Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Takes a Punny Turn at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Providence has seen plenty of pumpkins, but 5,000 of them trying out their best dad jokes is a different kind of fall tradition. This October, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns with The Great Pun-kin Trail, a new theme built around wordplay in all its gloriously groan-worthy forms. Pop culture references, playful characters, and deliberately cheesy punchlines will join the glowing jack-o’-lanterns that have become part of the city’s fall routine.

The Spectacular runs October 1 through November 1, winding through the zoo after dark. This year, part of the fun will be figuring out the joke before the trail gives away the punchline. Expect plenty of reasons to stop, look twice, and decide whether a particularly bad pun deserves a laugh or an eye roll.

Several nights offer a different way to take in the trail. Family Fun Nights on October 6 and 7 add costumed character meet-and-greets before the walk. On October 20 and 21, Sensory-Friendly Nights run from 5-6pm with the pumpkins illuminated but music and special effects turned off, creating a quieter experience for guests with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences.

The final night shifts the mood again. On Sunday, November 1, the zoo hosts an adults-only 21-plus evening, giving grown-ups a chance to take one last lap through the pumpkins at a more relaxed pace.

Teachers can receive $5 off one admission ticket on October 5 with proof of eligibility, while active-duty and retired military members receive the same discount on October 6 with valid military ID. Timed tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visit RWPZoo.org to choose an entry time, explore special-night details, check weather updates, and plan your visit.

Note: Photos shown are from previous years and are not representative of the 2026 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.