09/02/2026
Jack’s Lantern Trail Launches 2026 Season in Iroquois Park from
October 1–November 1 with New Name, New Theme, and New Experiences
LOUISVILLE, KY - September 1, 2026 - The Parks Alliance of Louisville today announced Jack’s Lantern Trail, presented by Humana and CenterWell, lighting up Iroquois Park nightly October 1 through November 1. Tickets are on sale now for Louisville’s favorite pumpkin event at Iroquois Park, where thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns and larger-than-life displays transform the park into a magical fall adventure. Every visit helps raise critical funds for Louisville’s public parks.
This year’s theme, “Woods of Wonder,” invites guests to wander through an enchanted forest where new surprises await around every bend. Discover a whimsical woodland village, prehistoric dinosaurs, captivating creatures, musical skeletons, and thousands of intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure designed to delight, amaze, and bring out the kid in everyone. And while the experience is all about fun, there’s a bigger purpose behind the glow.
Jack’s Lantern Trail is a fundraising event produced by the Parks Alliance of Louisville, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s work to drive equitable investment in Louisville’s public parks. Every ticket helps the Parks Alliance invest in public parks and greenspaces across the city, creating stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
“Jack’s Lantern Trail gives us an opportunity to bring people together in one of Louisville’s most historic parks for an experience that celebrates creativity and community,” said Chris Chandler, President and CEO of the Parks Alliance of Louisville. “What makes this event truly special is that it also gives our community a way to support our public parks. When you visit Jack’s Lantern Trail, you are helping us create a stronger, more equitable park system for everyone.”
Kentucky Grown. Kentucky Proud.
The magic of Jack’s Lantern Trail is right here in Kentucky.
This experience features the work of local artists, whose creativity and hand-carving bring the trail’s pumpkins to life. Jack’s Lantern Trail is also an official Kentucky Proud event, with the stars of the show, the “prizewinner” pumpkins, grown right here in Kentucky.
Together, these artists and farmers help make Jack’s Lantern Trail a uniquely Kentucky celebration of creativity, agriculture, and community.
New in 2026: Get to the Glow
New for 2026, Jack’s Lantern Trail is introducing “Get to the Glow”, a Fast Pass ticket option designed for guests who want to spend less time waiting and more time soaking up the magic.
These limited quantity tickets will only be available only on Friday and Saturday nights. Guests can arrive anytime before 10:00 p.m., pick up their Get to the Glow lanyard, and go straight to the trail entrance.
The new option gives visitors another way to customize their Jack’s Lantern Trail experience and get straight to the glow.
“We’re proud to support Jack’s Lantern Trail and the Parks Alliance of Louisville’s commitment to creating vibrant public spaces that bring people together,” said Richard Lindsay-Jones, Chief Financial Officer at CenterWell. “For years, Louisville families have had the opportunity to experience this beloved fall tradition, and we’re excited to help introduce this refreshed event to the community. At Humana and CenterWell, we believe health extends beyond the doctor’s office. It’s shaped by the places we gather, the experiences we share, and the connections we build with one another. Supporting Jack’s Lantern Trail is one more way we’re investing in a healthier, stronger Louisville for everyone.”
This year welcomes a new production company, Jack O’ Lantern Journey, who will help create the awe-inspiring sights and sounds on the trail. More than 25 local artists will be carving pumpkins throughout the season.
Event Details | Jack’s Lantern Trail
• Dates: October 1–November 1, 2026
• Location: Iroquois Park
• Theme: “Woods of Wonder”
• New in 2026: Get to the Glow Fast Pass
• Tickets: General admission and Get to the Glow Fast Pass tickets are available at www.jackolanternlouisville.org, with prices varying by date and ticket type.
• Experience: Thousands of intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns, immersive displays, and surprises throughout the trail
Jack’s Lantern Trail is made possible through the support of its sponsors and community partners, including Humana and CenterWell, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, E-Z Construction, LG&E and KU Foundation, Republic Bank, Construction Machinery Company, UFCW 227, PNC Bank, PACE Contracting, Churchill Downs Incorporated, Heaven Hill Brands, Brown-Forman, Quest Outdoors, Bisig Impact Group, La Quinta by Wyndham, and Hampton by Hilton.
Tickets are on sale now at jackolanternlouisville.org. Show your support, and come to the event in your Jack’s Lantern gear, by visiting our online store now.