Walkthrough Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returns To RI In 2021

PROVIDENCE, RI — Fall has arrived in Rhode Island, bringing with it the return of one of the most beloved Halloween traditions in the state: Roger Williams Park Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.

Back again this year, the event will be a walkthrough experience along the zoo's wetlands trail. Last year, the coronavirus pandemic forced the zoo to innovate, opting for a drive-through experience along the main path through the zoo.

The event will run from Sept. 30 through Oct. 31. Each year, the thousands of carved pumpkins lining the trail follow a theme. This year, the pumpkins will celebrate 150 years of music, "from Joplin to Jay-Z."

The trail will be open daily from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with the last entry at 10 p.m. All tickets must be purchased online, in advance.

A special sensory-friendly experience will be available each night before the trail opens to the public, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. While the over 5,000 pumpkins will be illuminated, all music and special effects will be turned off to benefit guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences and their families.

The trail will be open nightly, rain or shine. No refunds will be offered for inclement weather. Learn more on the zoo's website.

Pricing

• Value nights (Monday-Thursday): $17 per adult, $14 per child
• Prime nights (Friday-Sunday): $21 per adult, $18 per child
• Sensory-friendly: $16 per adult, $13 per child

Children's tickets apply to ages 2 through 12; 1 and younger are free. Current zoo members save $2 per adult ticket and $1 per child ticket.