Check Out 1,000+ Hand-Carved Jack-O-Lanterns in Iowa This Month

Spirits in the Gardens will be returning to Reiman Gardens in Ames in the very near future! The annual event is set for October 11th through the 13th of 2024.

Spirits in the Gardens is a popular Halloween event that features more than 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns that have been hand-carved by volunteers. All of the Jack-O-Lanterns are lit-up and put on display at Reiman Gardens, and guests can walk through the outdoor display at night and admire them.

The first evening of Spirits in the Gardens is Jack-O-Lantern Sneak Peek Night, and this year it will be held on Friday, October 11th. From 6 to 9 p.m., attendees can see the pumpkins at their "freshest." There is a cash bar for guests over 21, but there are no other special activities that night.

On Saturday and Sunday night, there are additional activities for families. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will get to see the Jack-O-Lanterns, plus "glowing orbs, Hollusion dancing video projections, and the colorful lighted tower at Sycamore Falls." Kids will also be able to collect candy from the candy slides at the end of the route. Other snacks and drinks will be available to purchase from a local Boy Scout Troop. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

Tickets for Spirits in the Gardens are $16 for ages 13+ and $7 for ages 2 to 12. They must be purchased online in advance, as tickets are limited and popular time slots tend to sell out. You can get more information and purchase your tickets HERE.

Looking for more family-friendly Halloween activities in Eastern Iowa this month? Check out a list HERE!