Louisville, KY — Kentucky Kingdom is the new home of Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular, the illuminated hand-carved-pumpkin trail that will run its 14th year at the Louisville amusement park this fall. Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular joins Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, the park’s family-friendly fall festival, for a combined Wednesday-through-Sunday run October 1 through November 1, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from $19.99.
What the two events look like together
Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is produced in partnership with Passion for Pumpkins Inc., a multimedia production company with 25 years of experience building illuminated pumpkin galleries. The 2026 display will feature more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins by local artists and sculptors along one illuminated trail.
Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom is now in its fifth year. On event nights it offers more than 30 rides, themed food and beverage options, and 1,000+ illuminated pumpkins across the park.
The combined 2026 event includes:
- The full Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular pumpkin trail with 5,000+ hand-carved pumpkins
- Larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures
- Trick-or-treat stations with free candy
- A hay maze
- Fall-themed photo opportunities
- Festive food and live entertainment
- Rides and attractions after dark with shorter wait times than during the daytime summer season
- On-site parking steps from the gate, all on one ticket
Why the move matters
Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is a longtime Louisville fall tradition, and its move to Kentucky Kingdom pairs it with a park that has been through a $33 million transformational investment from 2022 through 2026. From the park’s release:
“This partnership brings together two traditions that have become part of fall in Louisville. 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.” — Carly Uglow, Director of Sales and Marketing, Kentucky Kingdom
Passion for Pumpkins is framing the move as an experience upgrade for the pumpkin trail:
“We’re thrilled to begin the next chapter of Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular at Kentucky Kingdom. 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, and enjoying the fifth year of Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom.” — Travis Reckner, Passion for Pumpkins
Kentucky Kingdom is part of Herschend, the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America.
Dates, hours, and tickets
Dates: Wednesdays through Sundays, October 1 through November 1, 2026.
Location: Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, KY (67 acres).
Tickets: Single-night from $19.99. 2026 Kentucky Kingdom Season Passholders get free entry to the event. A 2026 Season Pass starts from $99.99 and includes free access to Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular plus the remainder of the summer season.
Where to book
Tickets and the latest updates are at kentuckykingdom.com.
