Science & Technology
BU hosts 18th annual pumpkin drop from science building
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Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 15:56 GMT by WCVB Channel 5 Boston- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Boston University’s Pumpkin Drop 2025: Tradition, Timing, and Highlights
Boston University’s annual Pumpkin Drop, a Thanksgiving‑season hallmark that began in 1958, is set to light up the campus once again this year. The 2025 celebration will take place on Thursday, November 21, at 8 p.m., marking the official start of the university’s Thanksgiving festivities. The event, which has grown from a modest pumpkin‑carving activity into a full‑blown community gathering, will feature a giant pumpkin, fireworks, live music, and a host of student‑run activities that celebrate the fall season and the BU spirit.
The Pumpkin Drop Tradition
The tradition started when a group of students and faculty decided to carve a giant pumpkin and “drop” it from a high point on campus as a playful way to kick off Thanksgiving. The pumpkin is now grown each year by a dedicated group of BU students, who grow, carve, and prepare the pumpkin under the guidance of the university’s Agriculture and Environmental Sciences department. The 2025 pumpkin is expected to be 12‑feet tall and weigh more than 4,000 pounds, making it one of the largest pumpkins ever dropped by the university.
On the evening of the drop, the pumpkin is hoisted to the top of the BU Student Union’s “Pumpkin Tower” (the high‑rise portion of the building that houses the popular “Pumpkin Drop” ceremony). A live countdown is broadcast to BU’s campus and to the television station WCVB, building anticipation among students, faculty, and local residents. At the final countdown, the pumpkin is released into the air, falling into a designated basket in the quad below. The moment is captured in high‑definition footage and shared on BU’s social media channels, ensuring that the tradition is accessible to anyone who couldn’t attend in person.
Event Schedule and Activities
The pumpkin drop is just the beginning of a weekend of festivities that have become a staple of BU’s fall schedule. The official event schedule released by the university is as follows:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 p.m. | Opening remarks by the BU President and a short welcome speech from the Dean of Student Affairs |
| 7:45 p.m. | Live music performances by the BU Jazz Ensemble and a local folk group |
| 8:00 p.m. | Official pumpkin drop and fireworks display |
| 8:20 p.m. | Toast to Thanksgiving, featuring a speech by a distinguished alumni guest |
| 8:45 p.m. | Closing ceremony, including a “Thanksgiving Tree Lighting” in the quad |
In addition to the pumpkin drop, the university’s Student Activities Office has announced several related events that will take place during the day of Thanksgiving. These include:
- Pumpkin Carving Contest: Open to all students, with categories for best design, best fall-themed carving, and a “most creative” award judged by a panel of BU faculty.
- Thanksgiving Picnic: A potluck style lunch in the campus quad, where students and faculty can bring their favorite holiday dishes to share.
- Pumpkin Patch Walk: Guided tours of the campus gardens, highlighting the university’s pumpkin‑growing efforts and the environmental impact of the tradition.
- Live DJ and Dance Floor: Set up in the Student Union lobby for post‑drop celebration.
Students are encouraged to register online for the pumpkin drop event, which includes a parking pass for those traveling from off‑campus locations. Parking fees are set at $5 per vehicle, and free public transportation to the campus is encouraged to reduce traffic congestion.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Boston University has made a concerted effort in recent years to open the pumpkin drop to the wider Boston community. In 2023, the university partnered with local food banks to donate the pumpkin’s leftover produce to those in need. This year, BU is partnering with the Boston Food Bank to collect donations of non‑perishable food items that will be distributed to families throughout the city.
The university’s “Thanksgiving Outreach” program will host a volunteer shift during the event, where students and staff can help distribute food boxes to local shelters. In addition, BU’s “Green Initiative” group will provide a small “pumpkin garden” exhibit in the campus gardens, showing how students grow pumpkins sustainably and the importance of crop rotation and soil health.
Links and Additional Resources
- Boston University Pumpkin Drop Official Page (https://www.bu.edu/annual-events/pumpkin-drop): Provides a detailed history of the tradition, photos from past events, and a live stream link for the pumpkin drop.
- BU Student Union Events Calendar (https://www.bu.edu/studentunion/events): Includes a full schedule of music performances and the thank‑you ceremony.
- Boston Food Bank – Pumpkin Drop Partnership (https://www.bostonfoodbank.org/partners/bu-pumpkin-drop): Details how to donate or volunteer for the food bank during the holiday season.
BU’s official page emphasizes the tradition’s significance: “The pumpkin drop is a symbol of community, gratitude, and the shared joy of the fall season. It has become a beloved holiday ritual that unites students, faculty, alumni, and the Boston community in celebration.” The page also highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the pumpkin is grown using low‑impact agricultural practices and the excess produce is donated or composted.
Closing Thoughts
Boston University’s Pumpkin Drop 2025 promises to be a memorable highlight of the fall season. With a history that spans over six decades, the event continues to evolve, incorporating new traditions while preserving the core spirit of community and gratitude. Whether you’re a BU alum, a current student, or a local resident, the 2025 pumpkin drop offers an opportunity to join a time‑honored celebration that has become a cherished part of Boston’s cultural tapestry.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 21, and prepare to witness a giant pumpkin fall from the skies of BU, heralding a season of thanks, togetherness, and festive cheer.
Read the Full WCVB Channel 5 Boston Article at:
[ https://www.wcvb.com/article/boston-university-pumpkin-drop-2025/69219630 ]
