The Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is definitely a fall event worth checking out. It’s even worth the drive if you are visiting from out of town.

I’m sharing some tips to help you make the most out of your first visit.

What is the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular?

You can view 5,000 carved pumpkins lining a 1/3-mile walking trail, illuminated at night at Iroquois Park daily from dusk to 11 p.m. during the week (Sunday-Thursday) and midnight on Friday & Saturday.

The illuminated pumpkins are presented in themed scenes with music in a family-friendly environment with proceeds benefitting the Louisville Parks Foundation.

*The trail is a ¼ mile soft surface, woodland path with several steep slopes. Docents are stationed along the trail to answer questions and guide patrons along the trial.  Wheelchair-bound patrons may have difficulty traversing the trail under rain-soaked conditions.

Tips Before You Go to the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular

1.  Dress in layers

Check the weather forecast before you arrive and make sure that you are prepared for colder temperatures. You can always remove layers but no one likes to be outside for a long time when they are cold. The event is held rain or shine.

2. Download some apps to play games before you arrive to help kill time waiting in line

This event is really popular which means that you will most likely be spending some time in line. I recommend downloading the “Heads Up” charades app.  It’s fun for groups and helps make the line time go by faster.

3. Bring an extra battery charger for your phone

You can burn your battery life quickly and you want to make sure that you have plenty of battery left when you reach the forest.

4. Eat dinner before you go and bring snacks for younger kids

You could find yourself waiting in line so you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your group is well fed beforehand.

5. Bring Cash for Snacks

There are various concession vendors depending on the day and an ATM on site. Popular items are the hot chocolate and popcorn.

6. Come up with a plan in case your group get separated

The trail is designed to walk one way but it can be easy to become separated from your group while you are looking at all of the amazing pumpkins in the dark. I suggest trying to partner up if you have smaller kids and talking about a plan in case you do get separated.

7. Park across the street if possible to get out of traffic faster

Parking is free in the Iroquois Amphitheater parking lot and there is also overflow parking across the street.

8. Purchase your tickets for the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular ahead of time online

There is still one line but you will save time when the line eventually splits for people who still need to purchase tickets.

9. Take lots of Pictures and Share Your Experience on Social Media

The artistic skills that you will see are absolutely incredible.

10 Walk slowly so that you can appreciate the detail of each pumpkin

11 Help younger kids engage more by making a game of finding specific pumpkins

12. Arrive after 10 pm Midweek to avoid the biggest crowds

Is the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular worth the drive?

In my opinion, YES!

It’s not very often that you see that amount of quality AND quantity of creativity on display.

This is a great family-friendly event to experience around Halloween.

When is the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular?

The Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is from October 4, 2022- October 31, 2022.

(*All images in this article are mine from 2017)

What time does the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular Start?

Sunday- Thursday – 6:30pm – 10:00pm

Friday-Saturday- 6:30pm – 11:00pm

Note: Sunday – Thursday: The amphitheater gate closes at 10:00. Anyone inside the amphitheater at that time will be allowed through the event. 

*Friday and Saturday: The amphitheater gate closes at 11:00. Anyone inside the amphitheater at that time will be allowed through the event. 

The event is held rain or shine. 

How Much Are Admission Tickets to The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular?

Admission Tickets are

SUNDAY – THURSDAY

• Adults – $15
• Seniors (65+) – $13
• Children (3-12) – $12

FRIDAY – SATURDAY

• Adults – $20
• Seniors (65+) – $17
• Children (3-12) – $15

*Children 2 and under are FREE

Are There Discounted Tickets for the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular?

You can save $2 off all tickets for 9:30p entry Sunday – Thursday.

How to Purchase Individual Tickets for Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular

Box office 9am-4pm M-F. Then reopens at 5pm. Box office opens at 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.  

*Fees are only applied to online ticket sales.

You can purchase tickets for the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular online.

If you pay with cash at the box office you will avoid the credit card processing fee.

Where is the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular Located?

Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is located Iroquois Park, 5216 New Cut Rd.,Louisville,KY (Taylor Boulevard and Southern Parkway)

Find Out More

You can find out more about the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular from their website. 

Disclosure: We received complimentary admission for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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