Smashin’ Pumpkins (Not the Band!) Returns to Zionsville

It’s that time of year again — the jack-o’-lanterns have had their moment to shine, and now it’s time to send them off in the most Zionsville way possible: by smashing them!

On Saturday, November 8, from 1–3 p.m., Mulberry Fields Park will transform into a pumpkin-smashing paradise for the return of Smashin’ Pumpkins: A Pumpkin Smash & Composting Bash! Presented by REA and hosted by Zionsville Parks and Recreation, this annual fall favorite is all about turning yesterday’s pumpkins into tomorrow’s healthy soil — and having a whole lot of fun doing it.

Not to be confused with the band, this Smashin’ Pumpkins event is all about sustainability — and a little bit of satisfying destruction.

Every year, Americans grow more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins, most of which sadly end up in landfills. Once there, they release methane gas, a greenhouse gas that’s 30 times more harmful than CO₂. Smashing and composting pumpkins speeds up their breakdown naturally, turning waste into rich, healthy soil instead.

Just be sure not to toss pumpkins into the woods or parks — it harms wildlife and disrupts ecosystems. Zionsville Parks reminds residents to keep yard waste, grass clippings, Christmas trees, and pumpkins out of park areas so staff can focus on keeping the green spaces thriving.

The event welcomes all kinds of pumpkins — even the moldy ones! Just skip the glitter, stickers, ribbons, and craft paint (or scrape that layer off first).

This year’s Smashin’ Pumpkins is bigger and better than ever, featuring:

• Smashin’ Station operated by Zionsville United Methodist Church
• Epic Pumpkin Drop with the Zionsville Fire Department’s ladder truck
• Composting Demos and education from Boone County Solid Waste
• Girl Scouts onsite hosting kid-friendly activities
• More food trucks + more games for the whole family

Bring your own pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns to smash — or grab one of the limited extras courtesy of Dull’s Tree Farm (first come, first served).

So grab a pumpkin, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to Smash it, don’t trash it!
You’ll walk away with muddy shoes, a big smile, and maybe even a little pride knowing you helped make Boone County cleaner and greener.