Two Massive Kentucky Jack o’ Lantern Extravaganzas Are Set for October

During a recent air show, I casually mentioned a few Halloween decorations I had already seen and was happily enjoying. It then occurred to me that there's nothing to stop anyone from going ahead and decorating for Spooky Season in August. Labor Day is the only major holiday between now and then, and who decorates for Labor Day? (Where would you even start?)

Of course, many will say that regular fall decorations come first, and that's fair. But they are an easy segue into Halloween decor. Just sayin'. Anyway, you think on it while I tell you about not one, but two huge jack-o'-lantern extravaganzas that are headed our way this fall.

Jack o' Lantern Spectacular - Louisville

This annual event has been drawing out-of-towners to Louisville for the last several Octobers. And why not? When Iroquois Park glows orange every night for a month, visitors and locals alike gather for an exciting exploration of trails lined with some 5,000 beautifully and intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns.

Read More: Little Debbie's Mouthwatering Fall Lineup Has Just Dropped

Jack o' Lantern Cave - Carter Caves State Resort Park

If you wanted to make a themed weekend out of it, you could hang out at Iroquois Park and then head east on Interstate 64 until you get to Olive Hill, Kentucky, and that's where you'll find Carter Caves State Resort Park. Already one of Kentucky's most beautiful destinations, Carter Caves will light up this October when a designated cave is overtaken by what Kentucky Tourism calls a "breathtaking display of glowing pumpkins scattered throughout the cave."

Here's the best part...your admission is a pumpkin. That's right. Bring a pumpkin; get a ticket. You might even win a prize if it's deemed the most creative.

Halloween is up next. It's time to start planning (and decorating) now.