FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Updated October 21, 2020
Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Tickets are for an entire vehicle. You only need to purchase one ticket per vehicle and it will allow entry for everyone inside the vehicle.
Cars/Trucks/SUVs/Minivans: $35
Passenger Vans/Limos/RVs: $50
Q: Can I order tickets online?
A: Yes: You can click above on the Buy Tickets tab. Due to COVID-19, and the fact we anticipate sold out nights, we HIGHLY encourage everyone to buy tickets online. Once purchased, you can download the tickets to your phone, or print them off at home and bring them with you to the show.
Q: Will there be a wait?
A: YES! Please come prepared to wait for an average of 1 to 2.5 hours in line. On SOLD OUT nights, the wait can extend to 3 hours. Bring dinner, snacks, a movie...whatever you need to keep folks entertained. Also note: We have Porta Kleen portalets at the Golf Course Parking Lot, just past the tennis courts, and right before the entrance to the trail. Please ask anyone in an orange vest where the closest bathroom is.
Q: I can’t make it on the day I originally purchased the tickets, can I use them on another night?
A: Yes, you can exchange your ticket by contacting Evvnt Ticket Support. In your email requesting an exchange, please include the email address you used to purchase the ticket, the date that you wish to attend, and a phone number in case there is a need to call.
Q: I ordered a ticket, but never received an email confirmation, or I can't see the QR code. What do I do?
A: You can request another email confirmation be sent, or get assistance with the QR code issue by contacting Evvnt Ticket Support. In your email, please include the email address you used to purchase the ticket, and a phone number in case there is a need to call. If you don't hear back in time, no worries. We can find your ticket when you arrive, it just holds up the line some.
Q: Are you doing anything special for Halloween?
A: Yes! Thank you to our sponsor, Metro by T-Mobile, any child in a costume will receive a small treat bag.
Q: Can you sell out of tickets?
A: Yes, we will be limiting the numbers of tickets sold each night due to the limited traffic capacity of Iroquois Park.
Q: When does the event close for the night?
A: Cars will no longer be allowed to enter the line past 11PM on Sunday - Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Anyone in line at closing will be allowed through the event.
Q: What are the hours?
A. The event opens at dusk, which is about 7:30PM in early October and closer to 7:00pm later in October, or on cloudy days. We are asking cars to arrive no earlier than 6:00PM. The hours of operation are Dusk – 11PM (Sunday – Thursday) and Dusk – Midnight (Friday & Saturday)
Q: What about the end of Daylight Savings Time?
A: Our hours will be altered the last night of the show, Sunday, November 1, due to the end of Daylight Savings Time. That night our hours of operation are 6PM to 10PM.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: The event is open for 4 hours on Sunday - Thursday and 5 hours on Friday and Saturday. We need folks to stagger arrival times, to minimize the lines. If everyone shows up right at opening, we begin with a VERY long line. The later in the evening you arrive, the less wait time. It seems an arrival of 7:30 to 9:30 (Sunday - Thursday) and 8:00 - 10:30 (Friday and Saturday) result in the longest wait times. The gate opens at 6:00PM - but the trail doesn't open until dark. If you can wait right until closing, you pretty much sail right through.
Q: What are the dates for the show?
A. Opening night is Thursday, October 1, 2020. The final day is Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.
Q: What is the address?
A: The entrance to the event is 4800 New Cut Road at the intersection of New Cut and Southern Parkway.
Q: What happens if it rains or in the event of severe weather?
A: The show goes on, rain or shine. In the unlikely event the show is delayed or postponed due to dangerous weather conditions, the tickets will be honored on another day.
Q: Do you have a special deal with a hotel?
A: Yes! Hampton by Hilton Louisville Northeast is offering a discounted room rate. You can book a room at
Hampton Jack O'Lantern Discount Rate
Q: Are there other places to stay in Louisville?
A: Yes. More options are available here.
Q: Are there any discount nights?
