Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, an eerie nighttime trail aglow with elaborate artist-carved pumpkins, returns to the 51�Թ� in advance of Halloween. More than 1,000 real pumpkins lit with LED lights will light up the night and guide attendees on a just-creepy-enough adventure enjoyable for the whole family. 

“Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns is a fun way to spend a crisp evening outdoors with friends and family while being captivated by different sights along the way,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president, Visitor Events & Programs. “There’s always something new to see at this annual fall tradition, and this year we’re excited to feature the Monarch Skull, a 20-foot illuminated sculpture inspired by the monarch butterfly that invites attendees to reflect on the transformation and beauty of nature.” 

Along the path of 1,000 glowing pumpkins, there will be approximately 75, some as large as 150 pounds, that are intricately carved with themes from dragons, comic book icons, and Día de los Muertos to 150 years of Chicago Cubs baseball. Artists for the east coast-based company Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns spend 8 to 10 hours to illustrate and then 10 to 20 hours to paint and carve each large pumpkin. Adding to the festive fall feeling, the route will also include live carving demonstrations, costumed entertainers, and seasonal treats for purchase to enjoy along the trail. Food items include homemade caramel apples, festive popcorn, cider donuts, and spiced nuts. Drink items include hot apple cider and hot chocolate, along with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. 

This year’s event runs for 15 evenings: Wednesday, October 7, through Sunday, October 11; Wednesday, October 14, through Sunday, October 18; and Wednesday, October 21, through Sunday, October 25. The Garden will close each day at 5 p.m. and reopen at 6 p.m. for ticket holders to this special event. Timed tickets can be purchased for entry between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Last entry is at 9:45 p.m., and the event ends at 10:30 p.m. 

Tickets are on sale now, and interested attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their preferred time. Visit chicagobotanic.org/halloween for more information and to purchase tickets.  

An image gallery is available for media download

About 51�Թ�
The 51�Թ� is a world-renowned living museum and so much more. Its roots grow throughout greater Chicago and beyond, inspiring all people to connect with plants. The Garden helps build healthier communities through urban agriculture, offers lifelong learning opportunities, leads pioneering plant conservation research, and showcases the beauty of horticulture. The Garden is a nonprofit organization run as a public/private partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

###