Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza

Jack o' Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

All-New Seasonal Spectacular!

Thousands of artistically carved pumpkins will glow in the night during the walk-through Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza, presented by Beverlynn and Steven Elliott. These gourd-geous works of art will feature beloved Zoo animals and familiar characters from the worlds of entertainment, science, fantasy, pop culture, sports, and more, presented with sound, light, and other special effects.

This family friendly event is the perfect combination of nighttime fun, the spirit of autumn, and artistry. Thousands of pumpkins will illuminate The Islands and Jungle Odyssey in a spectacle unlike anything you’ve ever seen, including differently themed areas with a Pittsburgh connection.

In addition to pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and designs, the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza will feature activities for children, gently spooky seasonal displays, and specialty seasonal food items. The evening Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza adds a fall family tradition that will delight guests of all ages.

Ticket Options

Best Deals: Plan-Ahead Tickets, Member and Group Discountsexpand_more

Plan-Ahead Tickets

Adult tickets range $21-$28, with child tickets for ages 2-13 priced $3 less than adult tickets. The best prices are available when you buy advance Plan-Ahead tickets for the specific day and time you would like to visit. Entry times are available every 30 minutes. The earlier in the week you purchase tickets, the better the price! Learn about Plan-Ahead Pricing.

Member Discount

Members save $2 on all Plan-Ahead ticket types. Discount will automatically be applied to all Plan-Ahead Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza tickets in the cart once Members log in. Number of tickets discounted is limited to the level of Membership held by the guest.

Group Discount

Groups of 15+ can automatically receive a $21 flat rate on all Plan-Ahead ticket types. Discount will automatically be applied to all Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza tickets in the cart. If child rates are lower than $21 on your date of interest, you’ll receive the lower rates on those child tickets specifically. Groups must select a date and time that works for all members of the party. Note that Member discount does not apply to group sales.

Admission Process

The time on tickets indicates the half-hour range you will enter the Zoo but does not require a specific exit time. Once admitted to the Zoo at the listed time for the event, you may stay in the park as long as preferred, or until park close. Plan-Ahead tickets must be used on the selected evening, and are not transferrable to other nights.

Most Choice: Flex Ticketsexpand_more

Guests looking for the flexibility of visiting Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza during any night or time of the festival may purchase a Flex ticket. Flex tickets are single-use, flat-rate tickets that are good for any operating night at any time 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. These premium-priced $29 tickets offer options for guests with evolving plans.

No discounts are available for Flex tickets. Ticket price applies as a flat rate to guests of all ages over 24 months.

Exciting Add-Ons: Attractions, Glasses, and Value Packsexpand_more

Upgrade your experience with a $9 value pack! Add-ons may be purchased at the Zoo or in advance online with Plan-Ahead tickets.

Pumpkin Play Pack – for guests of all ages

Includes a ride on our Night Train and Carousel (the popular attractions you love, decked out in special seasonal displays), and one pair of our Spooky Specs diffraction glasses per person. With this ticket, guests may either ride each attraction once or one attraction twice. Family fun for all ages.

Frightful Fun Pack – for guests ages 8+

Older guests looking for a slightly scarier Halloween experience can receive one pair of Spooky Specs diffraction glasses per person and can enjoy our seasonal VR Theater show, “Jinxed,” a five minute clown-guided carnival ride through a creepy fun fair. Please note this VR experience may be startling. Guests under 39 inches tall or 6+ months pregnant should not ride.

A la carte Attractions

VR Theater, Carousel, Train, and Spooky Specs diffraction glasses may all be purchased a la carte at the carousel booth.

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Arriving at the Zoo & Sunset Showtime

Children under 24 months old do not require tickets.

Guests arriving at the Zoo without Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza tickets may buy tickets on grounds if tickets remain available. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets before arriving at the Zoo to guarantee availability.

The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. Only Member and Group discounts listed on this page apply; no additional discounts are available.

Main admission gates will open nightly 30-45 minutes before the Jack O’Lantern trail opens at the top of the park. For best experience, showtime for the Jack O’Lantern trail begins nightly at sundown. Early arriving guests may experience wait times. Guests will experience attractions, displays, and activities along the Savanna path to and from the trail.

Experience & Getting Around

Animals will not be visible in their public habitat during evening hours. To see all Zoo animals, you may also plan a daytime visit. Please note that the Zoo will fully close for one hour between daytime operation and nighttime Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza.

While our basic dress code applies, guests are welcome to wear costumes to the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza if they prefer. Zoo staff may ask guests to modify costumes for safety. Costumes are encouraged to be family-friendly and should enable safe movement through the Zoo. Teens and adults may not wear a costume that fully covers their face. For additional costume fun at the Zoo with trick-or-treating, check out our daytime ZooBoo.

The Jack O’Lantern trail itself is at the top of the park in The Islands and Jungle Odyssey and is approximately 1/3 mile. Guests will both enter and exit the trail from the Savanna path. The entire event loop is approximately two miles and includes uphill portions. Guests looking to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter are highly recommended to place an advanced reservation. Quantities are limited. Without a reservation, rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis and there is no guarantee of availability. To make a mobility assistance reservation, please call 412-365-6020.

The Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza is a highly sensory experience that includes colored lights and ambient sounds throughout the park. The event does not feature strobe lighting, but guests with sensitivities may like to check out a sensory bag at our admission gates.

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Join the Team

You can be the first to know about the upcoming surprises and be a part of making the night shine. The Zoo is currently seeking Pumpkin Carvers, Wild Experience Guides, and Pop-Up Shop Vendors.

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