See the winning pumpkin from our 2023 jack-o-lantern contest

Cast your vote on your favorite pumpkin carvings submitted by our readers including NC — the best state in the country, NC State Wolfpack, and construction.

A photo of a black cat and an NC State carved pumpkin.

Reader Ashley P. won our 2023 pumpkin contest with the perfect pumpkin for Wolfpack fans.

Photo provided by Ashley P.

The votes are in for our Pumpkin Carving Contest. Check out the pumpkins below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.

An NC State carved pumpkin.

NC State Wolfpack.

Pumpkin carved by Ashley P.

Winner: NC State Wolfpack

Reader Ashley P. had a little extra help from her kitty, which we will allow. This tuff and intricate pumpkin screams “Go Pack” — and we are here for it.

A pumpkin with the NC state outline.

NC — The best state in the country.

Pumpkin carved by Matthew H.

Finalist: NC — The best state in the country

We have to agree Matthew H., NC is the best state in the country. Here at 6AM City, RALtoday’s parent company, we live by the phrase “pride in place,” and this pumpkin knocked it out of the park.

I-40 sign carved into a pumpkin.

Construction.

Pumpkin carved by Tristan B.

Finalist: Construction

While construction on I-40 can be scary, we have good news for you Tristan B., completion for the I-40 widening project is expected by late 2024. Thanks for the scare.

More from RALtoday
From historic houses to kid’s museums, check out this list of local venues to host your special event in the City of Oaks.
This year’s U-Haul Growth Index numbers are in, and the Raleigh metro came in at No. 8. Here’s what that means for you and your new neighbors.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or are zero-proof curious, these places provide drinks that still enables fun during Dry January.
The City of Oaks is preparing for a jam-packed year. There are plenty more, but we’ve compiled 26 of the biggest Raleigh events to attend this year — don’t miss them.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.