Pittsburgh, Pa. — It’s gourd to be back! More than 3,000 artistically carved pumpkins will blaze through the Zoo for the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza, the region’s favorite family-friendly nighttime event.
This year’s festival features:
- 1,000 new pumpkins
- Expanded lighting effects
- Silly skeleton displays inspired by famous movies
- New themed galleries, including famous witches and wizards, Pittsburgh sports M.V.P.s, 90s TV shows, Motown, and animal carvings, including the Zoo’s new lion Hondo and Conservation Center’s bull elephant Jackson
- The Living Wall finale — a 650-foot multimedia pumpkin display synchronized to lights and sound
Guests will exit via the same path to catch anything they may have missed, ensuring a full experience. This year, ticket prices and associated activities have been lowered, including special discounts for Zoo Members and college students.
In addition to pumpkin displays, visitors can enjoy:
- Seasonal food and drinks
- Gently spooky autumn decorations
- Family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting and smashing, Night Train rides, and live pumpkin carving demonstrations
Dates: October 2 – November 2, 2025
Closed: October 6, 7, 14, 20, and 21
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (last entry at 9:30 p.m.)
Location: First Half of the Zoo – Village, Forest Passage, African Savanna, Jambo Plaza, The Islands, and Jungle Odyssey
Presented by: Beverlynn and Steven Elliott
Ticket Prices
- Adult: $20–26
- Child (ages 2–13): $15–20
- Flex Ticket: $28 flat rate per guest
- Groups (15+): $22 flat rate per guest
- Under 24 months: Free
Prices vary by day. Discounts available. See pittsburghzoo.org/event/jack-olantern-extravaganza for details.
Highlights of the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza
The Village
Kick off the evening with snacks, glow gear, photo opportunities, and activities like pumpkin painting and the Night Train. Roaming characters appear on Friday nights through October 24.
Magic Moment Savanna Path
Experience interactive skeletons, new pathway lighting, and the chance to guess the weight of real record-size giant pumpkins.
Live Pumpkin Carving
Watch local artists hand-carve pumpkins in real-time near Jambo Plaza.
Seasonal Food & Drink
Enjoy pumpkin spice treats, meals, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the park.
Jack O’Lantern Trail
Thousands of pumpkins illuminate the Islands and Jungle Odyssey with new theming and ambient sounds, from Pittsburgh to exotic lands, dinosaurs, movies, magic, and more.
The Living Wall
Marvel at the grand finale: a 650-foot multimedia wall of pumpkins flashing in a synchronized light and sound show.
Activities and Add-Ons
- Scavenger Hunt – Included with admission; use Goosechase app to find specialty displays and photo opportunities.
- Night Train – $4 per rider, 10-minute round-trip.
- Seasonal Carousel – $4 per ride.
- Pumpkin Painting – $5 per pumpkin.
- Pumpkin Smash – $7 per pumpkin (ages 12+), using pumpkins not suitable for display; remains are composted.
- Spooky Sights Pack – $6, includes diffraction glasses and one ride on the Train or Carousel.
- Pumpkin Play Pack – $10, includes one ride, diffraction glasses, and pumpkin painting activity.
About the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium connects people to wildlife, inspiring conservation for future generations. Home to over 8,000 animals representing 600+ species, the Zoo is recognized globally for research and conservation projects.
The Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, earning a 4-star Charity Navigator rating, American Humane Conservation-certified, and accredited by multiple zoo and aquarium associations.
For more information, visit pittsburghzoo.org.
