🎃 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular 2025

Springfield’s Favorite Fall Tradition at Washington Park Carillon

Join us for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where hundreds of glowing pumpkins light up the night in Springfield’s beautiful Washington Park. This beloved fall event blends artistry, community spirit, and a little Halloween magic for a weekend you won’t want to miss

📅 Event Details

🎃 When: Friday, October 17 – Saturday, October 18, 2025

📍 Where: Washington Park, Springfield, IL – at the iconic Rees Memorial Carillon

💲 Tickets

• At the Gate: Adults: $10 Kids (ages 4–11): $7 Kids 3 & under: Free (Credit cards accepted at the gate!)
• Advance Tickets: Adults: $7 Kids (ages 4–11): $5 Kids 3 & under: Free (Advance sales are cash or check only) 🎟️ Stay tuned for details on where to buy in advance! Advance sales are cash or check only

🚌 Parking & Shuttle

Skip the parking stress! Take advantage of free remote parking and shuttle buses at Ashley HomeStore Outlet (Wabash & Chatham Rd) both Friday and Saturday nights.

What To Expect

• Hundreds of Hand-Carved Pumpkins: From spooky faces to creative works of art, each glowing pumpkin has its own personality.
• Magical Carillon Backdrop: Experience the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon tower surrounded by the warm glow of fall.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Perfect for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

👻 New for 2025: Scarecrow Row

This year, the trail just got more exciting! Take a stroll down Scarecrow Row, where local businesses, schools, and community groups have created quirky, creepy, and colorful scarecrows to keep you company along the path.

Local businesses, organizations, schools, and community groups are invited to design and display a scarecrow along the event pathway. Each scarecrow will showcase creativity, community spirit, and seasonal flair, adding even more festive fun to the experience.

💰 Prizes: $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd, and $25 for 3rd

How It Works

• Enter the Contest: Groups and individuals can register to create a scarecrow.
• Set Up: Scarecrows will be displayed along the event route throughout the duration of the Spectacular.
• Judging & Prizes: Visitors will scan a QR code to vote for their favorites throughout Friday & Saturday.

👉 Are you a business or local group ready to take on the challenge?

🎃 Pumpkin Give-Away – Sunday, October 19th

The magic doesn’t end when the lights go out! On the Sunday after the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, you’re invited back to Washington Park for our Pumpkin Give-Away.

How It Works

• For a small donation, you can gather pumpkins from the event to take home.
• Pick your perfect pumpkin—or maybe even snag your favorite from the show!
• Straw bales will also be available for just $5 each (perfect for fall decorating).

It’s a fun way to keep the spirit of the season alive at home, while supporting the Rees Memorial Carillon!

History & Sponsorship

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has become one of Springfield’s favorite fall traditions, but do you know how it started?

Our Story

The event was founded by former Rees Carillon Society Board Member Brenda Poston, inspired by the world-famous Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island. Unlike Providence’s artist-only display, Springfield’s twist is all about community participation. Held the second weekend in October, Carve for the Carillon invites everyone to roll up their sleeves and create their own glowing masterpiece.

The following weekend, more than 2,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns light up the Carillon and Washington Park Botanical Garden.

What Makes Springfield’s Event Unique

• Live Carillon music, special lighting, and spooky sound effects
• The one-of-a-kind Tree of Lights
• Food vendors and festive fall fun for all ages
• A truly participatory and family-focused experience

🤝 Sponsorship & Support

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors, admissions, and volunteers. Attendance ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 people each year, making it a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business while supporting a beloved community event.

📧 Interested in becoming an event sponsor or joining our volunteer prep team?

Contact us at [email protected] for details.