2022 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Season to Pay Homage to 75 Years of Television

Courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo

This fall, Roger Williams Park Zoo is asking Rhode Islanders to tear their eyes away from the screen and take a break from streaming their favorite television shows to, well, celebrate their favorite television shows. Presented by Citizens, the 2022 Jack-O- Lantern season returns September 29 through October 31 and will honor seventy-five years of the small screen. From “Mr. Ed” to “Survivor” to “The Walking Dead,” guests will get to revel in the nostalgia and adoration of many beloved and time-honored shows as they appear on thousands of creatively carved pumpkins. Iconic theme songs will also play throughout their journey each night and offer a rousing, as Fred Flintstone would say, “yabba-dabba-doo” time. (Psst, you can get the skinny on how to optimize your Spectacular experience here).

Courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo

The Spectacular season will also feature four family fun nights where you and the fam can enjoy a special theme and meet and greets with favorite costumed characters before hitting the trail. These special events will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. and include Fairy Tale nights on October 11 and 18, and Superhero Nights on October 12 and 19. Additionally, special sensory-friendly tours will take place an hour before the trail opens to the public on Tuesday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 26. Designed for those with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences, the trail’s 5,000 pumpkins will still light up spectacularly along the trail, but will not feature any music or special effects. Furthermore, Spooky Zoo will be back once again for trick or treating and other autumn activities during daylight hours on Saturday, October 22 and Saturday, October 29. Activities are free with zoo admission and costumes are encourages.

All tickets must be purchased in advance online here. Prime nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) prices are $21 for adults and $18 for children ages two to twelve. Value night (Monday through Thursday) prices are $18 for adults and $15 for children ages two to twelve. Toddlers one and under are admitted for free.

For more information about this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, please visit the Zoo’s website here.