LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A beloved fall tradition in Louisville will move to a new home this year after more than a decade at Iroquois Park.
Officials announced Tuesday the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular would be moving to Kentucky Kingdom for its 14th year, joining forces with the park's Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom event.
The combined events will bring thousands of pumpkins hand-carved by local artists into an immersive display along an illuminated trail.
"This new home gives us the opportunity to welcome even more guests while enhancing the overall experience, allowing families to enjoy our handcrafted pumpkin displays while also hopping on their favorite rides, chowing down on fall-themed treats, enjoying the fifth year of Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom," said Travis Reckner with Passion for Pumpkins, the production company behind the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular.
Organizers say the move to Kentucky Kingdom will provide an "entirely new and elevated experience" offering the park's rides and attractions, shorter wait times, and on-site parking. There will also be trick-or-treat stations, a hay maze, fall photo opportunities, festive food and live entertainment.
"This partnership brings together two traditions that have become part of fall in Louisville," said Carly Uglow, Kentucky Kingdom's director of Sales and Marketing, said in a news release. "We're excited to preserve the legacy of Jack O'Lantern Spectacular while introducing it to our guests in a whole new way alongside the rides, attractions, and family experiences that make Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom so special."
The event starts Oct. 1 and runs Wednesdays through Sundays until Nov. 1. Tickets are already on sale, starting at $19.99. Kentucky Kingdom season passholders will get into the event for free.
To learn more or purchase tickets, click here.
The original website for the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular now advertises "Jack's Lantern Trail" at Iroquois Park from Oct. 1-Nov. 1.
"This show was born in the woods, it belongs in the woods," Parks Alliance President Chris Chandler said. "It was born in south Louisville where the public-private nonprofit, with the city, and the revenue from this show goes back into equitable investments into our parks system in Louisville."
The Parks Alliance says the new event will have thousands of pumpkins and be "very similar to what patrons are used to that will have new features and new enhancements."
For tickets, click here.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
