Glass Pumpkin Patches
With Labor Day behind us, fall is just around the corner. The approach of autumn brings with it crisp mornings, shorter days, and of course, pumpkins. Three glass pumpkin patches will pop up around Silicon Valley during the next month: the magical Glass Pumpkin Patch in Los Gatos at the high school, another in Santana Row, and the largest of them all, the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch in Palo Alto. In each, unique handblown glass pumpkins created by local and national artists are for sale in every size and color imaginable and are perfect as gifts or to create a one-of-a-kind seasonal display.
17th Annual Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch
Los Gatos High School
20 High School Court, Los Gatos
Viewing reception Friday, September 20th 5pm-7pm
Saturday, September 21st 9am-5pm & Sunday, September 22nd 9am-3pm
Started by local glass artist, Tom Stanton, the very first Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch was held in 2002 to raise money for the high school to retain talented art teacher during a period of budget cuts. Now in its seventeenth year, the event continues to be a major fundraiser supporting the arts at Los Gatos High School while also evolving into a much-anticipated autumn community tradition and art installation. To date, over $200,000 has been raised for LGHS educational art programs in addition to supporting local artists.
Ten local glass artists, two of which only sell at this event, and 3,500 individual pumpkins transform the iconic high school lawn into a sparkling autumnal display. Handblown pumpkins of all sizes, colors, and prices are available for purchase. The creators are on-site to share information about their work and how each piece is created. There is a play area for kids and free gift wrapping. Admission is free and pets are welcomed.
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto
Saturday, September 28th 10am-5pm & Sunday, September 29th 10am-5pm
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch is hosted by BAGI, the Bay Area Glass Institute, the Palo Alto Art Center, and the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation with proceeds benefitting each of the three non-profits. The largest glass pumpkin patch in California, the event is held at the Palo Alto Art center and displays over 10,000 handblown gourds available for purchase. Live glassblowing demonstrations are held every thirty minutes between 11am and 4pm both days of the event.
Glass Pumpkin Festival
Santana Row
377 Santana Row, San Jose
Santana Row Park across from Left Bank
Saturday, October 4th 4pm-8pm, Saturday, October 5th 10am-8pm & Sunday, October 6th 10am-6pm
Also in conjunction with BAGI is the annual Glass Pumpkin Festival that takes place at Santana Row during the first weekend in October. BAGI artists and glassblowers from across the United States sell their handcrafted pumpkins at this fall festival. Much like the Palo Alto event, there will be on-site glassblowing demonstrations throughout the weekend.
An enduring and beautiful way to add to your fall décor while supporting the arts, education, and local artists, glass pumpkin patches have also become a family holiday tradition. If you’ve never been to one of these truly magical events, be sure to pencil one (or all!) of these on your calendar.
