If you’re looking for something a little different to do this weekend, how about spending an evening surrounded by more than 6,000 glowing jack-o’-lanterns?
The annual Jack-O’-Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, New Jersey, is back for the 2026 season, transforming the Sussex County ballpark into a Halloween wonderland filled with illuminated pumpkins, festive entertainment, seasonal treats, and plenty of fall activities.
Running on select dates through November 1, the event offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or simply looking for an excuse to throw on a cozy sweater and enjoy a crisp autumn evening.
And with Halloween just around the corner, this weekend is a great opportunity to get into the spirit of the season.
Thousands of Pumpkins, One Magical Walk
The centerpiece of the experience is a 45-minute outdoor walk-through featuring more than 6,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns arranged into elaborate displays.
We’re not just talking about a few smiling pumpkins lining a walkway. Visitors will encounter towering creations, themed scenes, and intricate designs featuring everything from dragons and dinosaurs to superheroes and recognizable New Jersey landmarks.
Special lighting, fog effects, and soundscapes bring the displays to life, creating an atmosphere that’s festive, imaginative, and just spooky enough to make it feel like Halloween without being overly frightening for younger visitors.
There’s also an interactive corn maze, sponsored by Lentini Farms, adding another traditional fall activity to the adventure.
More Than Just a Pumpkin Walk
While the glowing pumpkins may be the main attraction, Skylands Stadium has turned the experience into a full-fledged fall festival.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal food and drinks, a craft beer garden, a petting zoo, pumpkin activities, shopping, and fire pits where guests can roast s’mores. Hot apple cider, cocoa, coffee, and other autumn treats add to the atmosphere.
For those looking to make an entire evening of it, The Barnyard, the stadium’s restaurant and bar, offers another option for dinner and drinks.
And because no fall celebration is complete without a little entertainment, Skylands Stadium has scheduled special performances and activities throughout the season.
What’s Happening This Weekend?
For October 16-18, visitors can enjoy the Jack-O’-Lantern Experience along with a few special additions to the schedule.
Friday, October 16: Line dancing adds a little country-style fun to the Halloween festivities.
Saturday, October 17: Families can enjoy a Hocus Pocus-inspired live performance, along with slime-making activities for the kids.
Sunday, October 18: Live music is scheduled, offering another reason to linger and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Special activities and performances vary by date, so it’s worth checking the event calendar before heading out.
A Fall Outing for All Ages
One of the nice things about the Jack-O’-Lantern Experience is that it doesn’t have to be just a children’s Halloween activity.
For families, there’s the excitement of discovering the pumpkin displays, exploring the corn maze, and enjoying the seasonal activities.
For couples or groups of friends, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a fall evening outdoors, grab a seasonal drink, listen to some music, and take in the atmosphere.
And for anyone who simply loves autumn in New Jersey, it’s a reminder that some of the best seasonal experiences are the ones that get us out of the house and enjoying what’s happening around our state.
Plan Your Visit
The Jack-O’-Lantern Experience takes place at Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ on October 16 through October 18, with weekend dates happening through November 1.
Tickets are $20 standard admission; $39 VIP; children 36 inches tall and under are admitted free. The walk-through takes approximately 45 minutes. Guests should allow two hours or more for the full festival.
The fall festival area is free to enter, but tickets for the illuminated pumpkin walk must be purchased online in advance. Food, beverages, and certain activities cost extra. The event is rain or shine, although severe weather may affect operations.
For tickets, available time slots, and the complete schedule, visit the official Skylands Stadium Jack-O’-Lantern Experience website.
Sometimes the best way to enjoy fall is to make an evening of it. Gather the family, meet up with friends, or plan a date night and head to Sussex County for a little Halloween magic.
After all, there are only so many October weekends to enjoy before the pumpkins disappear and the holiday decorations take over!
Antonietta LaVecchia has been a small business advocate for over two decades and has made it a mission to get communities to shop small and support local.