Events
Featured Event
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
September 30, 2021 - 6:00pm to October 31, 2021 - 10:30pm
Event Information
It's music to our ears as the nationally acclaimed walk-through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo is back and better than ever. Presented by Citizens, this year's spectacular takes you from Joplin to Jay-Z, as we celebrate the greatest music from the last 150 years. Stroll, or dance your way, past thousands of intricately carved pumpkins displayed while listening to the soundtracks from 1860's through today. Feast your senses on Rhode Island’s biggest and greatest pumpkin spectacular! Tickets on-sale NOW!
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. In the case of light to moderate rain, the show will be open. NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. Read below for details on pricing, parking, and our weather and membership policies.
PLEASE NOTE: All tickets are available for purchase ONLINE ONLY and timed ticket entry requires pre-registration.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Pricing:
- Prime Nights (Friday, Saturday, Sunday):
- Adult $21; child $18 (ages 2-12) | Current RWP Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets.
- Trail open 6:00 – 10:30 pm. LAST ENTRY AT 10:00 PM.
- Children one and younger are always admitted free.
- Value Nights (Monday through Thursday):
- Adult $17, child $14 (ages 2-12) | Current RWP Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets.
- Trail open 6:00 - 10:30 pm. LAST ENTRY 10:00 PM.
- Children one and younger are always admitted free.
- RWP Zoo Membership Discount:
- To receive the member discount for online tickets, all members must log into their RWPZoo online member account and the discount will automatically apply at checkout.
- Value Night ticket attendees may also purchase discounted member tickets in-person with a valid RWPZ membership e-card and matching photo I.D.
- Reciprocal memberships do not apply.
Group Savings:
- Host a Private Event: Private events are the ultimate way to experience the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. Reserve a private venue to gather, then save with discounted trail tickets, add delicious catering, and enjoy speedy entrance to the trail itself. Private events, click HERE to learn more. These events are available Sunday – Friday only. All events are booked on a first-come, served-basis and both a completed contract and payment are required to book!
- Purchase Discounted Tickets: Save $1 per ticket when you order at least 25 paid tickets in a single order! The discount is available Sunday – Friday nights, but ticket supply is limited- popular nights will sell out quickly, so order ahead to lock in your place!
- Ready to buy? Add at least 25 paid Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular tickets to your cart, then advance to the next screen. The group discount will automatically apply! Tickets are emailed shortly after purchase.
- Be sure to use accurate counts – all sales are final.
- Questions? Contact gsales@rwpzoo.org.
For more details on our weather policy, Soaring Eagle zip ride, and other frequently asked questions CLICK HERE >
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Spooky Zoo
October 23, 2021 - 10:00am to 3:00pm
Event Information
Dates: Saturday, October 23, 2021 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 24)
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Spooky Zoo is back for 2021, offering daytime outdoor autumn fun for the whole family. Come trick-or-treat (while supplies last) with us beginning at 10:00 am. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a day at the Zoo along with free trick-or-treat bags provided by Tarbox Hyundai and the chance to win fun prizes from Rhode Island PBS!
Please note: This event is free with Zoo admission and free for RWPZoo members. All activities are weather permitting and while supplies last. Timed-entry ticket requirements continue to remain in effect for non-members.
Breakfast with the Giant River Otters (Ages 7+)
October 24, 2021 - 8:30am to 10:30am
Event Information
Take a trip to the tropics and experience the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit behind-the-scenes! After a hot breakfast buffet held in the nearby Meller-Danforth Education Center, you’ll join staff that care for the animals of the rainforest in opening for the day, preparing breakfast for the giant river otters, creating enrichment for some of the Rainforest residents, and inspecting life-support systems with the operations staff. Breakfast includes: slices of seasonal fresh fruit topped with sweet berries, freshly baked fruit scones and buttery soft danishes, farm raised scrambled eggs with grated cheddar and green onions, caramelized red roasted potatoes and red onions, steel-cut oatmeal with assorted fresh berries, crispy applewood smoked bacon. Provided beverages include, orange juice, herbal teas, regular and decaffeinated coffee. * Capacity is limited to 30 participants, so register early!
*Food and beverage offerings subject to change based on seasonal availability and other factors beyond our control
Date: Sunday, October 24th – REGISTER HERE
Time: 8:30 am
Cost: $65/members, $75/non-members
PLEASE NOTE: Pre-registration is required. Ticket price includes a hot breakfast buffet, program, and admission to the Zoo post program. All children under 15 years old must be accompanied by a paid adult. The behind-the-scenes components of this program are not wheelchair accessible. Climbing of stairs and walking on uneven surfaces will be required.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: Carving with the Masters Class
October 24, 2021 - 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Event Information
Join us and a master pumpkin carver for an all-inclusive carving experience. Learn directly from the artists as they illuminate the work that goes into making the show so spectacular! They will provide us a sample of the techniques and tools they use to create some of the stunning artwork that has enchanted millions of visitors at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This year’s design will feature a River Otter! Program registration includes admission to the class, your pumpkin, carving tools (customized by the master carver), and all the supplies you need to carve and display your very own intricate Jack-O-Lantern. The program also includes light refreshments and front-of-line VIP access to the world-famous Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular!
