Powell Gardens’ Glow Jack-O-Lantern Festival Returns for Two Nights Only!
Powell Gardens’ popular Glow Jack-O-Lantern Festival returns on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15. The event includes a self-guided one-mile walk (open 6-10 p.m.) lined with 700 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns. Visitors will encounter multiple spectacular scenes such as the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and a mermaid—all reflecting the 2016 theme “Mythical Creatures.” Festival admission is $12/adults, $10/seniors 60+, $5/children 5-12, and free/children under 5 and Gold-level and above members.
Kansas City sculptor Rudy Garcia will offer pumpkin carving tutorials and showcase an exhibit of his work. A master pumpkin carver, Garcia has worked with Lucasfilm, Marvel Entertainment and Universal Monsters, among others, and is known for his artistic and compelling carvings. He will work on site and talk with visitors from 6-10 p.m.
Indoor activities (available from 4-9:30 p.m.) include a jumbo jack-o-lantern exhibit featuring the work of area artists. Visitors can view the jumbo jacks, which weigh up to 100 pounds, in the conservatory and vote for their favorites. Also indoors is a free make-and-take craft and the Grossology Lab where kids can find out why some of the grossest things in nature are so cool!
The evening also includes pumpkin painting and hayrides (extra fees apply). A variety of food and drink will be available for purchase (some vendors accept cash only).
Powell Gardens, Kansas City's botanical garden, is located 30 miles east of Kansas City, Mo., on U.S. Highway 50.
