpkin Patch Festival

Saturday, October 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parkside Town Commons

Children 10 and under can pick a pumpkin at this community festival that will also feature crafts, games, a trackless train, safety vehicles from the Town of Cary, and more fun.

Pumpkin Painting

Thursday, October 17, 6-9 p.m.

For the adults: $15 gets you a pumpkin, all the supplies you need to decorate it, and a spooky drink from Wonderland Kitchen & Cocktails to enjoy while you do so.