The Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular in Louisville, Kentucky is 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 to the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular.
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.
When is the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular?
The Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is Tuesday, October 3-Monday, October 31, 2023.
What time does the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular Start?
- Sunday- Thursday – 6:30pm – 10:00pm
- Sunday – Thursday: The amphitheater gate closes at 10:00. Anyone inside the amphitheater at that time will be allowed through the event.
- Friday-Saturday- 6:30pm – 11:00pm
- *Friday and Saturday: The amphitheater gate closes at 11:00. Anyone inside the amphitheater at that time will be allowed through the event.
*The Trail Opens At Dusk which is typically between 6:50-7:30 PM and the event is held rain or shine.
How Much Are Admission Tickets to The Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular?
The price of admission tickets for the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is
Sunday-Thursday
- Adults – $15
- Seniors (65+) – $13
- Children (3-12) – $12
- Children 2 and under – FREE
*Save $2 off all tickets for 9:30p entry Sunday – Thursday
Friday – Saturday
- Adults – $20
- Seniors (65+) – $17
- Children (3-12) – $15
- Children 2 and under are FREE
*Service fees and taxes are not included in ticket prices and only apply to online ticket purchases.
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 5 p.m. Box office opens at 4 p.m. on 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’ll avoid the credit card processing fee but you risk that the tickets for you’re desired time slot could be sold out.
Purchase tickets in advance at the box office for midweek for the best value.
Where is the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular Located?
Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is located at Iroquois Park, 5216 New Cut Rd., Louisville, KY (Taylor Boulevard and Southern Parkway)
How Long Does It Take to Walk the Trail for the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular?
The Trail for the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is a 1/3 of a mile, soft surface, woodland path with several steep slopes. The distance from the amphitheater entrance to the trail is 1/3 of a mile too.
It typically takes an average of 35-45 minutes to complete the trail for the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular.
*Wheelchair-bound patrons may have difficulty traversing the trail under rain-soaked conditions.
Tips Before You Go to the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
Use these helpful tips before you go to see the pumpkins at 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 waiting in line and you want to make sure that you have plenty of battery left when you reach the forest.
4. Don’t Go on An Empty Stomach 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.
There are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area within a short drive.
5. There are Concessions With Snacks & Drinks
There are various concession vendors onsite depending on the day and time.
If you have the last entry time slot there may not be as much availability.
6. Come up with a plan in case your group gets 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. Light-colored items are easier to spot in the dark.
A glow stick necklace would make it easy to find your group in the crowd.
7. Park at Desales High School to Get Out of Traffic Faster
The high school is a short 5-minute walk to the park, located at 425 West Kenwood Drive.
Parking is free in the Iroquois Amphitheater parking lot.
8. Purchase your tickets for the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular ahead of time online
Many of the time slots can sell out so you want to purchase your tickets in advance if possible.
9. Take lots of Pictures and Share Your Experience on Social Media
The artistic carving skills that you’ll see are absolutely incredible! Use the hashtag #502pumpkins and follow along on Instagram @jols_lou.
10 Walk slowly so that you can appreciate the detail of each pumpkin
The crowd is very thick in the beginning but it tends to dissipate about 1/3 of the way through.
One advantage of a big crowd is that it forces you to go slower on the trail.
11 Help younger kids engage more at the event by making a game of finding specific pumpkins
A game of Ispy could be helpful if you are waiting for the crowd to move along.
*There is a special sensory night on October 24 at 5:30 for an hour before it opens while it’s still light outside.
12. Arrive after 10 pm Midweek to avoid the biggest crowds
If you go on the weekend, pack your patience and be prepared for longer lines.
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.
Find Out More About the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular in Louisville, KY
You can find out more about the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular from their website.
Save on Your Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky
Ready to book your hotel?
You can save on the following hotels in Louisville, KY near the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular.
- Tru by Hilton- Louisville Airport – 810 Phillips Lane
- Hampton Inn – Louisville Airport – 800 Phillips Lane
- Courtyard – Louisville Airport – 819 Phillips Lane
- Springhill Suites – Louisville Airport – 820 Phillips Lane
- Hilton Garden Inn – 2735 Crittenden
- Homewood Suites – 130 Central Ave
- Galt House – 140 North Fourth
- 21C Hotel – 700 West Main Street
