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.

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. This request applies to adult and children’s face masks.