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Yes. The fall pumpkin tradition at Iroquois Park is continuing nightly from October 1 through November 1, 2026. The Parks Alliance of Louisville is producing Jack’s Lantern Trail, a refreshed and reimagined version of the event that keeps the experience in the park and keeps the impact focused on Louisville’s public parks.
The event will continue to feature the elements people love most: hand‑carved pumpkins, a glowing wooded trail, and a family‑friendly fall night in the park.
The previous production company owns the “Jack O’Lantern Spectacular” name and is using it at Kentucky Kingdom this year.
The new name, Jack’s Lantern Trail, gives the Parks Alliance the opportunity to build its own identity and celebrate what makes the event special: creativity, community, and a park setting that cannot be replicated.
The tradition continues, just under a name that the Parks Alliance can grow for years to come.
Beginning in 2026, the 'Jack O'Lantern Spectacular' moved from Iroquois Park to Kentucky Kingdom. At the same time, the Parks Alliance of Louisville chose to continue Louisville's pumpkin trail tradition in Iroquois Park by creating Jack's Lantern Trail.
The two events are separate experiences with different organizations, producers, and locations. Jack's Lantern Trail is presented by the Parks Alliance of Louisville and remains focused on supporting Louisville's public parks through a community-centered event in Iroquois Park.
Iroquois Park has been home to one of Louisville's most beloved fall traditions for more than a decade.
The Parks Alliance felt strongly that families should continue to have a signature pumpkin experience in the park and that South Louisville should continue to benefit from a major seasonal attraction that draws residents and visitors to the area.
We respect the role both events play in Louisville's fall season and believe families have more opportunities than ever to enjoy pumpkins, art, outdoor experiences, and seasonal traditions throughout our community.
The experience is rooted in Iroquois Park, shaped by the woods, and features locally grown pumpkins carved by local artists. Additionally, every ticket directly supports our public parks, trails, playgrounds, and greenspaces throughout the community.
Jack’s Lantern Trail introduces a new name, exciting new creative elements, and magical new experiences. The event still centers on thousands of hand‑carved pumpkins and a glowing walk through the woods. Guests will also discover larger-than-life pumpkin displays, immersive scenes, and brand-new moments designed to spark wonder. The goal is to keep the tradition vibrant, engaging, and evolving.
We’re moving full steam ahead with planning and production of Jack’s Lantern Trail. Additional details about this year’s event will be shared in the coming weeks, including new features and ways to experience the trail.
Stay tuned for more announcements as we prepare to welcome guests back to Iroquois Park this fall.
Every ticket purchased helps support the Parks Alliance of Louisville, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and improving Louisville's public parks.
Proceeds from Jack's Lantern Trail help fund park improvements, community programming, educational initiatives, volunteer projects, public art, environmental stewardship, and other investments that make Louisville's parks more vibrant, welcoming, and accessible for everyone. By attending, you're helping strengthen the parks and public spaces that bring our community together.
We believe transparency matters. As projects are completed and future investments are announced, the Parks Alliance will continue sharing updates about how community support helps make a difference throughout Louisville's park system. Please follow along with us: https://www.parksalliancelou.org/
The Parks Alliance of Louisville regularly shares information about its mission, projects, initiatives, and community impact through its website, newsletters, social media channels, and public communications.
Guests who want to learn more about how support from Jack's Lantern Trail and other fundraising efforts contributes to Louisville's parks are encouraged to follow Parks Alliance updates throughout the year.
Jack's Lantern Trail was created with a strong commitment to showcasing local talent. The event provides opportunities for local artists, designers, makers, performers, creatives, and small businesses to share their work with tens of thousands of visitors throughout the season.
By engaging local creative professionals whenever possible, Jack's Lantern Trail helps support Louisville's arts community while creating an experience that reflects the unique culture, character, and stories of our city.
Jack's Lantern Trail is proud to work with local artists, creative professionals, vendors, sponsors, nonprofits, volunteers, and community organizations that help bring the event to life.
Our goal is to showcase Louisville's creativity while creating opportunities for local talent and businesses to connect with residents and visitors. Participating artists, vendors, and partners may be highlighted throughout the season on our website, social media channels, and event communications.
Local artists play an important role in bringing Jack's Lantern Trail to life. From pumpkin carving and themed displays to visual design and creative storytelling, artist contributions help shape the experience guests enjoy each night.
The Parks Alliance believes artists are essential contributors to Louisville's cultural identity, and we are proud to provide paid opportunities for creatives to showcase their talents while connecting with a broad community audience. The event is designed to celebrate local creativity and highlight the incredible artistic talent found throughout our region.
Supporting South Louisville is one of our priorities.
The Parks Alliance is actively exploring partnerships, promotions, and collaborations with local restaurants, retailers, attractions, and small businesses to help ensure visitors experience the best of what the South End has to offer.
We believe the success of Jack's Lantern Trail should help benefit the broader community, not just the event itself.
No. Jack's Lantern Trail was created to continue a beloved fall tradition in Iroquois Park and to support Louisville's public parks. We encourage residents and visitors to enjoy all the fall experiences our city has to offer.
Guests will recognize the iconic setting of Iroquois Park and the spirit of Louisville's fall pumpkin tradition, but Jack's Lantern Trail is introducing new creative elements, artists, themes, and experiences.
Returning visitors should expect both familiar traditions and new surprises.