Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Returns September 29 - October 31, 2022!

Everyone should put down the remote, shut off their streaming service and make sure they don't miss this year's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, celebrating 75 years of television. Presented by Citizens, guests will share in the nostalgia of their favorite tv shows, artistically carved on thousands of pumpkins. From Mr. Ed to The Walking Dead, this year's Spectacular has something for everyone. Visitors will have a "yabba-dabba-do time" while "taking a break from all their troubles," as the show's musical theme songs accompany the experience.

Follow the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular on Facebook and Instagram. Trail open nightly 6:00 – 10:30 pm. LAST ENTRY AT 10:00 PM.

Buy Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Tickets

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Read below for details on pricing, parking, and our weather and membership policies. For questions, please contact visitorservices@rwpzoo.org.

Proceeds from the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular support the Zoo’s ongoing animal care, education programs and conservation initiatives. Thank you for helping us save wildlife and wild places!

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Details & Pricing
"Most beautiful thing I have ever seen! Thank you." – Fascinated first-timer.
SOARING EAGLE ZIP RIDE

Soar through the night sky, gliding 115 feet above ground, in the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride!  This ride is exclusively open to same-night Jack-o-Lantern ticketholders!  Be prepared to show your same-night ticket at the window before you can buy ride admission.  Tickets sold at the Greenhouse and riders will participate after they finish exploring the pumpkin trail. 

Pricing: $15 per rider | $13 for current RWP Zoo members

  • Sold on-site, rides are first-come, first-served (no advanced registration)
  • Open nightly, weather-permitting

Please Note:

  • No advanced reservations accepted.
  • Between 6 – 9:30 pm, only 40 tickets sold each hour for this exciting ride. Soar over the Zoo with a beautiful nighttime view of the area!
  • Riding the Soaring Eagle is at the discretion of the ride operator. Soaring Eagle restrictions include:
    • Minimum height of 42 inches (3.5 feet).
    • Maximum combined weight of 450 lbs, single rider maximum weight of 300 lbs.
    • We strongly recommend that anyone with a heart condition, prosthetics, neck or back injuries or who is pregnant NOT ride the Soaring Eagle.
  • We remind patrons that you ride at your own risk. The employees, management, and owners of the Rhode Island Zoological Society/Roger Williams Park Zoo are not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur.
  • We expect all patrons to listen to instructions given by Soaring Eagle operator, and to read any posted instructions.
  • This ride has more specific weather limitations and may close even if the trail remains open.  For safety, this ride doesn’t operate in high winds, heavy rains, or thunderstorms. 
SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHTS

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 25 and Wednesday, October 26

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 2-12); toddlers 1 and under are always free. 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.

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS

Family Fun Nights have special themes for the whole family.  Enjoy meet & greets with your favorite costumed characters before hopping on the pumpkin trail.  All events are 6:00 – 8:00 pm and included in the price of the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular ticket. Please note: Guests must be in line by 7:45 pm.

Fairy Tale Nights

  • Tuesdays: October 11 & 18 - Meet and take photos with your favorite fairy tale princesses and princes.

​Superhero Nights

  • Wednesdays: October 12 & 19 - Meet and take photos with your favorite superhero characters.
Weather Policy

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. There will be no refunds or rescheduling. 

  • Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ) management will close the event if there is a threat of heavy rain and high winds.  Only when RWPZ cancels the show, patrons who purchased advance tickets will be reimbursed or may come another evening. Please call in advance, check the website or visit Facebook for updates. In the event of severe weather, we reserve the right to cancel. In this case, ticket holders will be able to change their reservation date by contacting Visitor Services at visitorservices@rwpzoo.org or by calling 401-785-3510 ext 316. Please call ahead to check time slot availability.
  • If the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open during heavy rain, and the trail is difficult to navigate we will NOT reimburse guests who purchase a timed entry ticket.
  • Please note: Refunds/changes to your order requested after the last day of the show (October 31, 2022) are not permitted.
Membership Discount Policy

Active Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets nightly for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.  

  • To receive the member discount for online tickets, all members must log into their online member account and the discount will automatically apply at checkout.
  • Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
  • Reciprocal memberships do not apply.
  • Member discounts are ONLY VALID for the number of people that are covered by the membership.
Volunteer at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! (Ages 16+)

Roger Williams Park Zoo is transforming for our largest and most successful long-term fundraiser, and each year we ask for volunteers to play a vital role in this month-long event. This fundraising event could not be successful without our volunteers! Volunteers support the event by providing a great customer service experience for the guests enjoying the trail. Volunteer duties may include directing visitors, answering frequently asked questions, and monitoring the trail.

