Tickets on Sale for Louisville’s Favorite Halloween Event 

Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, presented by Thorntons, is celebrating its 11^th year from October 3-31 at Iroquois Park.  This year’s theme is “Wanderlust: The World is Your Pumpkin,” and will feature skits and scenes from travel destinations from across the country and around the world. Guests can weave their way through the woods and visit national parks, ancient wonders of the world, and other “bucket list” destinations. Attendees should be prepared to enjoy re-creations of Route 66, the Grand Canyon, ancient pyramids, and Merry Olde England.

Event Details Jack O’Lantern Spectacular presented by Thorntons:

• The event runs from Tuesday, October 3 through Tuesday, October 31
• The event will be open from Dusk-1000pm, Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday
• The event is held rain or shine unless dangerous weather conditions arise.
• To reduce crowds and traffic, there will be timed ticketing for every night of the show.
• Sunday-Thursday pricing: Adults - $15, Seniors (65+) - $13, Children (3-12) - $12
• Friday-Saturday pricing: Adults - $20, Seniors (65+) - $17, Children (3-12) - $15
• The Sunday - Thursday 9:30 time slot will be offered at $2 off the regular price
• Children 2 and under are free
• The Pre-Lit Bash – Presented by Heaven Hill is on opening night, Tuesday, October 3. Guests can enjoy spirits (the alcoholic kind), and food before being escorted to the head of the trail.
• Tickets for groups of 20 or more can be purchased in advance for Jack O’Lantern Spectacular by emailing contact@jackolanternlouisville.org.
• Thanks to one of the sponsors, Republic Bank, clients and employees can get $2 off tickets for Jack O’Lantern Spectacular on Wednesday, October 18. For online ticket purchases, contact your Republic Bank for a discount code or purchase at the gate with a Republic Bank credit/debit card or employee ID.
• Sensory Night – Presented by PNC Bank will be held on Monday, October 25 with gates opening early at 6 p.m. During this special sensory-friendly hour, pumpkins will light up the woods but there will be low music and no special effects. Designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory processing differences, and their families.
• The entrance is at 1080 Amphitheater Road, at the intersection of New Cut and Kenwood.
• Thanks so much to the additional sponsors, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, LG&E and KU, Porta Kleen, La Quinta by Wyndham, VIA Studio, and UFCW 227.

Welcome to the LMPD Third Division, Major Donald Boeckman

Major Donald Boeckman has recently been promoted and has taken command of the Third Division of LMPD.  

"I have been with the agency since 2007 and have lived in the 3^rd Division most of my life. I have raised my kids in this community and I love the 3^rd Division. I am excited to be here and look forward to working with all of you to make the 3^rd Division the best it can be."

                                       -Major Boeckman

Tickets for “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer”

The Louisville Zoo’s ever-popular annual Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer is celebrating 42 years of merry not scary fun! Tickets are on sale to the public at louisvillezoo.org/boo. This beloved event will begin Sept. 30 and run through Oct. 29 (Thursday – Sunday nights).

Tickets are all-inclusive and include Boo at the Zoo admission, parking, Spooktacular Carousel, “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow attraction.

Guests can dress up in their wildest costumes for the after-hours event that turns the Zoo into a living storybook, complete with favorite characters brought to life. There will be music, photo opportunities around every corner and, of course, a safe place to trick-or-treat for kids 11 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bags, but reusable treat bags will be available for purchase at the Zoo’s Gift Shop for $2 (while supplies last).

Tickets

Tickets for Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer are $13.50 for non-members (both adults and children 3 and older) and $7 for members (both adults and children 3 and older). Children 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket.

Members and guests can purchase tickets online at louisvillezoo.org/boo, with their chosen date and arrival time. Ticket capacity is limited each night with popular nights expected to sell out quickly.

A limited number of Meijer “anytime tickets” can be purchased at participating Meijer stores for $11.50 beginning September 24. Visit louisvillezoo.org/Meijer for a list of stores.

Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer is a rain or shine event.

Event Hours/Special Dates

On Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer event days:

The Zoo will close early for regular daytime visitors. Gates will close at 3 p.m. with guests being allowed to visit until 4 p.m.

The party starts at 5 p.m. and Halloween guests will enter the Zoo at their ticketed time. At 10 p.m., the trick-or-treat route will close, and all guests must exit the Zoo.

Thursday, Oct. 19 is Allergy-Friendly Night and will feature peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, pencils and more. Children with allergies can receive a teal token redeemable for an allergy-friendly option at our Switch Witch booth.

PNC Grow up Great Learning Adventure tent will be at the Zoo’s entrance Oct. 27 – 29.

Costumes

The Zoo encourages all visitors to wear family-friendly costumes. Adults may join in the fun, however full costume masks that cover the entire face are not permitted for adults.

To learn more about the event and Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer activities, visit louisvillezoo.org/boo.

Animals

While guests may catch a glimpse of a few party animals, most animal ambassadors will not be on exhibit in the evenings so they can rest and follow their regular fall schedules.

Southwest Community Festival Seeking Volunteers

The Southwest Community Festival, which is always held the second Saturday in October at Sun Valley Park, is seeking volunteers to help with planning and events on the day of the festival.  If you are interested in giving back to your community, please contact Bill Cogburn, Volunteer Coordinator, at 502-907-7121.