I flew to Kentucky last weekend to sign copies of my novel at the Louisville Book Festival. While there, I searched for something unusual to do—and discovered the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. It’s a surprisingly entertaining event unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. And it’s great way to get in the spirit for Halloween. (Be sure to see the photo gallery at the end of this article.)
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit of your own…
The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is now in its 13th year. It’s an annual fundraiser in support of the city’s 120+ public parks and community centers. This year’s event runs from October 2 to November 2, 2025, and features 5,000+ expertly carved, illuminated pumpkins. That’s not a typo—five thousand! The artists who create them compete for the honor. And their work is displayed in themed settings with colorful lighting and music.
Multiple Themes
Visitors follow the “Pumpkin Trail” for one-third of a mile through the woods, where the amazingly creative pumpkin art is on display. There’s a haunted house scene. A section devoted to Disney characters. And a British-themed vignette titled, “Gourd Save the Queen.” In all, there must be nearly 30 distinct scenarios. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Some of the pumpkins are carved in traditional fashion. Others transform into astonishingly elaborate portraits honoring famous literary, film, and television characters. There’s even an “In Memoriam” section that pays tribute to celebrities we lost in 2025.
The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular’s Artists in Residence
The two dozen or so hand-picked artists who create the masterpieces remain at work throughout the festival. That’s because the pumpkins spoil and must be replaced every 3-6 days. Over the course of the month, it adds up to roughly 30,000 pumpkins.
But the carving and internal illumination are only part of the equation. The finished products must then be arranged for maximum visual impact. You’ll find these organic works of art displayed individually, en masse in the hundreds, on lampposts, and in trees. Some are used as heads on scarecrows.
What to Expect at the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
The trail is family friendly, although I did hear a handful of very young children express apprehension about a few of the characters on display. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and there are benches for those who need a break. Flash photography and pets are not allowed, although service animals are permitted. And vendors and restrooms are available at the entrance.
Entry to the park is timed. But once inside you’re free to proceed at your own pace. Expect to spend about 45 minutes to complete the walk, unless you stop to take a lot of photos. And there’s a very good chance you’ll want to do that.
Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular — Location and Parking
The event is located at Iroquois Park at 1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40214. The wooded park—through which the pumpkin trail runs—is adjacent to the Iroquois Amphitheater.
Free parking is available at the amphitheater parking lot. From there, you’ll join the clearly marked line that corresponds to the entry time on your ticket. The line is likely to be long, especially earlier in the evening, but moves fairly quickly. From the parking lot to the trail head, it snakes about a third of a mile past the main gate, through the amphitheater, and up a slight hill to the trail entrance. At 6:30 on a Friday evening, it took about 45 minutes—past the restrooms and vendors—to make my way to the start of the trail.
Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular — Hours
The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is open nightly, rain or shine.
Sunday through Thursday, you can buy tickets for timed entry at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. You can enter later—but never earlier—than scheduled. And the last group must be on the trail by 10:00pm.
On Fridays and Saturdays, timed entry is available at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, and 10:30pm. Again, you can enter later—but not earlier—than scheduled. And the last group must be inside by 11:00pm.
Note that visitors scheduled for 6:30 will be allowed to enter at dusk, the time of which varies with the weather and exact date of the visit.
Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular — Ticket Prices
Admission is cheapest from Sunday through Thursday:
Children <3 years of age: Free
Children aged 3-12: $12
Individuals aged 13-64: $16
Individuals aged 65+: $13
(Excluding tax and, if applicable, service fees)
On Fridays and Saturdays, admission is:
Children <3 years of age: Free
Children aged 3-12: $15
Individuals aged 13-64: $22
Individuals aged 65+: $17
(Excluding tax and, if applicable, service fees)
Information and pricing for groups is available here.
Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular — Where to Buy Tickets
From October 2 to November 2, 2025, tickets may be purchased at the amphitheater box office from 6:00pm to 9:45pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 6:00 pm to 10:45pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Note that credit card purchases require a photo ID.
Although you’ll be spared online service fees at the box office, you run the risk that your preferred time slot will be sold out unless you purchase tickets well in advance.
Alternatively, you can buy your tickets online using Ticketmaster via the spectacular’s website.
Final Thoughts
The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is an exceptionally popular and often sold-out event. To save money and avoid the worst crowds, buy your tickets in advance at the Iroquois Amphitheater box office and choose a later time slot from Sunday through Thursday. Regardless, it’s a one-of-a-kind event that will appeal to a broad range of visitors and yield some great photos. And to round out the night, consider dinner at one of the several restaurants directly across the street from the amphitheater parking lot. If you miss the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, don’t fret—bourbon tours are ubiquitous in Louisville and available throughout the year.
