Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns September 25 – November 1, 2026.
Members: Exclusive presale September 2 – 7, 2026
General Public: Tickets available beginning September 8
A fan-favorite fall outing, this one-of-a-kind experience takes you on a stroll through more than 5,000 artistically carved glowing pumpkins.
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By joining us at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, you’re supporting the Minnesota Zoo and our mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Thank you!
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular experience begin the moment you arrive at the Zoo. With an expanded route and new experiences on the plaza, there’s more space to explore – and even better views of thousands of glowing pumpkins. Stroll the woodsy trail surrounded by spectacularly carved pumpkins and glowing displays. Whether it’s your first visit or a fall tradition, there’s something to discover around every turn.
This year, trivia takes center stage! Put your trivia skills to the test as you make your way along the trail. You’ll encounter trivia questions, and the pumpkins themselves are the answers – can you figure out which pumpkin is the right one? From questions kids will know to answers the adults will recognize, the pumpkin artists have plenty of tricks to keep everyone guessing.
For a limited time only, this spirited event lights up the autumn nights at the Minnesota Zoo. It’s not a trick — tickets sell out every year! Purchase your tickets today to treat yourself to the magic and beauty of the season. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. They are valid only for the date and time you select. Children ages 0 – 2 are free. Please ensure each member of your party has a ticket prior to entry. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Time Slots & Arrival
Your ticket time indicates when you should enter the pumpkin trail. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your time slot. This allows enough time to:
• Walk from the parking lot
• Check in your tickets
• Enjoy a sweet treat, music and activities in Central Plaza
• Make your way to the pumpkin trailhead
Arriving early ensures you can relax and be ready to step onto the Pumpkin Trail at your scheduled time.
Tickets range from $23-30 for adults and $19-$26 for children/65+ adults. Plus $10 for parking, per car for non-members.
Members receive $3 off general admission tickets. (Join today and use your discount immediately!)
A ticket exchange fee will apply when moving tickets to another available day/time. See FAQ for details.
Spend less time waiting and more time glowing! Add a Priority Pumpkin Pass to your Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular ticket for expedited entry to the Pumpkin Trail. Plus, enjoy unlimited access to the Pumpkin Trail throughout the evening—giving you more time to take in the thousands of intricately carved pumpkins, revisit your favorites, and discover details you may have missed the first time through. Designed to make the experience more flexible and reduce potential wait time.
Priority Pumpkin Passes are limited each night and must be purchased in addition to each Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular admission ticket.
Limited availability: Only 100 Priority Pumpkin Passes available per night.
Valid only when purchased along with a Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular general admission ticket for the same event date. You may arrive at any time during our normal Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular operating hours on the date matching your Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and Priority Pumpkin Pass Add-On tickets.
Got a group of 15 or more to go? You don't have to wait— group tickets are on sale now! Email [email protected] for group tickets and packages for 15 or more people.
Three times the treats this year! Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular features three 18+ nights – September 25, October 7 and October 31. Each offers a different way to celebrate, with plenty of time to experience the pumpkin trail.
September 25 | Oktoberfest at the Farm.
Celebrate autumn with the animals! Meet farm friends up close, including miniature donkeys and cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and horses. Drink delicious draft beverages, dine on German specialties and party with a polka band. After you kick up your heels at Farm, you’ll head to the Pumpkin Trail.
Step into a child-free evening of glowing pumpkins and grown-up fun! Wander the newly expanded trail at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in an 18+ only setting.
Two Ways to Enjoy Adult Night — September 25
1. Farm First + Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular | 6 p.m. arrival
Start your night at the Farm with Oktoberfest fun, then make your way to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular for an adults-only stroll through the pumpkins.
2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Only | 8 p.m. arrival
Skip the Farm and head straight to the pumpkins! Arrive at 8 p.m. for an adults-only night at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
Tickets are $45 per adult. Plus $10 for parking, per car for non-members. Members receive $5 off of each ticket.
