“Went this year, it was beautiful and a very fun evening…definitely worth it” – Laraine M

Our pumpkin public has spoken – the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza is receiving rave reviews! See what guests are saying:

“Such a perfect way to kick off October! 🍂🕸️” – Shelbie M.

Nothing says autumn like thousands of intricately designed pumpkins flickering in the night! Compared to the area’s more horrifying haunted houses and surplus of scream-a-thons, the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza is a gently spooky family event that everyone can enjoy. It’s the perfect opportunity for several generations to get together and make memories on an unforgettable autumn night.

“Had the BEST time at the Jack-O-Lantern Extravaganza at the @pghzoo ! 🎃✨- Anonymous

“Walking through the Zoo with my daughter and two great grandchildren was a night of absolute wonder & so much fun! All amazing!!!” – Irish F.

The Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza is more than passive pumpkin peeping! Add-on activities add the spice to this pumpkin palooza! Spooky specs conjure secrets from a jack o’lantern’s glow. If your evening sprouts design ideas, you can try your hand at pumpkin painting. Does Halloween cause you to suffer seasonal stress? Pumpkin smashing could be your October occupational therapy! Then, make tracks to our trainyard where it is “All aboard!” our All Hallow’s Eve-themed Night Train. There is not a single bad seat between locomotive and caBOOse. And the Zoo’s carousel guarantees you will be going around in circles of silliness! Plus, you won’t believe the mouth-watering menu our Zoo chefs have devised to celebrate autumn –concoctions of pumpkin and apple and otherworldly flavors.

“Was there last night. The pictures don’t do it justice. Well worth the money.” – Gerald M

“Some pretty cool pumpkins they got there!” – Alexander C.

The Zoo’s carvers have created an impressive gallery of all-new faces and scenes for this year. From Dumbledore to dinosaurs…from “Seinfeld” to sea lions…from Mario Lemieux to Scooby-Doo, you will be astounded by our who’s who of pumpkins! Everyone’s favorite Zoo creatures are included in our hollow hall of fame, too, including Lewis the Giraffe, Jackson the International Conservation Center’s bull elephant, and Hondo, our magnificently maned male lion. Pumpkin is not a permanent medium – these incredible works of art have a limited life, so you won’t to miss out on your chance to see them at the height of their gourdgeous grandeur!

“We dare everyone to find a cooler wall of lanterns!” – Visit PA

The grand finale of the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza must be seen to be believed! Where else can you see a symphony of squash grin, grimace, and glower in spectacular synchronicity! The Living Wall bids you gourd night as your evening concludes. You will never hear “Thriller” again without recalling the carved choreography of this one-of-a-kind wonder wall!

There is still time to add your review and experience the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza in all its glory, select nights through November 2.