The Minnesota Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch: 6,200+ Handmade Pumpkins You Have to See This Fall
Imagine walking into a pumpkin patch filled with thousands of pumpkins.
Except none of them grew on a vine.
They’re made of glass.
And you can take one home.
This September, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is bringing back one of the most unusual fall events around the Twin Cities: the Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch.
For four days only, more than 6,200 handmade glass pumpkins and pieces of fall glass art will fill the Farm at the Arb.
There are traditional orange pumpkins.
Colorful pumpkins.
Whimsical pumpkins.
Halloween-inspired glass art.
Fall decorations.
And pieces that look more like tiny works of art than something you’d normally associate with a pumpkin patch.
If you’re looking for something completely different to add to your Minnesota fall bucket list, this is it.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch.
What Is the Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch?
The Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch is an annual fall art event presented by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Auxiliary in collaboration with the Arboretum and glass artists from around the country.
Instead of rows of pumpkins growing in a field, you’ll find thousands of handmade glass pumpkins displayed together outdoors.
And unlike an art exhibit where you’re only allowed to look…
These pumpkins are for sale.
For 2026, the Arboretum is bringing together 11 award-winning glass artists from across the United States.
Together, they’ll fill the patch with more than 6,200 pieces of handmade glass pumpkin and fall art.
That’s a lot of pumpkins.
I have a feeling this is one of those places where you walk in telling yourself you’re “just going to look.”
Sure you are.
When Is the Glass Pumpkin Patch in 2026?
This is a very short event, so mark your calendar.
The 2026 Glass Pumpkin Patch takes place:
Thursday, September 17: 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 18: 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, September 20: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
That’s it.
Four days.
If this is something you want to experience, don’t put it on your vague “maybe sometime this fall” list.
You’ll miss it.
There’s a New Location for 2026
Another important change this year is the location.
The 2026 Glass Pumpkin Patch is being held at the Farm at the Arb.
The entrance is located at:
3210 W. 82nd Street
Chanhassen, Minnesota
The Farm at the Arb gives the event more room for thousands of glass creations, demonstrations and shoppers.
This is also important when you’re putting the address into your GPS.
Don’t automatically head to the Arboretum’s main visitor entrance and assume that’s where the Glass Pumpkin Patch is located.
Use the Farm at the Arb entrance for the most direct route to the event.
You Need a Timed-Entry Ticket
This is not an event where I’d recommend showing up and hoping for the best.
Timed-entry reservations are required.
And that applies to everyone.
Members need reservations.
Non-members need reservations.
Children need reservations.
Even though children ages 15 and younger receive free admission, they still need a ticket.
Your Glass Pumpkin Patch ticket also serves as your Arboretum admission for the day, so you do not need to purchase a second general-admission ticket.
That’s important because I’d absolutely use this opportunity to explore more of the Arboretum after visiting the pumpkin patch.
How Much Are Glass Pumpkin Patch Tickets?
Pricing depends on when you visit.
Opening Night — September 17
Arboretum members: $14
Non-members: $30
Opening Night is a special sip-and-shop event that gives guests early access to the Glass Pumpkin Patch.
Your Opening Night ticket also includes one drink ticket.
If you’re serious about finding a particular pumpkin—or simply want first crack at the selection—Opening Night could be worth considering.
September 18–20
Arboretum members: Free
Non-members: $20
Reservations are still required, including for members and children.
Your event admission includes the Glass Pumpkin Patch, live glass-blowing demonstrations and access to the Arboretum for the rest of the day.
Watch Artists Blow Glass Right in Front of You
This is what turns the Glass Pumpkin Patch into more than a shopping event.
You can actually watch glass artists at work.
Live glass-blowing demonstrations are included with admission.
The demonstrations are scheduled to begin about 30 minutes after the Glass Pumpkin Patch opens and continue until approximately 30 minutes before closing, with two demonstrations per hour.
If you’ve never watched someone work with molten glass before, it’s fascinating.
You’re watching an artist take something glowing-hot and slowly transform it into a recognizable piece of art.
And after watching how much work goes into making one?
Suddenly the price tag on that glass pumpkin makes a lot more sense.
How Much Do the Glass Pumpkins Cost?
Let’s address the question everyone is going to have.
