It's the most wonderful time of the year!
THE 15TH ANNUAL
GREAT GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH
Pumpkin Preview
Saturday, September 28th
5:30 - 8 pm
at BCGC
Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, October 12th
10 am - 3 pm*
*or until the pumpkins are gone!
at the Bloomington Courthouse
Commonly Asked Questions about the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
What is the
Great Glass Pumpkin Patch?
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, or GGPP, is BCGC's biggest fundraiser of the year. All year, our amazing glassblowing apprentices work to create glass pumpkins. All of these pumpkins are then sold at our Pumpkin Preview and Great Glass Pumpkin Patch. We will have over 1,000 glass pumpkins for display and sale spread out on the Monroe County Courthouse lawn like a real pumpkin patch! Proceeds from the pumpkin sales go to underwrite our educational arts programming throughout the year! The event is rain or shine! Cash, check and credit card accepted. We do not offer apple pay.
How many pumpkins will there be?
Last year we had 1,459 pumpkins. We are hoping to have around that this year, if not more! Our awesome glassblowing apprentices create pumpkins year-round and work hard to create as many pumpkins as possible! Many of our apprentices also create pumpkins in their spare time and put them into the patch to sell as well! While we have an idea of how many we may be creating, we never know the final number until just before the patch! Keep an eye on our social media for a contest where everyone guesses the amount we have! Winner gets to skip the pumpkin patch line!
What kinds of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, cash or check. Please note, we do NOT accept apple pay.
Is the patch handicap accessible?
Yes! At the preview, we have a wheel chair ramp at the back of our building. When turning into the complex, continue straight until you see the second lot on the right hand side. There will be handicap spots there and our ramp! At the patch, please check in with a volunteer when you get there and they will discuss options with you. There are multiple ramps located around the square so we will have you enter through one of those. As for the preview, we have a ramp on the back side of the building you can use to enter the building!
Are dogs allowed in the patch?
No, dogs are not allowed in the patch unless they are contained in a stroller. If you have a service dog, we will have accommodations in place where we'll bring you any pumpkin you'd like to see to the side of the patch.
Where do I park?
For the preview, there are spots in front of BCGC, along the side of the building and handicap accessible in the rear of the building. At the patch, there is metered parking all around the square as well as two parking garages close by. One is located on the south side of the square on 4th street between Walnut and College, and the other is on Walnut near 7th street.
I want to volunteer!
Fantastic! Please head to our 'Individual Volunteer Opportunities' page to sign up!
I don't live around Bloomington but would like a pumpkin. Do you ship them?
We do not usually ship pumpkins. If you know someone in town, we recommend seeing if they can pick up a pumpkin for you. Otherwise, we can connect you with one of our artists that take commissions and they may be able to make you your perfect pumpkin and ship it!
What is the Pumpkin Preview?
The Pumpkin Preview offers a chance to see many of our glass pumpkins ahead of time, without the line, and offers the opportunity to purchase pumpkins before the patch with a donation to BCGC. ​ For each $50 donation to BCGC, you can purchase up to 2 pumpkins ahead of time at their ticketed price. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted. We do not offer apple pay. ​ You do not have to purchase a pumpkin to still come and see them! This is a great chance to check them all out without having to wait in line!!
How much do pumpkins cost? Is there a limit to how many can be purchased?
There is no limit to how many pumpkins you can purchase! Prices can vary depending on the size, techniques used and difficulty to create. Pumpkins start around 25 dollars and go up from there! There's a pumpkin for all budgets!
How will the weather impact the patch?
The patch goes on rain or shine! Thankfully, the preview is indoors.
Are strollers allowed in the patch?
Yes, strollers are allowed in the patch. However, we ask that you do keep in mind it is a small space, and the pumpkins are on the ground. Large strollers can be difficult to maneuver safely within the patch. You are welcome to come in your stroller and set it near the check out area as you browse the pumpkins.
The line can be long, will there be any pumpkins left?
Usually the line is shorter later in the day, but the trade off is a smaller amount to choose from. Last year, we had pumpkins left over at the end, so don't be daunted by it's length! We try to get everyone through as quickly as possible and will be transparent with how many we have left towards the end.
Are there any other opportunities to get a pumpkin?
We do not usually sell pumpkins outside of the Patch and the Preview. However! If we have pumpkins leftover after the Patch, we sell them the week after at BCGC during our normal operating hours. We will post on social media if we have any leftover and when they will be available. Some of our artists also do commissioned pumpkins. If you are interested in commissioning a pumpkin, please email us at BCGCglass@gmail.com and we can get you connected with them.