7 Tips for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
How to navigate one of Rhode Island's most popular fall activities.
Note: This article has been updated from an earlier version which was published in October 2019.
What can you do with more than 5,000 pumpkins? You could bake a heck-of-a-lotta pies, or, if you’re the Roger Williams Zoo, you could show off thousands of jack-o-lanterns for an entire month. Every October, the zoo presents the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which pulls in more than 115,000 visitors every year. Whether you’re new to this family friendly event or you’re an old pro, we have some tips to make your trip to the Spectacular, well, spectacular.
Visit on a Value Night: The event runs every day of the week beginning September 28 to Halloween, but some days are more expensive than others. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are considered “Prime Nights” and cost $21 for adults and $18 for children ages two through twelve. “Value Nights” are Monday through Thursday and cost $18 for adults and $15 for children. An added bonus: In addition to being $3 cheaper, “Value Nights” usually have smaller crowds.
Pre-Plan: All event tickets must be purchased online in advance. You can buy tickets here.
Keep an eye on the time: Generally, the later you visit the Spectacular, the fewer people there are. The crowds usually start to thin after 8 p.m., although on weekends it may be busy until later. Also, if you bought tickets for a “Prime Night,” get there early. The lines can be half-an-hour long (or more), and the entrance ticket is only usable for the one hour time-slot you purchased it for.
Parking in the park: The zoo has several free parking lots, but don’t be surprised if they fill up. Try parking somewhere in the surrounding Roger Williams Park complex. You can also use the premium parking lot closest to the zoo’s entrance for a $15 fee if you’d like to keep the walking distance to a minimum.
Enjoy a view from above: The Soaring Eagle Zip Ride lets riders get an aerial view of the park and admire a sea of jack-o-lanterns from above. Tickets for the ride must be purchased in person at the zoo admissions gate, and riders must purchase (or have already purchased) a ticket to the Spectacular for the same night. Tickets are $12 per rider.
See if you’re eligible for discounts: Roger Williams Zoo members can get $2 off adult tickets and $1 off child tickets nightly by logging into their account on the zoo’s website. Guests can also save $1 per ticket when they order at least twenty-five paid tickets in a single order. The discount is available Sunday through Friday, but ticket supply is limited.
The show goes on, rain or shine: The Spectacular is rarely cancelled because of weather. When there are cancellations (usually because of heavy rain or wind), they are announced on the zoo’s website and Facebook. So, pack the rain boots and thrown on a rain coat!
The Details: Sept 28–Oct. 31. 6–10 p.m. Adults $18–$21; children $15–$18. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rwpzoo.org/jols.
