LOUISVILLE, Ky. A warm fall breeze carried the scent of autumn leaves and candle wax through Iroquois Park on October 29, 2025, as families wandered the glowing trail of the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular, one of Louisville’s most beloved seasonal traditions. The event featured over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins, carved by local artists and volunteers, creating a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience.
Hosted annually by the Louisville Parks Foundation in partnership with IFO Productions, the event has become a fall staple for families across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The exhibit runs nightly through early November, blending creativity, community spirit, and support for city parks.
“You can’t really describe it until you see it,” said Event Director Lisa Bentley. “It’s like walking through a living art gallery made of pumpkins — every single one tells a story.”
This year’s theme, “Legends and Lore,” paid tribute to stories and heroes from folklore and history. Visitors walked beneath archways of glowing orange and gold while ambient music echoed through the woods. Each section of the trail celebrated a different part of the theme, featuring carvings of mythological figures, classic movie scenes, and even tributes to Kentucky icons.
“The craftsmanship is incredible,” said visitor Trevor Ford, who attended with his family for the third year in a row. “It’s something my kids look forward to all year — it just feels magical.”
The event, which began in 2013, serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Louisville’s public parks. Proceeds go directly toward park improvement projects, playground restorations, and youth recreation programs.
“It’s art that gives back,” said volunteer Ricardo Miller, who helped carve pumpkins during setup week. “Knowing my work helps make the parks better for kids and families makes every hour of carving worth it.”
Lines formed early in the evening as hundreds of visitors made their way through the forested trail. The dim lighting, soft music, and flickering pumpkins created an atmosphere both eerie and beautiful a perfect family outing before Halloween.
“I tell everyone — if you live in Louisville and haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out,” said Pastor Harry Curry, a local visitor. “It’s peaceful, creative, and it brings people together without saying a word.”
With live entertainment, food trucks, and photo areas near the park entrance, the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular continues to grow as one of Louisville’s defining fall experiences illuminating not only pumpkins, but also the sense of community that makes the city shine each October.
