Don't toss those pumpkins, bring them to our pumpkin smash! Bring us your unpainted squash and pumpkins to smash, and will turn all the bits into compost -- and the seeds will grow into another community pumpkin patch. Enjoy community and fun activities for the whole family!

This year, RAD Fuel Co. truck will be there with hot drinks. Everyone who brings a pumpkin gets a 20% off coupon at Rockford Art Deli! We'll also take lawn bags of leaves to compost.

Raindate: Sunday, November 8, from 1 to 4 pm

Pumpkins thrown into landfills are never broken down and release greenhouse gases, accounting for over one billion pumpkins thrown out every year (EPA 2024). Don't toss them, bring them to us!

This year's event is made possible with the support of Go Rockford and the City of Rockford, with community partners Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, Rockford Art Deli, and RAD Fuel Co.

Join the Smash

Community members are encouraged to bring their unpainted pumpkins, invite friends and family, and take part in an afternoon of seasonal fun with an environmental purpose.

Event Details

• What: Nettle Curbside Compost Pumpkin Smash

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1–4 p.m.

• Where: 730 Lincoln Park Blvd., Rockford, Illinois