Inside Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park. The trail will be transformed into a quarter-mile winding path lined with more than 5,000 glowing, hand-carved pumpkins. This corner of the park is home to some of our most beautiful landscaping, with Kentucky-native plantings tended year-round by our Horticulture team. Together they form a magical, immersive trail within the park created for this event alone.

Only the location and theme. The Jack O' Lantern Spectacular is produced by Passion for Pumpkins, the same team that has created this event in Louisville for 13 years, and it moved with its producer. The event will still be curated by the same local artists and 5,000-plus hand-carved pumpkins on a quarter-mile trail.

What's new is everything around it. Your ticket or Season Pass now includes full access to the theme park and Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, featuring more than 1,000 additional illuminated pumpkins throughout the park, larger-than-life sculptures, over 30 rides running day-to-night, trick-or-treat stations, a hay maze, live entertainment, and fall food.

One ticket or your Season Pass covers both experiences. Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom is the entire theme park decorated and glowing, with more than 30 rides running day-to-night, trick-or-treat stations with free candy, a hay maze, and live entertainment. The Jack O' Lantern Spectacular trail is included at no additional charge.

No. Trail admission is included with admission to Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom.

Wednesdays through Sundays, October 1 through November 1, 2026.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 9 PM
Fridays, 5 to 10 PM
Saturdays, 2 to 10 PM
Sundays, 4 to 9 PM

The trail opens at 6 PM. Please check our operating calendar before your visit.

Yes. A 2026 Season Pass includes free, unlimited admission to Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom and the Jack O' Lantern Spectacular every night of the event, plus free parking all season and Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom later in the year. Passes start at $99.99.

No. Day tickets are available for every operating night, starting at $19.99, and include full access to both Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom and the Jack O' Lantern Spectacular trail.

Day tickets are available as low as $19.99. Parking is not included in admission.

For the easiest access to Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park, enter the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) via Gate 1, 4 or 6 (see KEC map for directions). Parking is paved, lit, and steps from the entrance. The cost is $15 per car and $30 per bus at the gate, and includes same-day in-and-out privileges. Advance online parking is $13 for single entry and does not include in-and-out. Season Passholders park free all season. Parking is free for all guests on select days. View details here.

Please note: The KEC sets all parking policies and may change them at any time.  Visit the KEC website http://www.kyexpo.org for more details and updates.

No. Guests choose their date and arrive whenever it works for them, without committing to a specific time window.

Because the trail has its own entrance, we are able to pace how guests flow through. If there is ever a wait, you are waiting inside a theme park. Ride something, grab a snack, and return when the line dies down. Download the Official Kentucky Kingdom App to plan your visit and see estimated ride wait times!

The trail is approximately a quarter mile, and guests can move at their own pace.

Yes. Kentucky Kingdom is ADA accessible. Pathways throughout the park are paved, level, and well lit, and the trail accommodates wheelchairs and strollers from entrance to exit. For the easiest access, enter the Kentucky Exposition Center through Gate 4. Accessible parking spaces are located in the lots directly adjacent to the Exposition Center buildings, available first-come, first-served, and require a valid accessible parking hang tag or license plate. Guest Services at the front entrance can assist with accommodations.

Yes. Guests may bring their own, and rentals are available first-come, first-served at Wheels 4 Rent near the front gate. Strollers and ECVs can be reserved in advance at kentuckykingdom.com. Rentals are for use inside the park only. Weight limits are 60 pounds for a single stroller, 100 pounds for a double stroller, 250 pounds for a wheelchair, and 450 pounds for an ECV. Discounts do not apply to rentals.

Expect large crowds moving through queue lines and midways, loud sounds from music, rides, and live entertainment, and lights of varying color and brightness along the trail and throughout the park. Guest Services hosts are available to answer specific questions before or during your visit.

Pickup and drop-off location for Uber, Lyft and passenger vehicles is at 934 Phillips Ln. Drivers will need to turn into the parking lot across the street from the Crown Plaza hotel and exit after dropping off.  It is a short walk to the park from there.

Guests 15 and under must be accompanied by a supervising adult at least 21 years old. Each chaperone may supervise up to six minors, must present a valid government-issued photo ID at entry, and must remain inside the park for the duration of the visit.

The theme for Jack O' Lantern Spectacular's first season at Kentucky Kingdom is Planet Pumpkin: A Glo-bal Adventure. This year's trail invites guests to travel the world without leaving Louisville, with hand-carved pumpkins bringing global landmarks, traditions, and cultural icons to life along the way.

The event is rain or shine. Some rides and attractions may close during inclement weather for guest safety. If persistent weather closes the majority of our rides during your visit, our Sunshine Guarantee may apply. Full details are at kentuckykingdom.com.

Yes. Special fall-themed food and beverage offerings will be available for purchase during operating hours in addition to all the delicious offerings Kentucky Kingdom serves throughout the season. Stay tuned for more details!

Photos and video are encouraged throughout Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom and the Jack O' Lantern Spectacular. Flash photography is not permitted, and we ask that guests keep the Spectacular trail clear for others.

Service animals accompanying designated owners are welcome. Service animals are not permitted on rides and must remain with a non-riding member of the party while the owner is on a ride. No other animals are permitted in the park. 

• Silver and Gold Season Passholders can bring a friend with them for $19.99 during one visit in October. Diamond Passholders can purchase an unlimited number of $19.99 tickets.
• All Passholders (excluding Pre K) are eligible for dining, shopping and photo discounts, plus FREE parking. See the benefits grid for details.

Group tickets are available as low as $18.99 for parties of 15 or more. Groups are able to add on meal vouchers and unlimited soft drink refills. Groups of 50 or more can add an all-you-can-eat buffet. Click here for more information regarding group visits.