LOUISVILLE, Ky. Kentucky Kingdom will open its 2026 Pumpkins festival on Thursday, Oct. 1, with Louisville’s original Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular operating inside the theme park for the first time. The official event guide says the run continues Wednesdays through Sundays through Nov. 1.
The practical change is that one admission now covers both the park’s fall festival and the carved-pumpkin trail. Kentucky Kingdom says the quarter-mile trail will feature more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins under the theme “Planet Pumpkin: A Glo-bal Adventure,” while more than 1,000 additional illuminated pumpkins, larger displays, trick-or-treat stations, a hay maze and live entertainment will be spread through the park. More than 30 rides are scheduled to operate from daytime into the evening.
For returning visitors, the operator says only the location and annual theme have changed. Passion for Pumpkins, the producer behind the Louisville event for 13 years, remains in charge, and the same local artists will create the displays. The theme-park setting adds rides and daytime activities to what had been a walk-through evening attraction.
Visitors should plan around different hours by day. The park’s operating calendar lists 5–9 p.m. sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5–10 p.m. Fridays, 2–10 p.m. Saturdays and 4–9 p.m. Sundays. The Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular trail opens at 6 p.m., so Saturday is the only operating day with a substantial afternoon window before the trail begins. The park does not use timed admission for the trail.
On price, the park’s daily-ticket page advertises festival tickets from $19.99. Parking is separate: the event guide lists $15 at the Kentucky Exposition Center gate with same-day re-entry, or $13 when bought in advance for a single entry. All 2026 season passes and the 2027 Diamond Pass include festival admission and parking; 2027 Gold passholders can buy one discounted event ticket per operating night.
Families should also review the event rules. Guests 15 or younger must enter with an adult at least 21, one adult may supervise no more than six minors, and the chaperone must remain in the park. Masks are limited to children under 12, and costume weapons or replicas are barred. The event is scheduled for rain or shine, though rides can close in bad weather.
Plan before you go: Check the TAQ Kentucky parks dashboard for park details, and use the Kentucky theme-park desk for continuing coverage.