Volunteer opportunities for Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are open for the season. If you would like to volunteer for this year’s event please know that we would be happy to have you help! 

If you would like to be considered to volunteer for Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular please CLICK HERE to learn more >

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission hours and ticket prices for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?

The 32 night event runs September 29 - October 31, 2022. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. There will be no refunds or rescheduling. 

Prime Nights - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Available for purchase ONLINE ONLY and timed ticket entry requires pre-registration. 

  • Adult $21, child $18 (ages 2-12); toddlers 1 and under are always free
  • Trail open 6:00 – 10:30 pm. LAST ENTRY AT 10:00 PM. 

Value Nights - Monday through Thursday: Available for purchase ONLINE ONLY and timed ticket entry requires pre-registration. 

  • Adult $18, child $15 (ages 2-12); toddlers 1 and under are always free
  • Trail open 6:00 - 10:30 pm. LAST ENTRY AT 10:00 PM. 

Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets nightly. Members must purchase their tickets online. 

Do you offer sensory-friendly evenings?

The Zoo is offering two sensory friendly evenings for those with sensory processing differences and their families on Tuesday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 27 from 5:00-6:00 pm.

For maximum enjoyment, the over 5,000 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 scenes from New England's beautiful four seasons - winter, spring, summer and autumn.  

Tickets will be available for purchase in person ONLY at the Zoo's admissions booth. Ticket prices are $16 for adults; $13 for children (ages 2-12); toddlers 1 and under are always free.  Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets. Members must present a current Roger Williams Park Zoo membership e-card and another form of photo I.D. Reciprocal memberships are not eligible for the member discount. 

Are there any discounts for members?

RWP Zoo Membership Discount:​

  • Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets nightly. Members must purchase their tickets online. 

  • To receive the member discount for online tickets, all members must log into their online RWPZoo 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 Roger Williams Park Zoo membership e-card and matching photo I.D.
  • Reciprocal memberships do not apply.
What is the wait time to get on the pumpkin trail?

PLEASE NOTE: We generally hold the line until it begins to get dark.

Prime Nights – Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Timed entry significantly reduces the time needed to get to the Zoo and Park on weekends. Once we scan tickets, visitors enter the line leading from admissions to the start of the pumpkin trail. Generally, this line takes about 30 minutes.

Value Nights – Monday through Thursday:  These nights are not as busy particularly after 7:30 pm.

How can I host an event during the Spectacular?

We offer the opportunity for organizations to host private events Sunday through Friday nights during our Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.  No matter how big or small the event, we can provide you with an exciting evening. For more information, please contact: gsales@rwpzoo.org.

Do you offer any group discounts?

Guests can save $1 per ticket when they 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.
  • NEW: Group e-tickets must be purchased in advance online (Please keep in mind that the group rate discount will automatically apply once you proceed to the checkout page).  Bulk orders of 100+ tickets will require mailing and may be subject to additional fees.  For more information, please contact gsales@rwpzoo.org.

Please note: We highly encourage any groups with buses contact the Zoo prior to your visit so we can plan parking in advance. Call 401-785-3510 ext.338 or email us at gsales@rwpzoo.org. 

Is there a fee for parking?

The Zoo has free nightly parking, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking is available on the street in Roger Williams Park. 

We also offer OPTIONAL premium parking for $12 per car. This will be available nightly in the lot closest to the show entrance and exit gates. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: We highly encourage any groups with buses contact the Zoo prior to your visit so we can plan parking in advance. Call 401-785-3510 ext.338 or email us at gsales@rwpzoo.org. 

Is there handicap parking?

YES.  We offer handicap parking in Lots A and B.  If the spots are not available, drivers may drive up to the Zoo entrance and drop off passengers.  As always, please listen to the parking attendants who are throughout the parking lots. 

Are there stroller/wheelchair rentals at this show?

Stroller and wheelchair rentals are not available at night.  If a patron is in need of a wheelchair, admissions staff will provide one at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.  The trail is fully wheelchair accessible.

Is this show child-friendly?

This seasonal art show aims to delight and amaze, not to scare anyone. Children who are sensitive to a lot of visual and sound stimulus might not be comfortable. In addition, it is highly likely that you will spend some time in line getting to the start of the pumpkin trail. Only you know if this is suitable for your child.