October 7 | A Night of Trivia with Trivia Mafia
Think you know your stuff? Trivia Mafia will be here with creepy (just a little), curious and downright tricky questions designed to stump you. Grab your smartest friends and put your knowledge to the test!
Two Ways to Enjoy Adult Night — September 25
1. Trivia First + Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular | 6 p.m. arrival
Start your night with a limited-capacity round of Trivia Mafia, then head to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular for an adults-only stroll through the pumpkins.
2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Only | 8 p.m. arrival
Skip the trivia and head straight to the pumpkins! Arrive at 8 p.m. for an adults-only night at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
Tickets are $45 per adult. Plus $10 for parking, per car for non-members. Members receive $5 off of each ticket.
October 31 | Halloween Night. 18+
Halloween is finally on a Saturday, and we are here to celebrate! The pumpkins saved their best night for last. Celebrate Halloween with thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns, festive drinks and a trail made for spooky season. Costumes admired but not required—just leave the little goblins at home.
Space is limited, so grab your tickets now before they… vanish!
Tickets are $45 per adult. Plus $10 for parking, per car for non-members. Members receive $5 off of each ticket.
Want a marriage proposal they’ll fall for? Birthday wishes that glow brighter than candles on a cake? Your loved one’s name lighting up the autumn night? Then order your very own jack-o-lantern with a personal message or image! You can have an artistically and professionally carved pumpkin placed on the trail and glowing for all to admire. Your jack-a-lantern will be displayed the night of your visit, and yours to take home when you leave. Request your pumpkin today! Cost includes admission for 2 people to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. No corporate logos accepted.
*Requests must be made at least 10 business days prior to your visit in order to create your pumpkin.
Come hungry! Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is serving up a lineup of cozy fall favorites, spooky treats and spirited sips to enjoy before—or after—you hit the Pumpkin Trail.
New Items
This year’s menu brings plenty of fun. Dig into the Banshee’s Irish Spice Bag, loaded with chicken, crispy tots, peppers and onions tossed in five spice with curry sauce, or turn up the heat with the Ghostly Inferno Burger, topped with Ghost Pepper Cheddar, raspberry serrano jam, potato strings and herb aioli.
The Classics
Grab a burger, Chicago-style hot dog, cheese curds, loaded tots or a warm Bavarian pretzel. And don’t forget dessert—seasonal treats include White Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Swirl Cake, Gluten-Free Brownies, kettle corn and Spooky S’mores Kits.
There are plenty of plant-based & gluten-free picks.
There’s something for nearly every appetite.
Look for menu icons highlighting vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free choices throughout the event. Options include crispy tots, Fiery Buffalo Cauliflower, a Falafel Wrap, Chips & Guacamole, Veggie Sticks & Dip and more. Gluten-free buns and an Impossible Burger substitution are also available at select locations.
*Items marked 'GF' on menu are made with no gluten-containing ingredients but are not prepared in a dedicated GF environment.
Warm up your night with one of our signature seasonal Potions.
Try the Harvest Moon Hot Chocolate—dark chocolate with sweet orange syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, brownie bites and chocolate-covered dried orange—or cozy up with Firelight Cider, warm apple cider swirled with caramel and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Souvenir cups are available, along with refills to keep you warm throughout the evening.
Potions for the 21+ Crowd
Grown-ups can add a little extra spirit to the evening. Add apricot brandy to your Firelight Cider or a shot of cinnamon whisky or Irish crème to a hot beverage. Beer, craft and imported beer, hard seltzers and cocktails are also available at select locations.
We want all guests to feel prepared before experiencing Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This is an outdoor, nighttime experience that takes place rain or shine and includes a variety of sights, sounds and terrain.
Before you visit, here’s what to expect:
Lights & visual effects: The experience features thousands of illuminated pumpkins, colorful and changing lighting effects, and fog.
