The Arboretum at Penn State

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

Carving out our winners was no easy task! 🎃

Last Friday, our jack-o’-lantern judges stepped on the scene of hundreds of pumpkins entered into the contest at Pumpkin Fest 2026. 🏆

For giving every gourd its fair chance, we’d like to thank this year's judges:

Dave Lieb, President and CEO at Centre Foundation
Anna Mavrodieva, Arboretum Intern and Palmer Museum of Art “Dreaming American Futures” Artist
Dick Repsher, Arboretum Volunteer of the Year
Jim Mackey, Local Artist (featured in Penn’s Woods)
Kelly Oleynik, Former Children’s Garden Intern and Development Assistant
Jen Shuey, Director of Development, Central Pa Arts Festival and Local Artist

🎃 For doing the impossible with this year’s exceptional talent, thank you for granting each great gourd its place on the podium for Pumpkin Fest 2026. Official winners announcement coming soon!

10/19/2026

Gourd times were had! 🎃

10/19/2026

Something iconic is blooming. 🌸💙

Penn State is heading to the 2027 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show!

From groundbreaking research and hands-on learning to the people and places that make Penn State special, we're bringing a little bit of Happy Valley (and a whole lot of Penn State pride) to Philadelphia.

The Arboretum at Penn State is leading the way as we prepare to showcase the University's impact across the Commonwealth at one of the country's premier horticultural events.

📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center
📅 March 12–21, 2027

This is just the beginning. Follow along as we bring it all to life!

Penn State will create a garden display exhibit at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, which will run March 12-21, 2027, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. As part of that effort, The Arboretum at Penn State is inviting the entire Penn State community to help tell the University’s story through ...

10/14/2026

🌧️ Like true champions, you drove through the rain last Sunday to collect over 1,000 pumpkins for the Jack-o’-Lantern Contest! 🎃

Drop off your gourd-geous entry:

🗓️ Thursday, October 15 from 4–7 p.m.
🗓️ Friday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year, our judges are looking for:

👑 Best in Show
🌳 Best Arboretum Theme
💙🤍 Best Penn State Theme
🍿 Best Pop Culture Theme
🎃 Staff Pick

The Rules:

🕰️ Jack-o’-lanterns returned after drop-off time can be displayed but will not be eligible for the contest.
☝️ One entry per participant.
💡 Each pumpkin must have a hole (minimum 4 inches diameter) carved in the bottom so it can be placed on top of a light. Participants may not supply their own lighting devices.
🎃 Pumpkins must be carved (with the exception of age categories 2–4 and 5–7).

🗓️ Winners will be announced at noon on Saturday, October 17 during Pumpkin Fest.

Multiple winners in each category. All pumpkins welcome. Learn more on our website: https://arboretum.psu.edu/programs/annual-festivals/pumpkin-fest/

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

Discover the Museum of Art at Pumpkin Fest. 🎃

The museum is open late:
🗓️ Friday, October 16 | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
🗓️ Saturday, October 17 | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

🕚 The Palmer will have free, Family Weekend programming on Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during Pumpkin Fest! Check out Museum of Art's page to learn more.

Meet them inside! 🏛️

10/12/2026

Talk about spare pumpkins…🎃🎳
 
Yesterday, you rolled up to our first-ever, impromptu Pumpkin Drive-Thru. Despite the rain, we were able to distribute over 1,000 pumpkins for this weekend’s contest! 🚗🎃🤯
 
If you missed the drive-thru, we’ve got some spares. Pick up a free pumpkin at our walk-up, self-serve pumpkin patch near the North Lawn for a limited time only:
 
🗓️ Monday, October 12 (today) until 5 p.m.
🗓️ Tuesday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📍 Picnic Perch next to the North Lawn
 
⚠️🎃 Walk right up, scan the QR code to register for free, then walk off with your gourd! No vehicle access (the drive-thru is closed). ❌