Pumpkin Launch 2026

Send Your Jack ‘O Lantern Soaring!

Are you wondering what to do with that adorable Jack‑O’‑Lantern once Halloween has passed? Wonder no more! The Putnam Museum invites you to join us on November 1 for a spectacular Pumpkin Launch Event that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable. Bring your carved pumpkin masterpieces and watch in amazement as they’re loaded into a giant trébuchet (that’s a fancy word for a catapult!) and launched high into the air, landing with a satisfying splat on the Putnam’s South Lawn. It’s the perfect blend of science, history, and messy fun, sure to delight guests of all ages.

Grow Your Own Pumpkins
Want to take the experience even further by launching a pumpkin you grew yourself? We’ve got you covered! Come and experience Putnam Palooza (Saturday, May 9 from 10 am to 9 pm) or visit us anytime during the month of May to pick up your complimentary pumpkin seeds. Nurture your pumpkin from seed to harvest, then bring it back in the fall to see it fly. It’s a hands-on, full-circle activity that blends gardening, learning, and epic autumn fun.

While you’re here, don’t miss our celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) taking place in the Grand Lobby. Enjoy a variety of engaging activities that honor this beautiful cultural tradition, which celebrates the lives and memories of loved ones who have passed. Through art, creativity, and joyful remembrance, this experience offers a meaningful and colorful complement to the excitement of pumpkin launching.

Mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and celebrate fall with science, culture, and community at the Putnam Museum!

Sunday, November 1
Putnam Grand Lobby & South Lawn
1 pm – 4 pm

The pumpkin launch is a FREE event.
Museum admission, movies and add-ons will be regular price. Special food offerings will be available!