This Year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Gets Punny

Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo

Get ready to fall for Roger Williams Park Zoo’s latest take on its beloved autumn tradition. The 2026 Jack -O-Lantern Spectacular is back with a humorous twist, dubbing this year’s path the Great Pun-kin Trail. That means you and the fam can expect thousands of clever carvings guaranteed to make you either smile, groan, belly laugh or shake your head… maybe even all of the above! The witty wordplay will come to life through familiar pop culture and historical faces and settings. Think: A “Gourd Save the Queen!” sign followed by depictions of royalty of both the monarch and drag varieties.  If you are someone who appreciates an A+ dad joke, this is the year to go. The ending will be especially darlin’ for those visiting after working 9 to 5.

The gourd-geous experience lights up the zoo grounds from now until November 1. And as always, the Jack-O-lantern Spectacular will host a number of special occasions, including Family Fun Nights on October 6 and 7 from 6–8 p.m. Kiddos and their families will get the chance to meet cute costumed characters before embarking on their pumpkin adventure. On October 20 and 21, the hour between 5 and 6 p.m. will be designated as Sensory-Friendly, allowing individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to take in the spectacular display without music or special effects (note: sounds will resume at 6 p.m.). There will also be an adults-only night  — a.k.a. no strollers or wee ones underfoot — on Sunday, November 1.

All tickets must be purchased online in advance. General admission is $23 for adults and $19 for children ages two through twelve on Prime Nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday); $20 for adults and $16 for children on Value Nights (Monday through Thursday). Children younger than two enter for free. Zoo members save $2 off adult tickets and $1 off child tickets every night. Learn more and purchase tickets at rwpzoo.org/jols.