Hudson River Park Hosts Annual Pumpkin Smashing: What To Know

WEST VILLAGE, NY — If there was ever a year to smash pumpkins, it's 2020.

The Hudson River Park is inviting New Yorkers to take out their frustrations at the 3rd annual Pumpkin Smash.

The event will take place Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chelsea Waterside Park. While smashing is the afternoon's main activity, the event also lets families dispose of their Halloween pumpkins in a responsible, ecologically-friendly fashion.

The event also follows the reopening of the compost site at Hudson River Park, which is the largest site in the city. In 2019, the site collected roughly 86,000 pounds of food scraps from the local community.

The Hudson River Park is scaling back the attendance for the 2020 Pumpkin Smash to make sure the event adheres to coronavirus-related guidelines.

All attendees must register in advance to secure a spot and will receive a timed entry. One ticket can be for one household of up to five people, and each group will have 15 minutes to smash to their heart's desire.

Groups are asked to wear a face mask and bring their own pumpkins and protective eyewear.

"Every year we call on families to smash it, not trash it — and bring their pumpkins to Hudson River Park and turn them into compost," said Madelyn Wils, President and CEO of the Hudson River Park. "Halloween will undoubtedly be different for many families this year, so we knew we had to find a way to continue this tradition responsibly."

Last year, the Pumpkin Smash saw 1,200 people come out and smash over 2,000 pounds of pumpkins.

Families can start dropping off their pumpkins Nov. 2 at either Pier 40 or Chelsea Waterside Park at W. 23rd Street.