FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PRESS RELEASE
McLaughlin Garden’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returns for Its 13th Year with an Enchanted Forest!
13th Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular | October 15th, 16th & 17th
South Paris, Maine (September 8, 2026) — Back for its 13th year, McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s beloved Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular returns October 15-17 with a magical new theme: “Enchanted Forest.” Visitors are invited to step into a world of beautifully illuminated paths, hand-carved pumpkins, mesmerizing light displays, and Halloween spirit as The McLaughlin Garden is transformed into an enchanting woodland experience for all ages.
This year’s Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular promises a magical evening for guests, featuring more than 500 pumpkins intricately carved and displayed throughout the garden. Visitors can explore the illuminated paths, admire the creative pumpkin designs, and discover whimsical displays along the way. The event will take place over three nights: Thursday, October 15; Friday, October 16; and Saturday, October 17, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. each evening.
Outdoors, guests will wander through McLaughlin Garden, following glowing paths through an enchanted woodland brought to life with pumpkins, lights, and imaginative displays. Indoors, the historic barn will offer a special space to pause, take photos, and soak in the festive atmosphere. After exploring the garden, guests can warm up with complimentary warm spiced apple juice while sharing stories and memories from their evening in the Enchanted Forest.
“Every enchanted forest needs a few fairies, woodland creatures, and curious explorers,” said McLaughlin Garden Horticulturist Corey Kotfila. “This year, we invite you to choose your favorite enchanted character and, if you’d like, come dressed for the occasion! Costumes are not required, but certainly encouraged. Our volunteers and program committee have been working hard to create something special, and we can’t wait to see the garden come alive with pumpkins, lights, and our wonderful community.”
Help Bring the Enchanted Forest to Life
Community members are invited to help bring this year’s Enchanted Forest to life by carving pumpkins that will become part of the Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular. Families, friends, and neighbors are encouraged to join this hands-on tradition and add their creativity to the hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns that will fill the garden during the October 15–17 event. Fully gutted pumpkins will be available for carving at McLaughlin Garden and Homestead on Monday, October 12, Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No registration is necessary, and all are welcome to stop by, carve a pumpkin, and help make this year’s Spectacular a true community celebration.
The Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular is one of McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s most anticipated events and serves as a major fundraiser. Proceeds help maintain the garden grounds and support year-round programming. The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead is committed to providing free and low-cost educational and cultural experiences in a beautiful, safe, and welcoming environment that fosters creativity and connections.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our 2026 season sponsors, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital and Norway Savings Bank, as well as our event sponsors, Everett Realty Group, Flexible Flyer, Hebron Academy, Northeast Bank, Oxford Plaza, Renewal By Andersen, and Ripley & Fletcher Ford..
Admission is $8 per person or two for $15. Children two and under are free. Payment is accepted at the entrance, and both cash and credit cards are accepted.
For more information, please visit the McLaughlin Garden events page at https://mclaughlingarden.org or call (207) 743-8820 to learn more about this event and other seasonal offerings at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.
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ABOUT McLaughlin Garden and Homestead
The McLaughlin Garden is home to one of the largest collections of lilacs in New England, with 125 varieties on more than 200 trees. The garden collection also includes an impressive array of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, wildflowers and ferns. Each year, the McLaughlin Garden welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors who come to enjoy the garden as well as our special programs and events. Now over 80 years old, the landmark two-acre garden, historic barn, and home are under the stewardship of the McLaughlin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly J. Poland, Poland Media Group – 401-743-7272, kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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