Illustration of glowing carved jack o'lanterns, candles, and small figures with tools on a wooden table under string lights (Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza)

Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza

Guests walk an illuminated pathway featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins depicting zoo animals, local figures, cryptids, and pop culture icons accompanied by themed lighting and ambient sound. Along the route, visitors can try interactive skeleton displays, watch live pumpkin carving, and explore seasonal food and craft offerings. The trail finishes at The Living Wall, a 650-foot multimedia display of wall-to-wall pumpkins synchronized to music and flashing lights.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Single-day adult tickets: $24 Monday–Thursday and $26 Friday–Sunday. Child tickets ages 2–13: $18 Monday–Thursday and $20 Friday–Sunday. Children under 24 months are free and do not require tickets. Flex tickets are $28 flat rate per guest over 24 months, with no discounts; they are valid any operating night at any time 6:30–9:30 p.m. Groups of 15 or more can get single-day tickets for $22 per guest; child tickets receive the listed child rates when those are lower than $22. Members save $2 on single-day tickets; the Know Before You Go section also says members save $4 on single-night tickets through September 30 and $2 October 1–November 1. Additional-cost activities/packages: Night Train $4 per rider; Seasonal Carousel $4 per rider; Pumpkin Painting $5 per pumpkin; Pumpkin Smash $7 per pumpkin on select nights; Spooky Sights Pack $6; Pumpkin Play Pack $10. The packs are in addition to general admission. The page also lists 21+ activation add-ons at $25 each, in addition to general admission.

Hours

Listed event hours: 6:30 PM–11:00 PM; last entry at 10:00 PM. Gates open at 6:30 PM October 2–9 and at 6:00 PM October 10–November 1. The Jack O’Lantern Trail show begins nightly at sundown.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Specialty seasonal food ranges from quick snacks to meals throughout the park, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available.

Accessibility

The two-mile walking loop includes uphill portions without tram service; wheelchairs and electric scooters are available by advance reservation.

Going?

Location

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium · 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families and fall-season visitors of all ages

Vibe

Festive and gently spooky

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Reserve wheelchairs or electric scooters in advance by calling 412-365-6020, as supplies are limited and the tram does not operate during the event.
  • Guests with sensory sensitivities can pick up a sensory bag at the main admission gates.
  • Purchase tickets online ahead of time to guarantee admission, as on-site tickets are subject to remaining availability.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this season: all-new pumpkin designs and theming, interactive Magic Moment skeletons, and new pathway lighting.
  • Roaming characters appear Wednesday nights through October 28; Vendor Village with local artists and makers runs Fridays, October 9–30.
  • Four 21+ Garden Tent add-on sessions take place October 8, 15, 22, and 29; each costs $25 in addition to general admission.
  • Members save $2 on single-day tickets after logging in, limited by membership level; food and beverages are 10% off and retail is 20% off on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Links & Contact

Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the zoo animals visible during the event?

No, animals are not visible in their public habitats during evening hours.

Can guests wear Halloween costumes?

Costumes are welcome if they are family-friendly and allow safe movement, but teens and adults may not wear full-face coverings.

Does the event take place in bad weather?

Yes, the event takes place rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable.

Is the tram running during the event?

The tram does not operate during Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza.

Are the pumpkins on display real?

Yes, all Jack O’Lanterns are hand-carved from real pumpkins and decorations provided by Soergel Orchards.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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