Music & sound: Music and amplified sound are featured throughout the experience. Guests who are sensitive to sound may wish to bring ear protection or noise-reducing headphones.
Walking distance: From Celebration Plaza, it is approximately a 10-minute (¼-mile) walk to the start of the pumpkin trail. The trail itself is approximately another ¼ mile and generally takes 40–50 minutes to experience.
Terrain & elevation: The route includes varying terrain, elevation changes and a considerable incline. Guests should plan for an extended period of walking or rolling.
Wait times & crowds: Wait times to enter the pumpkin trail may vary depending on attendance, and some areas may experience higher crowd levels.
Weather: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is an outdoor event and runs rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress for the conditions.
Mobility Accessibility
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular trail is accessible to guests using mobility assistive devices. Please be aware that the route includes elevation changes and a considerable incline. Standard wheelchairs, extended-size wheelchairs and motorized ECVs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guest Services Desk. We encourage guests to review these details before their visit and bring any personal items that may help make the experience more comfortable.
Learn more about the Minnesota Zoo’s accessibility.
Your ticket time indicates when you should enter the pumpkin trail. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your time slot. This allows enough time to:
- Walk from the parking lot
- Check in your tickets
- Enjoy a sweet treat
- Make your way to the pumpkin trailhead
Arriving early ensures you can relax and be ready to step onto the pumpkin trail at your scheduled time.
After you’ve enjoyed the pumpkin trail, you’re welcome to stay until the event closes (10 p.m. – 12 a.m. depending on date selected). Food, beverages, and activities are available until event closes each night
Sunday–Thursday: 5:30–11 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 5:30 p.m.–Midnight
November 1: 5:30–10 p.m.
Pumpkin Trail Time Slots: 6–8 p.m.
A variety of seasonal treats and drinks are available for purchase. In Central Plaza, you’ll find dinner options, snacks, sweets and beverages. On the way to and along the pumpkin trail, you’ll find more snack and beverage stands. There are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
No outside food and drink are allowed at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. You can bring water and baby bottles.
Follow us on social media @mnzoo for a preview of the seasonal treats available only at 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.
This family-friendly event aims to delight and amaze people of all ages with a trivia for all ages theme. We do offer three specialty nights, dedicated to 18+ crowd.
If you want to exchange your tickets for another available day/time, a ticket change fee of $14/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.
Tickets are non-refundable.
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. If the event is cancelled, ticket holders will receive a refund.
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. And tag the Minnesota Zoo! We might share your photos on our feed – plus, we enjoy seeing our guests have fun!
You can view animals in Discovery Bay until 8 p.m. All other animal viewing areas and the Treetop Trail are closed during Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
Passion for Pumpkins designs the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and carves the over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins you see on the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Trail. Passion for Pumpkins works with local Minnesota artists to bring this work to life.
Yes! If you would like purchase 15 or more single tickets for your group, please contact [email protected].
No- please retain your parking paid for general admission to provide at the gate. It must be for the same day as your afternoon event.
Yes! MEA (Oct 14 – 18) is a popular time and an exciting opportunity to have a later night out with your family. Tickets over MEA do SELL OUT – if this is the best time for you to attend, please purchase soon.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is an outdoor, nighttime event that runs rain or shine; please dress for the weather. There are special effects such as music, colorful lights, and fog throughout the experience.
From Celebration Plaza, it is about a 10-minute walk (1/4 mile) on varying terrain to the start of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular pumpkin trail. The pumpkin trail is an additional 1/4-mile long which takes about 40–50 minutes to travel. Wait time to enter may vary depending on attendance.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular trail is accessible to guests using mobility assistive devices, but there are elevation changes and a considerable incline along the path.
Mobility devices — standard wheelchairs, extended-size wheelchairs, and motorized ECVs — are available to rent on a first-come basis at Guest Services Desk.
Strollers and wagons are welcome.
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13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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