These aren’t $12 decorative pumpkins from Target.
They’re individually created pieces of glass art.
For 2026, artwork at the Glass Pumpkin Patch generally ranges from approximately:
$45 to $300
That means there are pieces at several price points, depending on the artist, size and complexity.
You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the event.
But if you’re planning to shop, I’d decide on a budget before you arrive.
Otherwise, you may find yourself standing in a field holding six glass pumpkins and trying to justify why they all have completely different personalities.
There’s a Limited-Edition 2026 Signature Pumpkin
Collectors should watch for the official 2026 Signature Pumpkin.
This year’s limited-edition pumpkin was created by glass artist Amanda Cosgrove Paffrath.
If you’ve attended previous years and started collecting the signature pumpkins, this could be the first thing you look for when you arrive.
And because it’s limited edition, I wouldn’t assume it will still be available if you wait until the final afternoon.
There Is More Than Just Glass Pumpkins
The name might say Glass Pumpkin Patch, but pumpkins aren’t the only things you’ll find.
Artists also create:
- Fall glass décor
- Halloween-inspired glass art
- Garden art
- Acorns
- Whimsical seasonal pieces
- Other autumn-themed creations
So even if you aren’t looking for another pumpkin for your house, you may find something completely different.
This could also be a fantastic place to find a really unusual fall gift.
Inventory Is Restocked Every Day
Here’s something I was happy to see.
You don’t necessarily have to attend Opening Night to have a good selection.
The Arboretum plans to restock inventory daily during the four-day event.
That means Friday, Saturday and Sunday visitors should still see plenty of beautiful pieces.
Of course, quantities are limited and specific designs can sell out.
If there is one exact piece you absolutely must have, earlier is probably better.
If you just want to browse and find something you love, don’t panic because you couldn’t get Thursday tickets.
Shopping Is Surprisingly Convenient
Someone clearly thought through what happens when thousands of people start picking up fragile glass pumpkins.
Shopping baskets will be available throughout the event.
If you purchase something and don’t want to carry it around while exploring the Arboretum, volunteers can hold your purchase for the rest of the day.
They can also help transport purchases to your vehicle if necessary.
That means you don’t have to spend the next four hours wandering through the gardens clutching a $200 glass pumpkin like it’s a newborn baby.
Can Kids Go to the Glass Pumpkin Patch?
Yes!
Children are welcome, and children ages 15 and younger receive free admission.
They still need a reserved ticket, though.
And let’s acknowledge the obvious:
You’re taking children into an outdoor display containing thousands of objects made out of glass.
This may be a wonderful opportunity to review the family rule:
We look with our eyes.
How relaxing the experience will be may depend entirely on the age and personality of your particular child.
But watching the glass-blowing demonstrations could be especially interesting for older kids and teenagers who enjoy art.
Is the Glass Pumpkin Patch Accessible?
The event is outdoors on the lawn at the Farm at the Arb.
The general walking route is considered wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, although some grassy areas may be more difficult to navigate.
Accessible parking is available.
If you’re visiting after rain or with someone who uses a mobility device, keep the grassy terrain in mind.
Dress for a Minnesota September Day
Because the Glass Pumpkin Patch is outdoors, check the weather before leaving home.
September in Minnesota has absolutely no interest in consistency.
It could be:
78 degrees.
55 degrees.
Windy.
Rainy.
Perfectly sunny.
Potentially all within the same weekend.
I’d wear comfortable walking shoes and layers.
You’ll probably want to explore more of the Arboretum while you’re there, so dress for several hours of walking outdoors rather than just a quick shopping trip.
Grab Something to Eat at the Farm
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Summer Kitchen at the Farm at the Arb.
If you’re exploring the main Arboretum grounds afterward, you can also visit Rootstock at the Oswald Visitor Center.
I would plan enough time that you aren’t rushing through the Glass Pumpkin Patch because everyone is starving.
This should feel like a fall outing, not a timed mission to obtain a decorative vegetable made of glass.
Visit the Bee & Pollinator Discovery Center
While you’re at the Farm at the Arb, stop inside the Tashjian Bee & Pollinator Discovery Center.
The building will be open during the Glass Pumpkin Patch.
