Mark your calendars because the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is back for the Halloween season in the Twin Cities. One of the best Halloween events and things to do, I highly recommend this family-friendly event. Tickets are now available online only for Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. This special Halloween event runs Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, 2023, in Apple Valley, Minn. While the Minnesota Zoo hosted my Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular experience, opinions are always my own. Spoiler alert: It’s spectacular! Updated 10.06.23; Originally published 10.28.19.
One of my favorite pumpkin carvings at the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular in the Twin Cities.
Guide to the 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular – best family-friendly Halloween event
If you’re looking for the best family-friendly Halloween event in the Twin Cities, then add the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular to your list. Tickets are only available online. This special Halloween event near Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN is set for Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, 2023.
2019 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular Around the World theme
MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular pumpkin carving takes special talent
Pumpkin carving is not my specialty so am in awe of all the talent that we witnessed at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. Case-in-point: Finally accepting that our decades-long family tradition of carving pumpkins is stressful for me, I purchased these jack-o-lanterns (pictured) for our family (see link below). And thankfully (and surprisingly) no objections from my two guys. I’ll leave that to the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular experts and enjoy their creative pumpkin carvings.
Tips for a fun family-friendly event at the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
Tickets for the Minnesota Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are only sold online (and they do sell out). So make your reservation early for 2023. You will not be able to purchase tickets for this special event at the door. So order your tickets before you go and have it ready to scan when you arrive inside the Minnesota Zoo lobby. MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern tickets range from $18-$24 for adults and $14-$20 for children and seniors. Members receive $2 off general admission tickets. A change fee applies if you change to another available date.
Parking is included in your price for admission to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
See the Minnesota Zoo website for 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular dates, times, prices and additional details.
Special experience packages available at Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
In addition to the regular tickets to tour the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, you can reserve tickets for some extra special spectacular experiences.
- Carving & Cocktails (21+ event) unfortunately is sold out. Take note so you can book your tickets earlier next year.
- Costumes & Cocktails (another 21+ event) is also sold out for 2023.
- Personalized Pumpkins – Customize your own Jack-o-Lantern, place it on display and take it home at the end of the night. Make your request at least 10 business days prior to your visit.
2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular FAQs
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 2023 MN Zoo’s Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
Where is the 2023 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular located in the Twin Cities?
The 2023 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is located at the Minnesota Zoo. The address for the MN Zoo is 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.
When is the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular? What are the dates for the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular runs Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, 2023.
What are the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular hours?
Gates open 30 minutes before the first entrance time. The MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular closes 1.25 hours after the last entrance time.
Sept. 30-Oct. 17, 2013; Sunday through Thursday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 6:30 p.m. and gate closes at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 6:30 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
Oct. 18-Oct. 22, 2013 (MEA); Wednesday through Sunday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
Oct. 23-Oct. 29, 2013; Monday through Thursday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
Oct. 30-Nov. 4, 2013; Monday through Thursday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m.
A Night Access Time with reduced capacity and reduced music volume and fog is 5:30 to 7 p.m.
When should I arrive for the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
The Minnesota Zoo advises arriving for the 2023 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular event 30 minutes before your timed ticket. Gates open 30 minutes before your timed entry. Our entry time was 7 p.m. We arrived around 6:40 p.m. and left a little after 8 p.m. That included spending some time in the MN Zoo Discovery Bay area (where you can watch the sharks and the monk seal). Also me: Taking photos of every single one of the 5,000 carved pumpkins. Not really, but I took a lot.
Where can I purchase tickets for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
You can purchase your tickets for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular online via the MN Zoo website.
How much are tickets for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern tickets range from $18-$24 for adults and $14-$20 for children and seniors. Members receive $2 off general admission tickets. A change fee applies if you change to another available date. Tickets are not refundable unless the event is closed for inclement weather. Additional discounts are applied to late-night tickets: $4 off for 9 p.m. tickets; $6 off for 10 p.m. tickets.
Can you take photos at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
Yes, you can take photos and videos at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. But don’t use your flash. You’ll come away with better photos. And your fellow Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular spectators will appreciate it. That unexpected flash can be a little blinding. Additionally, tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.
