Carve, Create, and Shine: Your Guide to Lubbock’s 2025 Pumpkin Trail

Fall in the Hub City wouldn’t be complete without the City of Lubbock's Pumpkin Trail, one of Lubbock’s most beloved seasonal traditions. As the 2025 event approaches, it's time to start strategizing how your family will carve and/ or decorate your pumpkins for the annual display. Whether you want to submit your own creations or simply stroll through the glowing trail, here’s everything you need to know about participating in this year’s event.

What Is the Lubbock Pumpkin Trail?

Just in case you've never been, the Pumpkin Trail is a very family-friendly event put on by the City of Lubbock. It's been going on for years and has become a tradition for many Lubbock folks who love the whimsy and fun of Autumn and Halloween.

This year's trail dates are Thursday, October 16th, through Sunday, October 19th.

Each year, Lubbock families and businesses/organizations carve hundreds of pumpkins to put on display for the trail, which is free for everyone to walk through and enjoy- either as cozy Autumn vibes during the day, or the slightly spookier nighttime when all the pumpkins are lit.

In addition to pumpkins, there are also fun and creative displays made by local organizations and businesses, which are perfect for daytime picture taking with the kids (or selfies, no judgment here, I do it!).

Key Dates and Deadlines You Need to Know

The drop-off date and times for carved pumpkins are Tuesday, October 14th, from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Make sure your pumpkin is freshly carved so it doesn't get yucky during the trail.

Got serious skills? There's a pumpkin carving contest on October 15th at 6:00 pm at the Hodges Community Center. Registration is free, but you must register by October 12th. Here is where to register (click on the hyperlink).

If your business or organization would like to do an entire display, you can apply here.

Want to volunteer? Awesome! That application is here. You must be 14+ to volunteer at the Pumpkin Trail.

Let's continue this awesome tradition in style- get ready to get carving!