The Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club will host its annual Pumpkin Smash event on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Half Liter, 5301 Winthrop Ave, from 3-6 p.m. The free event will raise money for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education in Midtown Indianapolis schools.

STEAM programming uses hands-on experiences as teaching tools for children to learn important concepts, think creatively and find unique solutions to problems. Funds raised through the Pumpkin Smash will help maintain Lego, robotics, coding or science camps; provide technology and art project supplies; ensure that teachers have access to STEAM-focused tools and materials; and provide new educational opportunities at Indianapolis Public Schools 43, 48, 55, 59, 60 and 91, and to Broad Ripple Middle School, Shortridge High School and Purdue Polytechnic High School.

The event will feature a variety of pumpkin-themed activities for all ages. Children can paint mini pumpkins, do fall arts and crafts, wear their Halloween costume for a costume parade and enjoy a Silly Safari show. Adults can enjoy pumpkin tosses from a lift, pumpkin smashes with mallets, live music from Porchmen and event merchandise.

Additional fundraising will be available before and during the event. An online auction will open prior to the event. Auction items will include gift cards to Broad Ripple restaurants, merchandise from local stores, wine and wine experiences, rental of a Florida condo, and art. On the day of the event, Half Liter will host a "Dine to Donate" program in which a portion of sales will go toward STEAM efforts when mentioned to a server. Proceeds from event merchandise and activity-based purchases will go directly toward supporting STEAM.

For additional information about the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club, please visit the club's website.