Mobile phone photo tip: Wait for the low-light timer to count down to avoid blurry pics.
What should I wear to the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular? Is the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the MN Zoo indoors or outdoors?
Dress warm as the entire Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular trail at the MN Zoo is outdoors. Temps were in the 30s when we experienced the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular the first time. I’m not a cold-weather fan, but was comfortable in my Under Armour shirt and socks, winter coat, stocking hat, and gloves. And wear comfortable shoes.
We saw a lot of strollers with blankets. If it looks like rain (or snow), dress for that weather.
Are MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular tickets refundable in the event of inclement weather? Can I change my tickets?
The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. The only exceptions are heavy rain, high winds, or other severe inclement weather. Ticket holders will be reimbursed for inclement weather. Or you may reschedule if another day and time is available.
Otherwise, tickets are not refundable. However, you can change your tickets if there is other availability. A $10 change fee is applied to any date or time changes per ticket. You must call the MN Zoo Box Office at least 24 hours in advance.
How long does it take to see the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo? How long is the walk?
The Minnesota Zoo estimates it takes 40 to 50 minutes to walk through the entire Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. The fully accessible Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular trail itself is only ¼ of a mile, but expect to be on your feet for some time. Consider that you’ll be walking from the parking lot (which can be a bit of a hike). And then a 10-minute walk from the Minnesota Zoo entrance to the start of the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. Also, you may need to spend some time in line at the queue. The line moved steadily when we attended the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
What ages are appropriate for the Minnesota Zoo Spectacular? Is the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular scary?
The 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is fun for all ages. This family-friendly Halloween event is not scary.
And it’s not just for kids. The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is also fun for the adults. And they serve adult beverages if you need a little Bailey’s to warm you up.
Do they serve refreshments at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular? Is there a gift shop at the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
Yes. You can find other refreshments (including funnel cakes and beverages). Outside food or beverages are not permitted (with the exception of water and baby bottles). You can also find a couple of gift shops at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. This is where you can purchase light-up necklaces for children (or yourself) and other souvenirs.
Are strollers allowed at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
Yes. Yield to strollers and children. The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular pumpkin trail can get a little crowded at times so children in strollers may have a little harder time seeing some of the jack-o-lanterns. But don’t let that deter you. Stay to the right (or the far left) for the best views. And let the kids in front of you so they can view the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. They won’t block your view.
Is the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. The MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is wheelchair-accessible. Please note that the trail has some elevation changes and an incline. Golf cart transportation to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular Trail is first come, first-served during the Nightly Access Times (5 to 7 p.m.)
Can you rent strollers and wheelchairs at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
Yes. Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent at the Minnesota Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are public restrooms available at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
Yes. Restrooms at the Minnesota Zoo during this special event are available in the Discovery Bay exhibit. You’ll find them to the left after you enter the zoo from the parking lot. Additionally, you’ll find a other restroom areas along the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular trail.
What’s the theme for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
The 2023 theme for the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is Seasons of the Year. The path takes you through the year with lots of Minnesota-themed pumpkins. You’ll see Minnesota’s state bird (the mosquito), JJ doing the Griddy, curling, hot dishes, Boundary Waters, and more.
Are the animal exhibits open during the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
Animal viewing at night during the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is available in Discovery Bay until 8 p.m. Other animal exhibits are only open until 4 p.m.
Is the Treetop Trail open during the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?
No. The new Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail is only open until 3:30 p.m. Only exceptions are the two 21+ special events, which are sold out for 2023.
Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular photo gallery and fun facts
I hope the following photo gallery inspires you to visit the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular event yourself in 2023. In the meantime, please enjoy a few of the more than 5,000 carved pumpkins from Passion for Pumpkins artists. This section also features a few fun facts about pumpkins and the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular fun fact: 5,000 jack-o-lanterns
More than 5,000 jack-o-lanterns are lit up by LED lights at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
All 5,000 of the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular pumpkins are designed by an organization called Passion for Pumpkins from Oxford, Mass. They produce shows around the U.S. Half of the pumpkin carvers are located in Minnesota.
MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern fun fact: Zoo animals enjoy leftover pumpkins
Carvers go through ~20,000 pumpkins during the 33-night run. Pumpkins carved at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are composted. Any leftover pumpkins are given to zoo animals for enrichment.
Proceed benefits
Proceeds from the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular support the Zoo’s animal care, environmental education, and local and global conservation efforts.
Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular fun fact: Pumpkins can weigh up to 2,000 lbs.
The big pumpkins carved for the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are called Big Macs and Prize Winners. They weigh 100 to 250 pounds. The really ginormous Atlantic Giant pumpkins weigh up to 2,000 lbs.
Pin it for later – Best Family-friendly Halloween in the Twin Cities
The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is the best family-friendly Halloween event in the Twin Cities. If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing on your own social media platforms.
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What a fun event! I don’t know how people carve such realistic images on a pumpkin. I have no talent for carving, so I love your name pumpkin idea!
It was super fun! I’m in awe of their crazy talent!
This looks like so much fun! I am amazed at the artistry in these pumpkin carvings! 5,000 of them!!! Wow!! Great virtual tour!
Thanks…I’m in awe of so much skill that goes into carving all these pumpkins!
What wonderful works of art! Thanks for the great tips. I hope to see this someday!
I hope so too…it was a very cool experience!
This is a really cool event! Even if it was 30 degrees! Dressing warm and enjoying all these amazing displays looks worth it!
We didn’t even notice the cold temps that much as it was so amazing no mater where you looked!
That is amazing. I can barely carve a face on my pumpkin. I love it when the animals get the leftover pumpkins for a treat. how fun too that you get to explore the zoo,
Super fuN! I am blown away at some of those jacko lanterns!!! amazing talent!
It is incredible how talented people are. That event would be wonderful to attend.
I’m amazed at all their talent!
I love seeing the creativity of pumpkin carvings! Looks like a great festival.
It was a super cool experience!
I love all the cravings. We went to a zoo spectacular once and it was amazing. I’m sure this one is too.
So in awe of all the creativity.
It took a lot of time and creativity to carve those lanterns. Thanks!
They are crazy talented!
This is so neat! Our zoo did something like this a couple years ago. It’s crazy what someone can do with a pumpkin!
So amazed with their talent. I definitely excel in other areas. Ha!
Whoa, these carvings are a work of art, amazing! My fave is also the Doxie, reminds me of my little dachshund. I need to check this place out!
Same! Doxies are the best!
Each year that I went to carve pumpkin with our kids I thought…This time it won’t look like a 4 year old did mine. Each year #fail! 🤣
Same! Last year I finally accepted it was too much stress and much more sustainable (and more creative) pumpkins with our names carved into them that we can share every year.
WOW! What talent. Those are amazing jack-o-lanterns. That would be so much fun to go to, my girls would love it.
I think they would love it also!
This sounds like such a fun October outing! If I’m in the cities with my kids near this time of year, I will check it out!
You’ll all love it!
This is such a great festival idea. Can’t believe the talent of some of these people. Like you I’m not a talented pumpkin carver, mine always look awful. So much respect for these.
So impressive…I’m loving my pre-lit and painted pumpkins these days and will admire others from afar.
What a fun event! It’s a shame that covid ruins another thing though.
These people have such great talent. I’d never be able to do that! I haven’t thought of a carving a pumpkin for this year yet. Maybe I’ve just been inspired to 🙂 🙂
Hoping they’ll be able to bring this event back next year. So much talent!
Our daughters would love this. We need to take them to the US for Halloween one year. I especially like the Luke Perry Jack O Lantern. I adored him in 90210 and was sad when he passed away.
The Luke Perry one made me so sad, but happy they honored him in their own special way. I’d be curious to learn how Halloween is celebrated in Australia. So funny that sometimes you forget old traditions aren’t celebrated the same way around the world.
What a gorgeous event and more artsy than spooky! I really enjoyed taking this virtual tour; I don’t think we celebrate pumpkins in the same way in Italy!
