Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Who doesn’t love a good fall pumpkin patch?  There one of the ways to get in the spirit of the season — especially after a long, hot summer.  Here are some of our favorites!  E-mail us at Capitol City Now if you know of a good Springfield or Sangamon County-area pumpkin patch we should tell people about!

Pumpkin Creek Farms– Opening Day is Saturday, September 13.  They are open Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. They will be open on Columbus Day.  7392 Barclay Road– Sherman, IL 

Illinois Product Fall Market– Oct 11– The Shed– Illinois State Fairgrounds– This special fall edition of the Illinois Product Farmers Market is brimming with pumpkins, gourds, apples, and all kinds of other seasonal favorites. Live music, food trucks, and wine and beer selections also will be available. 

HalloThankMas Artisan Market– Oct 18–  Orr Building–  Illinois State Fairgrounds-   Discover a variety of local artisans, crafters, and businesses offering handmade goods, unique gifts, and more. The Grinch will visit from Mount Crumpit. Santa will visit from the North Pole for a day to take pictures with the kiddos. 

Other pumpkin-themed events

Carve For the Carillon– Oct 11-12– Washington Park at the Carillon– Bring your kids, family, friends, or any group to this fun, family-friendly event to help scoop & carve the 2,000+ pumpkins that will light the way for annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular the following week.  They supply the pumpkins (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!) and some carving tools. 

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular– Oct 17-18– The annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular was founded by former Rees Carillon Society Board Member Brenda Poston. The event is inspired by the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island – featuring the talents of professional artists only. Springfield’s event differs in that everyone is invited–from students, individuals, families and artists–from the community to participate and carve their own pumpkin at Carve for the Carillon (the second weekend each October). The following Friday and Saturday, more than 2,000 illuminated hand-carved jack-o-lanterns are displayed around the Carillon and the Washington Park Botanical Garden – showcasing carving talents of area residents, artists and local students. Springfield’s events are participatory, and family focused. JOLS features special Carillon music, lighting, and food vendors.   

Boo Bark Howl-o-ween– Sat., Oct. 18th 11am-2pm.  Canine costume contest., pumpkin painting and vendors and more.  Proceeds benefit APL.  Animal Protective League.  1001 Taintor Road.  Springfield.  217-544-7387