September 21 rolls around, and suddenly Summer is behind you, and Autumn “falls” into place. Pumpkin spice this, pumpkin spice that: it’s everywhere. It’s the official kickoff for Spooky Season, and Fall Festivals abound. If you like Autumn, including all of the warm hues of falling leaves, pumpkins, bales of hay, and corn stalks, then Louisville has you covered.
Oct 1 – Nov 1, 2026
Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
Over 6,000 bright orange pumpkins will appear all over the park, inviting you to play all day on world-class rides and explore fall-themed fun like games, street performances, and colorful characters.
This event has traditionally been held at Iroquois Park. After 13 years, the event is moving to Kentucky Kingdom with the promise of a bigger, more spectacular event. During the day, there will be plenty to do, including all of the amusement park rides that Kentucky Kingdom is known for, live street performances, and fall-themed games. When the sun sets and darkness takes over, the light show takes over and takes you to a mystical land of larger-than-life pumpkin structures and amazing lights.
Oct 1 – Oct 30, 2026
Boo at the Zoo
Enjoy trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under, rides, and special attractions for all. A Louisville tradition for over 40 years, this party experience is designed to give you all the merry you love with none of the scary.
The Louisville Zoo loves to dress up for the seasons, and Fall and Halloween are no different. This 40-year tradition allows kids to come in for safe trick-or-treating and enjoy special attractions.
You can take a ride on the Spooktacular Carousel, decorated for the season with festive lighting. You can also experience Sleepy Hollow and the story of Ichabod Crane in this walk-through attraction. Or for the non-faint-of-heart, walk through the spider house and see real free-crawling spiders in this special guided tour.
Oct 1 – Nov 1, 2026
Jack’s Lantern Trail
Discover Kentucky-grown pumpkins and creations from 30+ local artists along the trail, with every ticket supporting Louisville’s public parks.
The Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular has been held at Iroquois Park for the past 13 years. This year, the organizers of the event moved to Kentucky Kingdom to expand the event. Many fans loved the experience at Iroquois Park, and it has been a big fundraiser for the Parks Alliance of Louisville, so the event was reimagined as Jack’s Lantern Trail, continuing the tradition at Iroquois Park giving people two different events to experience.
Other Fall Festival events
October 10, 2026
HalLOUween
Experience the magic of HalLOUween in the heart of the award-winning NuLu Arts District. The festival brings together the city’s finest artists, performers, and spooky enthusiasts for a day and night of unforgettable celebration.
October 10, 2026
Field N’ Folk Heritage Music Series
Join us for the Field N’ Folk Heritage Music Series at Foxhollow Farm in Crestwood, Kentucky. Close out the final concert of the season with Joslyn and the Sweet Compression and Queen City Silver Stars.
Now – November 14, 2026
Bardstown Ghost Trek
Step into the shadows of the Bourbon Capital of the World. Join us for an evening walking tour of historic downtown Bardstown, where we’ll unearth centuries of history and the restless spirits that never left.