How to Host a Fall Porch & Yard Decorating Contest

Pumpkin spice season is here, and that means it’s time for your neighborhood to shine! A Fall Porch & Yard Decorating Contest is a festive (and easy!) way to build community spirit, encourage creativity, and bring neighbors together – all while showing off those autumn vibes. Whether you're part of an HOA, a neighborhood association, or just a motivated neighbor, we’ve got you covered with unique ideas and tips to host a contest everyone will love.

Why Host a Fall Decorating Contest?

Fall is already full of cozy charm, from crunchy leaves to pumpkin-lined porches. A decorating contest gives neighbors a reason to step outside, meet new people, and create Instagram-worthy seasonal displays. Plus, it’s perfect for:

• HOAs looking to foster connection

• Neighborhood groups wanting a low-cost, high-impact event

• Communities eager to add a little friendly competition

Step 1: Plan Your Contest Timeline

Start early to give neighbors plenty of time to gather cornstalks, gourds, and twinkling lights! A few key dates to consider:

• Kickoff announcement: Late September

• Decorating deadline: Mid-October

• Judging period: The week leading up to Halloween

• Winner announcement: Halloween night (bonus points if you combine it with a block party!)

Step 2: Set Fun Categories & Prizes

Encourage participation by offering creative award categories like:

🍂 Best Classic Fall Vibes
💀 Spookiest Scene
🎃 Most Creative Use of Pumpkins🌈 Kids' Choice Award
💡 Eco-Friendly Design (using natural or recycled materials)

Prizes can be as simple or extravagant as your budget allows:

• Gift cards to local businesses

• A “Golden Pumpkin” trophy or yard sign

• A feature in the HOA newsletter or neighborhood social media group

• Bragging rights (sometimes the best prize of all!)

Step 3: Make Judging Easy & Inclusive

You can appoint a panel of judges (HOA board members, community leaders, or local business owners) or keep it democratic with neighborhood voting.

For neighborhood voting, provide a map of participating homes for residents to use to tour the neighborhood before casting their votes. Collect votes with one of these methods:

• Set up a ballot box at a community space (like the clubhouse or entrance sign).

• Hand out simple paper ballots at a fall block party or neighborhood meeting.

• Assign someone to tally votes and report the winners.

Step 4: Spread the Word

Use every channel to make sure no one misses out:

• HOA newsletters and emails

• Social media (Facebook groups, Nextdoor, Instagram)

• Flyers at community centers and mailboxes

Encourage neighbors to share progress pics on social media with a custom hashtag like #FallForOurNeighborhood.

Step 5: Keep the Fun Going

Level up the event by:

• Pairing it with a fall festival or Halloween parade. (Use SignUp to organize and enlist helpers!)

• Hosting a hot cider and donut gathering on judging day.

• Sharing photos of all entries in a neighborhood slideshow or gallery.

Bonus: Add a Charitable Twist

Invite participants and visitors to drop off non-perishable food items for a local food pantry as they tour the decorated homes. It’s a great way to combine fun with giving back.

Let the Autumn Fun Begin!

A Fall Porch & Yard Decorating Contest is the perfect blend of community spirit and seasonal cheer. With a little planning and plenty of pumpkins, your neighborhood will be the talk of the town – and you’ll have new connections that last long after the leaves have fallen.

Start planning today and watch your block light up with autumn magic!

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About the Author

   

Carlyn Morris

Content Contributor

Carlyn is a lifestyle writer for SignUp’s Idea Center, covering travel, special events, and modern-day tips for everyday living. 

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