Definitely a lot of artsy talent going on there with the pumpkins.
These carved pumpkins are so cool. I would love to walk on the night trail at the Minnesota Zoo during their Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. How fun!
So much fun! Highly recommend the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
I love pumpkin festivals, Karen, and this one is just completely over the top out-of-this world crazy cool. Those day-of-the-dad and Mayan/Inka/Aztec (?) themed pumpkins are proper works of art. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you and my pleasure! I especially loved those themed pumpkin carvings at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular in the Twin Cities.
It’s absolutely incredible how talented these carvers are! I would think they were carved on actual pumpkins as the details are so intricate. Love to see all of these one year!
So much talent to create these masterful jack-o-lanterns at the MN Zoo. Hope you get the opportunity one day.
I’m so glad this event is carrying on this year! It really seems like fun for the whole family. Absolutely love the creativity and artistry involved in the carving! PS – you didn’t have to tell us that you didn’t carve your family’s pumpkins! 😂😂
😂🎃 Fortunately, I can enjoy the pumpkin-carving mastery at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
What a cool event! I’d love to see all of these pumpkin sculptures, they’re so creative! Great tips on visiting too.
Thanks! The Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo is pretty spectacular! One of the best things to do in the Twin Cities during the Halloween season.
Wow 20,000 pumpkins, that’s a lot! Glad to know they are composted.
The Jack-o-Lantern spectacular would be fun for us to visit. We don’t have anything like that in Perth.
The Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is so cool – one of the best things to do for Halloween in the Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area.
Oh my gosh, it looks like they actually do a really great job with fall/autumn/Halloween decorations! So many places advertise Halloween events, but when you go it feels a little lack luster. It seems like this place wouldn’t disappoint!
The Minnesota Zoo definitely knows how to put on a Halloween show! Love the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular – one of the best things to do in the Twin Cities for families.
this is definitely putting me in a halloween mood – loving that touch of Harry Potter over there!
I loved the Harry Potter themed section also! So much creativity at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
My Hubby would be ALL OVER THIS! He loves anything Halloween! Very cool experience and the artistry is incredible!
If you husband loves Halloween, then we would love the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. And love that it’s at the Minnesota Zoo – great thing to do for families.
Still as spectacular as they were first time around. Amazing talent.
Thanks! So much spectacular talent with these jack-o-lanterns.
I’m usually not big on Halloween, but these look really cool–like art!
It was like waking through an art gallery. So much creative talent at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
Wow! I can’t believe what these people can do with a pumpkin!! I wish our zoo did something like the Minnesota Zoo!
Wow was my reaction also! So much crazy talent. The Minnesota Zoo knows how to put on a good Halloween show.
October fall activities are so much fun! The creativity is endless.
October is a great time to enjoy all the fun family-friendly events in Minnesota. Especially love the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular – the best pumpkin festival in the Twin Cities.
Halloween makes me think scary, but it’s great to have all these family friendly halloween events too. The Minnesota Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular reminds me of the Zoo Boo we used to attend in Detroit.
It is so nice to have some family friendly options at Halloween in the Twin Cities. Loved the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
I live seeing the artistry on these pumpkins especially the Mexican Catrinas and animals. I had a co-worker who had this type of carving talent. And as a former animal trainer, pumpkins were always fun enrichment to give to the animals!
I am so in awe of those with these creative pumpkin carving skills. And the ones at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are amazing. t’s the perfect family-friendly Halloween event in the Twin Cities.
Wow! These are all so amazing!
Thank you so much. So many amazing pumpkin carvings at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
This look fun…and those pumpkin carvings are so amazing!
Thanks! The MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular was pretty spectacular. One of the best things to do at Halloween in the Twin Cities.
This is so fun! And I love the pumpkins that you purchased. No need to feel stress, right? Great post with beautiful photos!
Thanks so much! I love my purchased pumpkins also. So wish I had the talent like the carvers at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.
Wow, that takes some talent! I can’t imagine 5,000 pumpkins in one place and I love how the zoo feeds them to the animals after.
I know! It’s so incredible how talented these pumpkin carvers are. Love the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.