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The Jack O'Lantern Spectacular has been thrilling audiences at Louisville, Kentucky’s Iroquois Park for over a decade with its nearly mile-long tour of artfully carved pumpkins. The “organic art show,” produced by Oxford, Massachusetts’ Passion for Pumpkins, displays more than 5,000 illuminated pumpkins crafted by local artists paired with themed vignettes, music and special events throughout October.
To connect with the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular:
The 2023 Jack O’Lantern Spectacular runs from Tuesday, October 3 to Tuesday, October 31.?
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. every day, though trail entry may be held until sunset. Gates close at 10:00 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The latest timed entry slot is 9:30 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Jack O'Lantern Spectacular takes place at Iroquois Park in Louisville, Kentucky. The exact address is 1080 Amphitheater Rd, Louisville, KY 40214.
The theme for 2023’s edition of the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular is “Wanderlust,” featuring the accompanying slogan “The World Is Your Pumpkin.” Merchandise displaying this year’s theme with a specialized logo can be found on the event’s webstore.
The trail opens when it’s dark enough for visitors to enjoy. The first timed entry slot each night is 6:30 p.m, but depending on weather and daylight hours, trail entry may begin between 6:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The delay is put in place to give visitors an ideal viewing experience of the illuminated jack o’lanterns.
The total walking distance from gate entry to exit is roughly one mile. The distance from the Iroquois Park Amphitheater entrance to the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular trail entrance is 1/3 of a mile, while the trail loop itself is 1/3 of a mile. The trail is estimated to take an average of 35 to 45 minutes to complete.
Timed ticket entry allows guests to enter the Iroquois Amphitheater at designated times?within a 1-hour time slot. There is an exception to the 1-hour entry period for each night’s final time slot, which only lasts between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.?
Depending on weather conditions and daylight hours, the initial 6:30 p.m. entry time for the Iroquois Amphitheater may be delayed until dusk to enter the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular trail.
Timed ticket entry slots will sell out in advance, and reservations will become available on September 1.
Yes, the time on your ticket is when your line begins to enter the Amphitheater. Please expect an additional 30-45 minutes to reach the trail entrance.
The Iroquois Park Amphitheater gate closes at 10:00 p.m. between Sundays and Thursdays, and 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests who are inside the Amphitheater at that time will still have access to the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular.
Guests requiring wheelchair assistance will have access to parking near the Amphitheater Box Office. A valid parking permit is required. For drop-offs near the Amphitheater entrance, a wheelchair ramp can be found behind the Amphitheater Box Office.
The 1/3-mile-long trail surface is composed of compacted, crushed limestone for easier mobility, but does feature several steep slopes.
The over-5,000 pumpkins used for the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular are provided by the event’s producer, Oxford, Massachusetts’ Passion for Pumpkins, and are hand-carved and decorated by local artists.
Intricate pumpkins are replaced every 3 to 6 days, depending on weather conditions.
Photos and video recordings are encouraged throughout the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular, though impeding traffic and flash photography are not permitted.
Pets can not join on the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular trail, with the exception of service animals.
The experience was amazing. Only one thing can be corrected. When we parked (apparently past the entrance too the right). No one showed anyone where the entrance was. One person pointed through the park that was pitch black. One family was with stroller. It wasn’t the correct path. Very dangerous with no lighting in that area and kids on the playground.
The Jack O Lantern Spectacular was such a fun event! I highly recommend. Good for all ages
It’s amazing what all can be done with pumpkins. This event gets better every year. Truly a wonderful event.
I went on the last day and it was the best. There wasn’t many people there, I assume because Halloween is over, but I could literally see every pumpkin and practically walk in the middle of the trail without missing anything. I always take new people with me and they enjoyed the lack of a crowd. The kids were in awe with themes. I loved the trivia questions throughout the trail. Always a blast. I’ve made it a tradition to visit annually.
Very colorful and definitely spectacular. I will go again
Absolutely Spectacular!!! We drove 4.5 hours and was so worth it!!
Holy moly, we were impressed! We were in Louisville on a work trip and just wanted to see something festive at Halloweentime and found this recommendation on the internet. We were in awe walking through this Jack O Lantern event. The number of pumpkins and amazing works of art were completely unexpected. The music was perfect as well. Wish we could go back!
I've been to this multiple years and every time is amazing. There is nothing like it.
This place is Amazing! The amount of work that has gone into these displays are incredible. We went on a Tuesday night, so there were no crowds to fight. It was a 3 hour round trip drive and was well worth it!
Absolutely amazing!! The lines moved at a quick pace so it didn't take long to get to the trail. The actual trail is just awesome so much talent on display. Will definitely be back
