These pumpkins are not for carving. Or pie.
Artists have been busy preparing for the 11th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch, which will welcome guests daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 through Oct. 17 at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
Nearly 6,000 handcrafted pumpkins will be on display.
“The arboretum’s Glass Pumpkin Patch is unique to the Chicago area,” said Jacque Fucilla, arboretum store manager and co-founder of the autumnal exhibit. “It is a fun fall event that brings people outdoors to experience glass-blowing demonstrations and peruse thousands one-of-a-kind works of art.”
The patch attracts about 15,000 to 18,000 people over the course of its five-day run.
“It’s fun for all ages — many people come year after year with their children and other family members to add to their glass pumpkin collections,” Fucilla said. “It’s become a fall tradition that arboretum members and guests look forward to every year.”
This year there are 16 participating artists, including featured glassblower Shannon Jane Morgan, who hails from Sacramento, California. Morgan, in fact, proposed the event back in 2011 when The Arboretum Store was looking for a fall seasonal event. She is a longtime co-producer of the event.
“Every year it’s fun to see the new designs and color combinations that artists come up with,” Fucilla said. “The creativity and passion that is poured into each piece are incredible.”
Glass-blowing demos will take place 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, plus all day Saturday and Sunday. At the narrated sessions, visitors can watch the artisans turn molten glass into dazzling pumpkins.
“Every piece is handmade, so no two pieces are alike,” Fucilla said. “Many of the artists will be on hand to meet with guests.”
While the first two days of the event are for browsing only, sales of the glass pumpkins start at 1 p.m. Friday and conclude at 5 p.m. Sunday. New this year is a Halloween tent where guests can shop for Halloween-themed art and home décor.
“I love fall, and this is such a unique way to celebrate the season,” Fucilla said. “You can enjoy the outdoors, see fabulous art, meet the artists and learn about glass-blowing during a demonstration. There’s nothing like it anywhere in the area.”
The arboretum also will be saluting autumn with its annual Cider and Ale Festival from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
“The Cider and Ale Festival is a great way to enjoy fall color while sampling some of the Chicago area’s best beers, ciders and meads,” said Jenelle Hardtke, the arboretum’s special events manager. “Guests can sip and savor hard cider and seasonal beers from more than 30 local breweries and cideries.”
The event draws about 2,000 revelers to sample the 80-plus brews on hand, though this year’s festival will look a little different from past years.
“Tasting booths will be safely spread out along the Meadow Lake, Frost Hill and Conifer walking paths,” Hardtke said. “Guests will have the opportunity to sip while enjoying the arboretum grounds, including one of our ‘Human+Nature’ sculptures that is located along the walking paths.”
General admission is $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers, while VIP early admission is $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers. This event is only for those age 21 and older with a valid ID.
Glass Pumpkin Patch
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 to Oct. 17
Tickets: included with timed-entry admission, $8-$16
Cider and Ale Fest
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When: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23, VIPs get in at noon
Tickets: $55-$75
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Information: 630-968-0074; mortonarb.org
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.