Minnesota Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - 2023

September 30 – November 4

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns bigger and better than ever at the Minnesota Zoo! Gather your family and friends and come explore our glowing trail with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins. This year’s trail will lead you on a magical journey through "Seasons of the Year" featuring artists’ new creations and plenty of seasonal fun. Secure your tickets today! All tickets are sold online only and valid only for the date and time selected. Tickets are non-refundable.

The Minnesota Zoo has a seasonal treat you won’t find anywhere else: pumpkin carving and cocktails on the Treetop Trail! You’ll love the autumn atmosphere of Carving & Cocktails—and that it’s all adults on the trail and the dance floor. During your evening experience, you will carve your own jack-o-lantern with instruction and activities led by professional artists from Passion for Pumpkins. Sip on specialty cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine available at a cash bar. And bring your appetite! Your ticket includes a delicious buffet of charcuterie, cheese, sliders, seasonal vegetables, and fresh fruit. Then fall under the spell of 5,000 lighted pumpkins when you enter the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Trail starting at 9 p.m.

The Minnesota Zoo has bats, big cats, snakes, and spiders. The only thing wilder is you in your costume! Adults are invited to Costumes & Cocktails on the Treetop Trail. The evening experience includes a costume contest with Zoo prizes. Dress in your best costume, but please leave full-faced costume masks at home. Under the light of the full moon, you can boo-gie at the silent dance party, sip on specialty cocktails and brews, and dip into a delicious buffet. Spirited drinks, mocktails, beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. Your ticket includes charcuterie, cheese, sliders, seasonal vegetables, and fresh fruit. And starting at 9 p.m., light up your night with the glow of 5,000 lighted pumpkins when you walk the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Trail.

Do I need to purchase my ticket in advance? Does my small child need a ticket, too?

All tickets must be purchased in advance and online. Children 0-2 are free, but still need an advanced ticket. Please ensure each member of your party has a ticket prior to entry.

When should I arrive? 

Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes prior to your entry time slot. You can enjoy activities on the Central Plaza or grab a snack and beverage before entering the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular trail at your scheduled time.

Is there a fee for parking?

There is no additional fee for parking while attending Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.

I’m a Member. Is the cost of Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular included in my yearly membership, or do I receive a Member discount? 

Zoo Members are offered discounted pricing for all General Admission tickets to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Become a Member Today! All tickets must be purchased in advance and online.

Can I exchange or transfer my ticket for an alternate date or time?

If you want to move your tickets to another available day/time, a ticket change fee of $10/transaction will apply. To change your tickets, call the Minnesota Zoo Box Office during normal Zoo hours at 952-431-9200, no later than the day before your scheduled Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular visit.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain, high winds, or other inclement weather, we may cancel the event. Ticket holders will be reimbursed or may reschedule when possible.

How long does it take to walk to and through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?

The walk to the entrance to the pumpkin trail takes about 10 minutes on varying terrain (about ¼ mile to the trail) . The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular trail is an additional quarter mile and takes about 40 – 50 minutes to walk through the pumpkin display. Wait time to enter the show may vary depending on attendance.

Will there be food and drinks available and can I bring my own?

There will be food, snacks and drinks available for purchase but no outside food and drink is allowed at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. You may bring water and baby bottles.

Are wheelchair and stroller rentals available at this event?

Rentals of wheelchairs (both manual and motorized) and strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guest Services desk. The trail is fully accessible but there are elevation changes and a considerable incline along the path.

Does the Free to Explore program apply to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular? 

The Free to Explore Program does not apply to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This program is available for daytime Zoo admission only.

Is this event child friendly?

This seasonal family friendly event aims to delight and amaze people of all ages. Some of the pumpkin designs feature creepy crawly animals--but never anything scary or haunted. Please note that the entire Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular experience is outdoors and involves considerable walking. Guests should dress for the weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear. Tickets must be reserved for all, including those under age 2.

Am I allowed to take photos or videos?

We do not allow flash photography, tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks as a courtesy and safety measure. Otherwise, you may take photos and videos as long as it does not impede the views of others or the flow of traffic on the trail.

Will I be able to see any live animals or walk Treetop Trail?

Animal viewing is available in Discovery Bay only until 8 pm. All other animal viewing areas close at 4 pm and Treetop Trail at 3:30 pm.

Who carves the pumpkins, and how many are there?

Passion for Pumpkins from Oxford, MA designs the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and carves the over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins you see on the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Trail. Founded by John Reckner, Passion for Pumpkins is a professional multi-media company run by the Reckner family and close friends. Passion for Pumpkins produces shows around the country. Interested in becoming a pumpkin artist for Passion for Pumpkins? Contact Travis Reckner at [email protected] to find out more information!

Is Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular weather dependent?

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain, high winds, or other inclement weather, we may cancel the event. Ticket holders will be contacted by Zoo Guest Services to be reimbursed or reschedule when possible.

Does the Zoo offer Group ticket sales to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?

Yes! If you would like purchase 15 or more single tickets for your group, please contact [email protected].

Is Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular sensory friendly?

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is an outdoor event featuring effects such as music, lights, and fog throughout the experience. The walk to the entrance to the pumpkin trail takes about 10 minutes on varying terrain (about ¼ mile to the trail). The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular trail is an additional quarter mile and takes about 40 – 50 minutes to walk through the pumpkin display. Wait time to enter the show may vary depending on attendance.

From October 30 – November 4, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular will have a Nightly Access Time from 5:30 – 7 pm. During this time period, we’ve reduced capacity and reduced the volume of effects such as music and fog. Golf cart transportation to the trail is available on a first-come, first-served basis during our Nightly Access Times.

Can I wear a costume to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is an outdoor, rain or shine event, so please dress for the weather. Feel free to dress in your best costume, but please leave full-faced costume masks at home.