September 28 – November 2
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns bigger and better than ever at the Minnesota Zoo! Gather your family and friends and come explore an outdoor trail glowing trail with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins. This year's event will inspire your Wanderlust with pumpkins depicting the wonders of the world and the joys of travel.
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!
Tickets go on sale for Members September 2 at 8 am and for the general public September 7at 8 am.
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, but still need a reserved ticket. Please ensure each member of your party has a ticket prior to entry. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Tickets range from $18-24 for adults and $14 -20 for children/65+ adults. Parking is included.
Members receive $2 off general admission tickets (Join today and use your discount immediately!)
Extra savings on tickets when you pick a late-night timeslot at 9 or 10 p.m.
A ticket exchange fee will apply when moving tickets to another available day/time.
Tickets go on sale for Members September 2 at 8 am and for the general public September 7at 8 am.
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.
Hoots, Howls & Growls: Zoo Night in the Moonlight.
Get your glow on as you dance, dine, and drink at Hoots, Howls & Growls at the Minnesota Zoo. On two nights only – Friday, October 4 or Friday, October 11 – you’ll find the all-adult atmosphere and fall fun you can’t get anywhere else.
The DJ will spin a web of tunes so you can boo-gie down on the dance floor. We provide the glow sticks; you bring the spellbinding dance steps. You and your skeleton crew can also take to the stage for karaoke.
Costumes admired but not required—though know there’s a costume contest with prizes! And you get to watch as carvers transform plain pumpkins into works of art. Sip on specialty drinks and dip into a delicious buffet. First mocktail included with your ticket. Spirited drinks, mocktails, beer and wine will be available at a cash bar from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
At 8:30 p.m., we’ll guide you along the Treetop Trail to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where you can spend the rest of the evening in the glow of 5,000 pumpkins.
Cost is $65 and must be 21+. Admission to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is included with your ticket purchase. Event capacity is limited – get your tickets to Hoots, Howls & Growls soon!
Personalized Pumpkins
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-a-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.
Private Party Rentals
Gather your group for a private party that's sure to be spectacular! Groups can reserve an event space , choose a catering menu and beverage package, and host a private party at the Zoo ahead of your Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular experience. Contact our catering experts – they’re ready to help you plan a party with the pumpkins!
Jack-0-Lantern Spectacular is an outdoor, nighttime event with effects such as music, colorful lights, and fog throughout the experience.
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.
Access Nights on October 5 and 6
Access Nights offer guests with disabilities a calmer, quieter Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular experience during daylight hours. Effects such as music, lighting and fog will be reduced.
In your pre-arrival email, we’ll confirm what time the gates open (either 5 or 6 p.m. depending on date you selected). You are welcome to arrive before your timeslot to enjoy dinner and activities in Central Plaza and Discovery Bay. You’ll be invited to head to the pumpkin trail 15 minutes prior to your selected timeslot.
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.
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.
Follow us on social media @mnzoo for a preview of the seasonal treats available only at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
No outside food and drink are allowed at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. You can bring water and baby bottles.
The Free to Explore Program does not apply to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This program is available for daytime Zoo admission only.
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.
If you want to exchange your tickets for 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.
Tickets are nonrefundable.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
Yes! If you would like purchase 15 or more single tickets for your group, please contact [email protected].
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.
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13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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