How long does it take to go through the Spectacular?

Once you arrive at the entrance to the pumpkin trail, near the bison exhibit, it takes about 45 minutes to walk through the show. Wait time to enter the show may vary depending on attendance.

Can I use my credit card to buy Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular tickets?

Yes, we will accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

Is food or drink available for purchase?

Yes! Enjoy a delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider, fried dough, fried oreos, turkey legs, hot dogs, a variety of snacks and beers, and so much more.

Can I purchase a combination ticket for the Zoo and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?

No, combination Zoo entry and Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular tickets are not available. However, we do offer a combination package offering guests one of our popular behind-the-scenes Insider Tours in addition to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular admission. Visit https://www.rwpzoo.org/insider-tours for more information. 

Can I take photos and/or videos of the Spectacular?

We do not allow flash photography, tripods, monopods or selfie sticks as a courtesy and safety measure. Otherwise, yes, you may take pictures as long as you do not impede viewing or the flow of traffic on the trail.

Do you allow strollers, wheelchairs or wagons on the exhibit trail?

Guests may use strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons on the exhibit trail. The trail is fully accessible.

Can I smoke inside the Spectacular exhibit?

There is no smoking anywhere in the Zoo at any time. Further, per the City of Providence, the entire Roger Williams Park and Roger Williams Park Zoo are smoke free. We do not allow e-cigarettes.

I am a Roger Williams Park Zoo member but I forgot my card, can you look me up in the database?

Unfortunately, no. We do not have access to the membership database during the evenings. Members must have their e-cards and another form of ID with them in order to receive the Member discount.

I am an RWP Zoo member. Can my guests, who are on my membership, also receive the Member discount?

The member discount applies to those on your membership and nobody else.

Can I buy an RWP Zoo membership at night at the show?

We do not sell memberships during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Member discounts are available only to existing RWP Zoo members

How many pumpkins are there?

This year is our largest year yet, with over 6,000 pumpkins on display all lit with LED lights.

Who carves the pumpkins?

Passion for Pumpkins from Oxford, MA designs the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and carves the over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins you see on the Wetlands Trail.   Founded by John Reckner, Passion for Pumpkins is a professional multi-media company run by the Reckner family and close friends.  Passion for Pumpkins produces shows around the country.

How do they keep the pumpkins in good shape for this long of a show?

They keep carving and enhancing the displays throughout the life of the show. The carvers expect to go through about 20,000 pumpkins during the course of the 32-night run.

Can I bring my dog?

Only service dogs are allowed on grounds during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular shows, as outlined by the ADA standards. 

For the safety and well-being of our guests as well as our animals, pets, emotional support and therapy animals are not allowed inside the Zoo.

How many people attend the show?

115,000 – 140,000 people annually.

What happens to the proceeds from the show?

The Spectacular is an important fundraiser for Roger Williams Park Zoo. Proceeds from the event will support the Zoo’s animal care, environmental education, and conservation efforts both locally and around the globe.

Can I receive a refund/change order after the show closes?

Refunds/changes to your order requested after the last day of the show (October 31, 2022) are not permitted.

DIRECTIONS to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Located just 50 minutes from Boston, 60 minutes from New London, CT and 90 minutes from Hartford with easy access off Interstate 95.  GPS users, enter address "1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence RI." 

For travelers coming from the north and east of Providence, head south on Route 95 and take RI exit 17. At the stop light, take a left. At the next stoplight, turn right for a jug handle turn that will take you into Roger Williams Park.  Follow signs to the Zoo entrance.

From points South of Providence, take Route 95 heading north. Take exit 16 and bear right at the split. At the bottom of the ramp, take a left onto Elmwood Ave then shortly take a right into the Roger Williams Park. Follow signs to the Zoo entrance.

From Route 10 South - take the Elmwood Ave Exit. At the stop light at the bottom of the ramp, take a left onto Elmwood Ave. Take a right into the Roger Williams Park. Follow signs to the Zoo entrance.

Once inside the entrance of Roger Williams Park, follow signs for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular to the Zoo.

An additional option is to enter the Park at Broad Street and Hawthorne Avenue in Providence. This may be a better option on busy nights. Use your GPS to determine the best route.

IMPORTANT – SOME OF THE ROADWAYS INSIDE ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ARE ONE-WAY.  PLEASE OBSERVE ALL TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND SIGNS.

If you have additional questions about the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, please contact info@rwpzoo.org.  We look forward to seeing you!!

Directions