What is Jack’s Lantern Trail?
Jack’s Lantern Trail is a walk-through pumpkin display in the woods behind the Iroquois Amphitheater at Iroquois Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins line the trail, set among themed displays, music and light. The event is produced by the nonprofit Parks Alliance of Louisville, and proceeds support improvements to Louisville’s public parks. It runs its 14th season in 2026, on the same trail long known locally as the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. That name now belongs to a different, unaffiliated event at Kentucky Kingdom; Jack’s Lantern Trail is the version that stayed at Iroquois Park.
When is Jack’s Lantern Trail?
Jack’s Lantern Trail runs nightly from October 1 through November 1. Gates are open 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The last timed entry slot is 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Arrive inside the amphitheater gates by 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
When does the trail open each night?
The trail opens once it’s dark enough to see the pumpkins properly. From October 1 through 8, the first timed entry slot is 7 p.m. From October 9 through November 1, as it gets dark earlier, the first slot moves up to 6:30 p.m. Actual trail entry typically starts between 6:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on weather and daylight.
How long is the trail?
It’s about a third of a mile from the amphitheater entrance to the start of the trail. The trail loop itself runs a quarter to a third of a mile. Most visitors take 35 to 45 minutes to walk the whole thing, and each ticket comes with a full one-hour entry window, so there’s no need to rush.
Where is Jack’s Lantern Trail?
Jack’s Lantern Trail is located behind the Iroquois Amphitheater at Iroquois Park in Louisville, Kentucky. The address is 1080 Amphitheater Rd, Louisville, KY 40214. Search that exact address in GPS, since searching “Iroquois Park” alone can send drivers to the wrong entrance.
Ticket information
Individual tickets go on sale September 1. All tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged for a different date or time depending on availability. Prices don’t include tax or service fees.
Sunday through Thursday, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Adults: $16
- Seniors (65+): $13
- Children (three to 12): $12
- Children two and under: free
Friday and Saturday, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Adults: $22
- Seniors (65+): $17
- Children (three to 12): $15
- Children two and under: free
New this year: a Get-to-the-Glow fast pass is available Friday and Saturday nights only, for $55 per person. It moves you to priority entry so you spend less time in line. Quantities are limited.
Tickets can also be bought in person at the Iroquois Amphitheater box office to avoid online service fees. Box office hours: main office sales 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays; on-site box office sales 6 to 9:45 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6:30 to 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Group tickets are available Sunday through Thursday only, with 48 hours’ advance notice: $14 plus tax per person for groups of 20 or more, $18 plus tax for bus tour groups, and $18 plus tax for VIP group tickets, which include an escort to the head of the trail.
Accessibility and other details
The trail surface is compacted, crushed limestone, easier for wheelchairs and scooters than natural ground but with several steep slopes. Guests who need wheelchair access can park near the amphitheater box office with a valid parking permit; a ramp is available behind the box office for drop-offs. Photos and video are welcome throughout the trail, though tripods and flash photography aren’t permitted. Only service animals are allowed on the trail.
Learn more or check for ticket updates at jackolanternlouisville.org.
