Glen Ellyn residents can give their Halloween pumpkins a second purpose at the Glen Ellyn Park District Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, November 7.

From 9 to 11 a.m., Village Green Park will host a free, all-ages pumpkin composting event that helps keep seasonal decorations out of landfills.

Instead of throwing pumpkins in the garbage, neighbors can bring them to the park and contribute to a community effort to turn fall leftovers into useful soil nutrients.

Participants should have their pumpkins weighed before smashing so the event can track how much material is diverted from the waste stream.

All candles, ornaments, and decorations must be removed, and painted pumpkins cannot be accepted.

Residents have two ways to take part: drop off pumpkins and head home, or stay to enjoy the satisfying smash.

Anyone who wants to do the smashing should bring a baseball bat or shovel.

The crushed pumpkins will be composted, and their nutrients will go back into soil at the community garden.

It is a fun way for families to talk about reducing waste and see how something typically discarded after Halloween can benefit local growing spaces.

DATE: Saturday, November 7, 2026.

TIME: 9–11 a.m.

LOCATION: Village Green Park, 130 S. Lambert Road, Glen Ellyn.

FEE: Free; no registration required.

AGES: All ages.

Because the event takes place outdoors, unfavorable weather may lead to cancellation.

Check the Glen Ellyn Park District rainout hotline on the day of the event for the latest status.