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ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO HOSTS JACK-O-LANTERN SPECTACULAR. Join us on the Great Pun-kin Trail!

(Updated September 1)

PROVIDENCE, RI (September 1, 2026) Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: the Great Pun-kin Trail, presented by Citizens, lights up the nights from October 1 through November 1, 2026*, with an all-new trail of clever carvings guaranteed to make you smile, groan, and laugh out loud.

This year’s theme celebrates the art of the pun, with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins bringing witty wordplay to life through pop culture references, playful characters and pun-believable scenes. From clever one-liners to delightfully cheesy dad jokes, there’s something to make every guest grin as they stroll The Great Pun-kin Trail, where over 5,000 glowing jack-o’-lanterns transform the Zoo into New England’s premier fall experience.

Enjoy the magic of autumn at Roger Williams Park Zoo.

All tickets are timed, available online only, and must be purchased in advance.

SPECIAL NIGHTS:

*RWP Zoo Members Only Preview Night – Thursday, October 1
Members will be the first to experience this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular before it opens to the public. Enjoy exclusive access from 6:00–10:30 p.m. and be among the first to stroll The Great Pun-kin Trail. Members receive a special one-night-only ticket price of just $14 for adults and children. Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance. Children under age 1 are free. (Reciprocal memberships are not eligible. Valid one night only)

Family Fun Nights: October 6 and 7, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. (*the line will shut down at 7:45 pm). Enjoy a meet-and-greet with costumed characters before starting on a pumpkin adventure. Included in the price of admission.

Sensory-Friendly Nights: October 20, 21, 5-6 pm.Designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences, this special night features 5,000 illuminated pumpkins without music or special effects. Discounted tickets for sensory-friendly nights are available for purchase in person only at the Zoo’s admissions booth. (Note: Sounds will turn back on at 6 pm)

*Adults 21+ Only Night – Sunday, November 1
Close out the season with an adults-only evening and enjoy The Great Pun-kin Trail at a relaxed pace—no strollers, just pumpkins, puns, and plenty of laughs.

NEW THIS YEAR

  • Teacher Appreciation Night – Monday, October 5
    Teachers will receive $5 off one admission ticket, while the remainder of their group pays regular admission. Proof of eligibility may be presented as either a valid school ID badge or a current pay stub.  (Ticket valid October 5 only)
  • Military Appreciation Night – Tuesday, October 6
    Active-duty and retired military personnel will receive $5 off one admission ticket, while the remainder of their group pays regular admission. A valid military ID is required. (Ticket valid October 6 only)

GENERAL TICKET INFORMATION:

  • Prime Nights (Friday, Saturday, Sunday): Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
    • Adult: $23 | Child (ages 2-12): $19 | Toddlers 1 and under: Free
  • Value Nights (Monday through Thursday): Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
    • Adult: $20 | Child (ages 2-12): $16 | Toddlers 1 and under: Free
  • Member Discounts: Zoo members save $2 off adult tickets and $1 off child tickets every night. Tickets must be purchased online.

Weather Policy: The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. In the case of light to moderate rain, the event will continue as scheduled with no refunds or rescheduling. Please check the Zoo’s website or Facebook page for updates.

Proceeds from the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular support Roger Williams Park Zoo’s ongoing animal care, educational programs, and conservation initiatives. Thank you for contributing to our mission to save wildlife and wild places!

Images can be found at  JOLS Photos  Credit: Courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo.  Please note that these images are representative of previous years and not specific examples from the 2026 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places.  The Rhode Island Zoological Society operates and funds Roger Williams Park Zoo as a partner of the City of Providence, which provides ongoing support. The Zoo is one of many features in historic Roger Williams Park.

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