Legendary Jack O'Lantern Spectacular Returns With Brand New Theme

Now that summer has unofficially ended, we can all start focusing on a favorite New England season: fall.

With the return of fall comes another amazing year of the Jack-o'-lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo.

On a recent visit to the zoo, I noticed that the wetland trail was already starting to transform into this beloved annual event. Pumpkin display stands were being set up around the walkway and at the entrance, many of the tall trees had pre-carved plastic pumpkins in them.

The zoo is clearly ready for the event's return and has even announced this year's theme.

Get our free mobile app

What is the 2022 Jack O' Lantern Spectacular Theme?

This season the zoo has chosen television as the theme. That means many of the pumpkins will be carved to represent favorite TV shows and characters from the last 75 years of television. The zoo adds that many of the shows’ musical theme songs will play as you walk past their 5,000 carved pumpkins.

Personally I was a little surprised that the zoo wasn't highlighting their own 150th birthday for this year's theme. Though the TV show idea sounds great, having a history of the zoo, technology, transportation and more from 1872 through 2022 would have been a pretty cool concept, too.

However, I'm sure I will not be disappointed by the thousands of illuminated pumpkins walking me down memory lane one show at a time when the new season of the Spectacular kicks off on Sept. 29.

2022 Jack O' Lantern Spectacular Family Fun Nights

As the JOLS season takes over the zoo from Sept. 29 to Oct. 31, there will be a few family-fun-night events. The special nights don't change the ticket price, but add a little extra fun.

Princess Nights - Tuesday, Oct. 11 and 18, 6 to 8 p.m.

Fairy tale princes and princesses will walk around the zoo and take photos with kids. Costumes are encouraged,.

Superhero Nights - Wednesday, Oct. 12 and 19, 6 to 8 p.m.

Kids' favorite superhero characters will walk around the zoo and take photos. Costumes are encouraged.

Will there be sensory-friendly nights at the 2022 Jack-o'-lantern Spectacular?

Yes, the zoo is hosting several sensory-friendly nights designed for those with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, and Wednesday, Oct. 26, for an hour before the trail opens to the public, the pumpkins will be lit along the wetland trail, but the music and special effects will be turned off to provide maximum enjoyment for everyone.

Tickets for all nights are on sale now at the zoo's website and signs of this season's pumpkins are arriving around the zoo.

If you need something to do before your night of pumpkin fun begins, keep scrolling to see other activities to fill your afternoon at Roger Williams Park.

20 Things To See at Roger Williams Park (Other Than the Zoo)

There are over 427 acres of beautiful landscaping, historical buildings and family friendly spaces at Roger Williams Park in Providence. Gifted to the city in 1872 by the last descendant of Roger Williams, Betsey Williams, the park has become primarily known for its amazing zoo. But throughout this historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, there are plenty of other stunning things to see.