It’s an easy addition to the day, especially if you’re visiting with kids.
You can learn more about bees, pollinators and their importance to the plants and food we depend on.
Plus, the restrooms are located there.
Parents understand why that information is equally important.
Turn Your Glass Pumpkin Visit Into an Entire Fall Day
This is what I would do.
Don’t buy a Glass Pumpkin Patch ticket, browse for an hour and immediately drive home.
Your ticket includes Arboretum admission for the day.
Use it.
September is one of the prettiest times to explore the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum as summer begins transitioning into fall.
Walk some trails.
Explore the gardens.
Take pictures.
Visit the Farm.
Check out the seasonal displays.
Make it a full fall day.
See the Scarecrows and Pumpkin Displays
Here’s another reason the timing is perfect.
Beginning September 18, the Arboretum’s Scarecrows, Pumpkins & Harvest Fun displays begin for the season.
That means if you visit the Glass Pumpkin Patch Friday through Sunday, you can potentially experience both.
Look for whimsical scarecrows created by Arboretum staff, artists and community members.
Visit Scarecrow Hill.
Find the Pumpkin House.
See decorated straw bales.
And enjoy all the fall displays spread around the grounds.
So you can start the day looking at glass pumpkins…
Then go look at actual pumpkins.
Perfect.
Come Back for Pumpkin Palooza in October
If you love unusual pumpkins, you’ll have another reason to return.
From October 3 through October 31, the Arboretum’s Pumpkin Palooza features more than 500 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds.
Yes.
Five hundred varieties.
The Arboretum says the collection may even be a world record.
You’ll find the display around the Oswald Visitor Center entry circle and can also see the Pumpkin Tree on Dahlberg Terrace.
Apparently Minnesota has decided regular pumpkin displays simply aren’t dramatic enough anymore.
I’m completely fine with this.
Don’t Forget the AppleHouse
This is another stop I’d add to your fall day.
The Arboretum’s AppleHouse is located about 1.5 miles west of the main Arboretum grounds.
During the Glass Pumpkin Patch, it’s scheduled to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You’ll find Minnesota-grown apples along with seasonal products.
And Tuesday through Sunday through October 31, visitors can also grab fresh donuts, coffee and cider from North Star Donuts.
So now our day includes:
Glass pumpkins.
Fall gardens.
Scarecrows.
Apples.
Donuts.
Cider.
This is turning into an extremely respectable Minnesota fall day.
Can You Bring Your Dog?
No.
Only service animals are permitted under the Arboretum’s current policy.
Leave your pets at home for this outing.
Can You Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin?
This year, technically yes—but there’s a catch.
For the first time, the Arboretum offered special hands-on Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin classes with glass artist Kit Paulson.
Participants get to work with glass heated to more than 2,100 degrees and create their own solid glass pumpkin.
How cool is that?
Unfortunately, all three 2026 sessions are currently sold out.
There is a waitlist available.
But the fact that the Arboretum introduced these workshops this year is worth watching in future years.
I have a feeling they’ll be popular again.
Is the Minnesota Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch Worth It?
If you enjoy art, fall decorating, gardening or simply finding unusual Minnesota events, I think this one is absolutely worth putting on your list.
You’re not just shopping for pumpkins.
You’re seeing thousands of pieces created by professional glass artists.
You’re watching live glass blowing.
You’re visiting the Arboretum during one of the prettiest times of the year.
And you can combine the event with scarecrows, gardens, apples, cider and donuts.
It’s also genuinely different.
We have plenty of pumpkin patches around Minnesota.
We have apple orchards.
We have corn mazes.
We have fall festivals.
But a field filled with more than 6,200 handmade glass pumpkins?
That’s not something you’re going to find every weekend.
Visit the Minnesota Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch in 2026
The sixth annual Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch takes place September 17–20, 2026, at the Farm at the Arb in Chanhassen.
With more than 6,200 handmade glass pumpkins and pieces of fall art from 11 artists, live glass-blowing demonstrations and an entire Arboretum waiting to be explored afterward, this could easily become one of your favorite Minnesota fall traditions.
Reserve your timed-entry ticket.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Set a glass-pumpkin budget before you arrive.
And maybe leave a little extra room in the car.
Because we both know you’re probably not leaving without one.
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