New this year! This year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular features an expanded, one-way walking route. It’s designed to give you more space and even better views of the pumpkins. Feel the gourd vibes as you stroll through thousands of glowing pumpkins. Whether it’s your first time or already one of your family’s favorite fall activities, you’ll be wowed by the woodsy trail.
This year's event is inspired by the What goes bump in the night!
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!
🦇Ticketing and Event Schedule
September 26 – November 2
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 $23-30 for adults and $19-$25 for children/65+ adults.
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.
Got a group of 15 or more to go? You don't have to wait— group tickets are on sale now! Email
c2FsZXMgfCBtbnpvbyAhIG9yZw== for group tickets and packages for 15 or more people.
👻Spectacular Experiences
All Treats, No Tykes – An Adult Night at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
September 26 & October 31
Step into a child-free evening of glowing pumpkins and grown-up fun! Wander the newly expanded trail at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in an18+ only setting. Gather your friends, sip and stroll under thousands of pumpkins, and soak up the spooky vibes—without little ones in tow. Costumes aren’t required, but they’ll definitely add to the magic!
Two nights only: September 26 & October 31 Space is limited, so grab your tickets now before they… disappear!
Live Band Performances in Central Plaza
30-Minute Magic Show (three shows on Sept 26, four on Oct 31)
Limited Attendance for a more relaxed experience
$45/ $40 members
🎃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!
🎃Accessibility at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Jack-0-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 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.
🦇Access Nights on October 1 and 2
Access Nights offer guests with disabilities a calmer, quieter Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular experience. Effects such as music, lighting and fog will be reduced.
You may also like the following events from Minnesota Zoo:
- This Friday, 26th September, 07:30 pm, All Treats, No Tykes — An Adult Night at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Apple Valley
- Next Wednesday, 1st October, 07:00 pm, Access Nights: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Apple Valley
- Next Saturday, 4th October, 01:00 pm, Knowing Nature Series in Apple Valley
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Apple Valley,
Entertainment events in Apple Valley,
Music events in Apple Valley.
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