5,000 Hand-Carved Pumpkins To Light Up Lake Zurich This October

LAKE ZURICH, IL — More than 50 artists are carving their way through thousands of pumpkins as a popular fall festival prepares to return to Lake Zurich this week.

Jack O'Lantern World will open Thursday, Oct. 1, and run through Nov. 1, bringing more than 5,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns and other fall attractions to the village. Organizers said about 1,000 real pumpkins are being hand-carved in Lake Zurich this week alone as preparations for the monthlong event get underway.

The main nighttime attraction is a three-quarter-mile walking trail filled with illuminated pumpkin displays created by more than 50 artisans. The walk takes about 45 minutes to complete, although visitors can take longer, according to the event website.

This year's artwork will include jack-o'-lanterns inspired by America's 250th birthday, anime, sports legends and pop culture. Larger pumpkin sculptures are expected to include a ship inspired by Homer's "Odyssey," a 40-foot whale named Echo and a 40-foot horse named Sally.

Among the other attractions will be giant real jack-o'-lanterns weighing more than 1,000 pounds each. Visitors can also watch artists carving pumpkins live.

Jack O'Lantern World is organized by Lake Zurich-based All Community Events and is designed as a family-friendly, non-scary Halloween experience.

This year's festival also includes an expanded food and drink lineup. Phase Three Brewing Company will serve beer and other adult beverages, while food vendors include Speedy Tacos and My Funnel Truck, according to the event website.

A separate Fun Zone will feature giant inflatables, including 100-foot obstacle courses and a 30-foot slide, along with Halloween-themed miniature golf.

For families who would rather visit before dark, daytime pumpkin patch events will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10, 17 and 24. Admission to the daytime experience includes the inflatables, miniature golf and a fall photo-op trail. The daytime attraction will also feature giant pumpkins, live carving, mascot photo opportunities and food and drinks.

A sensory-friendly session is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Oct. 11. Organizers say the limited-capacity session begins about 30 minutes before full darkness and will feature fewer people and lower music levels.

The U.S. National Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off will also be held in conjunction with this year's event, according to organizers. Jack O'Lantern World is ADA accessible. Children ages 3 and older need tickets, and tickets must be purchased in advance; there are no on-site ticket sales.

Event parking is at 215 S. Rand Road in Lake Zurich. Organizers instruct visitors to use the west parking lot and caution attendees to use care while crossing Route 12. Accessible parking is available in the east lot.

The event is generally held rain or shine but can close during severe weather, including lightning.

Jack O'Lantern World runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 1. Additional information and tickets are available through the event's website.