Date: October 24, 2021 5:00pm-9:00pm - REGISTER HERE
Cost: Single Participant Ticket: $165 members/$175 non-members
Sharing is Caring Ticket: $215 members/$225 non-members (2 Participants + 1 Pumpkin and Tool Kit)*
*The two-person (sharing is caring) ticket includes one pumpkin and tool kit to be shared by the participant and their companion. Both will attend the class and receive VIP access to the show. Please purchase multiple “single participant” tickets if you would like for each person to have their own pumpkin and tool kit.
Age Requirement: This program is designed for teens and adults, but all are welcome. Anyone under 16 years old must be accompanied by a paid adult.
Sensory-Friendly Nights at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
October 26, 2021 - 5:00pm to October 27, 2021 - 6:00pm
Event Information
Join us for a special sensory-friendly Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular an hour before the trail opens to the public: designed those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences and their families from 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
For maximum enjoyment, the over 5000 pumpkins will light up the Zoo’s Wetlands Trail, but there will be no music or special effects. This year’s highlights include intricately carved pumpkins with celebrating 150 years of American music!
Dates: Tuesday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 27
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Pricing: Tickets are available for purchase in person ONLY at the Zoo's admissions booth. Ticket prices are $16 for adults; $13 for children ages two – twelve. Children one and under are free, but still need a ticket. Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets. Members must present a current Roger Williams Park Zoo membership card and another form of matching photo I.D. Reciprocal memberships are not eligible for this member discount.
Please note: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. In the case of light to moderate rain, the show will be open. There will be no refunds or rescheduling.
Breakfast on Marco Polo’s Adventure Trek (Ages 7+)
November 14, 2021 - 8:30am to 10:30am
Event Information
Marco Polo’s adventure brought him face to face with the exotic animals of the Silk Road, and so will yours! Start your day in our Venetian Plaza by dining on a hot breakfast buffet that includes: slices of seasonal fresh fruit topped with sweet berries, freshly baked fruit scones and buttery soft danishes, farm raised scrambled eggs with grated cheddar and green onions, caramelized red roasted potatoes and red onions, steel-cut oatmeal with assorted fresh berries, crispy applewood smoked bacon. Provided beverages include, orange juice, herbal teas, regular and decaffeinated coffee*
After breakfast, you’ll join the zookeepers that care for the animals of Marco Polo’s Adventure Trek in opening for the day; climb into the bear exhibit to prep it for their arrival, tour our animal commissary, and see the snow leopards, red pandas, cranes & takin get their first enrichment of the day. Capacity is limited to 30 participants, so act fast before this opportunity is gobbled up!
*Food and beverage offerings subject to change based on seasonal availability and other factors beyond our control
Dates: Sunday, November 14th – Register Here
Time: 8:30 am
Cost: Members: $65 / Non-members: $75
Pre-registration is required. Ticket price includes a hot breakfast buffet, program, and admission to the Zoo post program. All children under 15 years old must be accompanied by a paid adult. Portions of the behind-the-scenes components of this program are not wheelchair accessible. Walking on uneven surfaces will be required.
Breakfast with the Giant River Otters (Ages 7+)
November 20, 2021 - 8:30am to 10:30am
Event Information
Take a trip to the tropics and experience the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit behind-the-scenes! After a hot breakfast buffet held in the nearby Meller-Danforth Education Center, you’ll join staff that care for the animals of the rainforest in opening for the day, preparing breakfast for the giant river otters, creating enrichment for some of the Rainforest residents, and inspecting life-support systems with the operations staff. Breakfast includes: slices of seasonal fresh fruit topped with sweet berries, freshly baked fruit scones and buttery soft danishes, farm raised scrambled eggs with grated cheddar and green onions, caramelized red roasted potatoes and red onions, steel-cut oatmeal with assorted fresh berries, crispy applewood smoked bacon. Provided beverages include, orange juice, herbal teas, regular and decaffeinated coffee. * Capacity is limited to 30 participants, so register early!
*Food and beverage offerings subject to change based on seasonal availability and other factors beyond our control
Date: Saturday, November 20th – Register Here
Time: 8:30 am
Cost: $65/members, $75/non-members
PLEASE NOTE: Pre-registration is required. Ticket price includes a hot breakfast buffet, program, and admission to the Zoo post program. All children under 15 years old must be accompanied by a paid adult. The behind-the-scenes components of this program are not wheelchair accessible. Climbing of stairs and walking on uneven surfaces will be required.