Carving with the Pros!

Date: October 25, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join us and a professional pumpkin carver for an all-inclusive carving experience. Learn directly from the artist as they walk you step by step of carving your very own intricate jack-o’-lantern! They will provide us a sample of the techniques and tools they use to create some of the stunning artwork that has enchanted millions of visitors at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Your design will feature one of our amazing animals that live at the Zoo! Can’t draw? Don’t worry, the pumpkin comes prepared with the carving design pre-drawn for you! Then end the class exploring the Zoo’s enchanting Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular trail.

Program registration includes admission to the class, your pumpkin (with artwork pre-applied), carving tool kits customized by the professional carvers, and an LED Lamp/Bulb to illuminate your “gourd-eous” artwork. Also includes light refreshments and front-of-line VIP access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular!

While we work to finalize the artwork for this year’s class, view some pictures of past carving classes HERE!

Any Questions? Call us at (401) 785-3510 x 358 or email [email protected]

Pricing

• Single Participant Ticket: $171 members/$181 non-members ……..(Includes class, refreshments prepared pumpkin, custom toolkit, led light and base, front-of-line VIP access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular)
• *Sharing is Caring Ticket: $226 members/$236 non-members ……..(Includes class, refreshments, front-of-line VIP access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and the following shared supplies: prepared pumpkin, custom toolkit, LED light and base)

*The two-person (sharing is caring) ticket includes one pumpkin and tool kit to be shared by the participant and their companion. Both will attend the class and receive VIP access to the show. Please purchase multiple “single participant” tickets if you would like for each person to have their own pumpkin and toolkit.

Age Requirements

Please note, this program is designed for teens and adults, but all are welcome. Anyone under 16 years old must be accompanied by a paid adult.

FAQ's:
- What is the “Sharing is Caring” ticket option? This allows you to register 1 participant, plus one
companion for a reduced rate. The pair would both attend the class (including refreshments) and
receive VIP access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. They would share one pumpkin and tool kit
during the class.
- What if I already registered as a single participant, but would like to add a companion? Give us a call at 401-785-3510 ext. 358 and we can add your additional person at the reduced rate of $50 ($5 processing fee will also apply). Keep in mind that this fee covers the class, refreshments, and VIP
access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. It does not include an additional pumpkin or toolkit as those items will be shared.
- What tools are included? Each kit will include a carving kit with various tools, scrapers and
implements to create the various designs and textures seen on the pumpkins in the show. We also
provide a permanent marker, a corded lamp base, a 1600 lumen LED light bulb, and of course, a
pumpkin with the custom artwork pre-drawn so we can focus on the carving!
- What should I wear? Dress for the weather. The class will be facilitated outdoors but under a tent.
Both the carving class and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular run rain or shine. In case of severe weather conditions, the class will be moved indoors.
- Can I brink the kids? Only paid, registered guests can attend this event regardless of age. The class is designed and geared towards adults, but we find that some teens or older kids can also enjoy the carving class.
- Will we have to wait in the line for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular? No! Your ‘Carving with the
Masters Class’ registration includes VIP access to the trail. That means you get to head straight to
the beginning of the trail, bypassing any line that may be present.
- Will we be able to purchase food or drink? We will be providing some light refreshments during
the class, but you may also bring a bottle of water and other snacks if you choose. JOLS souvenirs
will be available to purchase after you exit the trail.
- Will there be a lot of walking? The class will be facilitated in a section of the zoo that is about a 10-minute walk from the main entrance. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular takes place along our
wetlands trail and usually takes about 45 minutes to experience from start to finish.
- What if I have more questions about the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular? Please visit us at
www.rwpzoo.org/jols for more information including a dedicated FAQ page.