We’ve all been there: hauling a lopsided pumpkin from the grocery store parking lot, gamely sawing at it with a blunt kitchen knife and ending up with something that looks less like a jack-o’-lantern and more like a crime scene. Good news, gourd enthusiasts: The experts are here to show you how pumpkin carving is done. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual display of artist-carved pumpkins, returns next week—and it's bigger than ever before.
In celebration of its 10th year—and in response to popular demand—Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns is extending its residency at the Garden from 10 to 15 days. More than 1,000 hand-carved, LED-lit pumpkins—some weighing as much as 150 pounds—will haunt the garden’s outdoor paved path for this family-friendly annual event. Attendees are also encouraged to wear costumes and share their experience on Instagram for a chance to win two VIP tickets to Lightscape, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual (and quick to sell out) display of festive lights, complete with a 110-foot tunnel made up of 100,000 lights.
“Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns has been so popular because it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a spirited evening strolling through the Garden at night,” Jodi Zombolo, Associate Vice President, Visitor Events & Programs at Chicago Botanic Garden, said. “There’s always something new to see at this annual fall tradition, and we’re excited to offer more opportunities this year for visitors to experience with friends and family.”
Around 80 of the event’s titular pumpkins will be intricately carved with ambitious designs, with themes ranging from Chicago sports team tributes and costume-clad pets to plant monsters and famous vampires. And who’s behind the handiwork? Artists affiliated with Long Island’s Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns spend 8 to 10 hours illustrating each pumpkin, followed by 10 to 20 hours of painting and carving. Visitors can peep behind the scenes—and maybe pick up a pointer or two—with live carving demonstrations.
In addition to walking the jack-o’-lantern-lined path, visitors can meet costumed characters and purchase seasonal treats like caramel apples, hot chocolate and autumnal cocktails. Consider the night a welcome redemption for all those sad, lopsided pumpkins rotting on your porch—evidence that the humble gourd, when spared our good intentions and dull butter knives, can be transformed into gallery-worthy works of art.
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns will run for 15 evenings throughout the month: October 8–12, 15–19 and 22–26. Adults tickets are $22 to $27 and child tickets are $15 to $18. Learn more and purchase a ticket here.