A. Yes! We offer Metro by T-Mobile Nights every Monday of the show. Click here for a list of participating retailers, where you can pick up a discount card with a code to save $$$ on your ticket.
Q: Where is the best view from the car?
A: The intricate pumpkins are all on the right side of the road, so we minimize distracted drivers. The "Laughing Tree" Grand Finale is on the left side of the road.
Q: Will my younger child enjoy it?
A: We have received no reports from younger children and toddlers that the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is scary. Remember there may be looooonnngg waits, so be prepared with snacks, movies, games, to keep the little ones entertained.
Q: Are four-legged children allowed?
A: Since we're a drive-thru this year all creatures, great and small, are allowed to attend in your vehicle.
Q: Can I have my passengers move to the bed of my truck?
A: Yes. Once in the park, you can have people in the bed of your truck. Just please arrive safely!
Q: Our family takes a pumpkin picture in the booth every year, is that set up in 2020?
A: It breaks our heart to say it, but no. There is just no way to navigate the logistics of the event and COVID-19 restrictions for this year. They'll be back next year for sure!
Q. Are motorcycles allowed?
A: No. For the enjoyment all involved, only 4-wheeled vehicles are allowed.
Q: What form of payments are accepted?
A: Tickets can be purchased online or at the event with a major credit card.
Q: What happens if I come hungry or thirsty?
A: Due to COVID-19, there will be no concessions served during this year’s Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. It's a good idea to bring a picnic dinner while you wait, or snacks and drinks.
Q: What if I want to purchase tickets for my church, business, or civic organization? Do you offer group rates?
A: Yes. For details please contact our Director of Operations, Lisa Norkus at lnorkus@louisvilleparksfoundation.org. We have partnered with Trolley de’Ville, who will be offering trolley rides for groups. You can contact them at 502-939-3415 or info@trolleydeville.com.
Q: Is there a military discount?
A: Due to our pricing structure this year, there are no military discounts.
Q: I’m looking to avoid the crowds. When is the best time to come?
A: Expect longer wait times on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Saturday in particular is our busiest night.
Q: What about parking?
A: JOLS is a drive-thru event this year so there will be no parking.
Q: Is camping or RV camping permitted?
A: No. Our public parks are not designed for overnight camping. There are nearby camp sites located in the area.
Q: Can we come and see the pumpkins during the day?
A: The section of Rundill Road at Iroquois Park featuring Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular will be open daily from 5-10am through November 1. Rundill Road from the Iroquois Amphitheater parking lot to the event entrance will continue to be open from 5am - 6pm through November 1. The decision to close the event area at 10am each day was made because of health and safety concerns, including vandalism to the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular displays, as well as failure to comply with COVID-19 social distancing and mask requirements. Security is on-site to ensure safety and security protocols are followed.
Q: How many pumpkins are there?
A: Somewhere around 6,000 at any one time.
Q: Are the pumpkins real?
A: Most are. The pumpkins in trees are not real.
Q: How long do the pumpkins last?
A: We replace the pumpkins every 3 – 7 days depending on the weather conditions.
Q: Where do the pumpkins come from?
A: 95% of the pumpkins are grown on family farms in the region.
Q: Who do the proceeds benefit?
A: Proceeds benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to improving Louisville’s public parks for present and future generations.
Q: Can I take pictures?
A: Yes, but please no flash photography. It ruins your picture, and the experience of other guests.
Q: Do you offer a sensory night?
A: Yes. Sensory night is held on Sunday, November 1. It is designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences, and their families, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. For guest’s enjoyment, pumpkins will light up the woods, but there will be no music or special effects. Sensory Night at the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is made possible through the generous support of PNC Bank.
Q: Anything else I need to know?
A: Yes. The show is brought to you by Passion For Pumpkins, an organization that got its start in Oxford, Massachusetts in 1988. P4P currently operates two other shows, located in Providence, RI and Minneapolis, MN.