Hollywood Gothique
Outdoor Trails & Displays

Nights of the Jack descends on King Gillette Ranch

Night seems to have fallen on Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns; the annual Halloween event no longer takes place in Los Angeles. However, the event lives on in all but name, thanks to Nights of the Jack: A Halloween Jack O’Lantern Experience. The family-friendly attractions features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins arranged on a trail, essentially turning King Gillette Ranch into an outdoor art gallery.

As long-time readers know, we loved Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns when it was set in Descanso Gardens, which created a sense of walking through an enchanted forest; unfortunately, the event lost much of its magic in more urban locations. The rural nature of King Gillette Ranch (where Los Angeles Haunted Hayride made its debut nine years ago) is should be more conducive to housing a Halloween display of grimly grinning pumpkins.

Nights of the Jack: A Halloween Jack O’Lantern Experience launched last week and continues daily from October 17 through November 4, except for October 22 & 23.  Hours are 6-11pm each night. Entry times are at half-hour intervals to spread out crowds. The trail takes anywhere from forty-five minutes to one hour to complete, depending on the pace visitors sets for themselves.

Prices are $25 for 13 years and older, $20 for children 4-12, and free for infants. Advance tickets recommended.

King Gillette Ranch is located at 26800 Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. Get more information at the event’s official website.

Steve Biodrowski, Administrator

A graduate of USC film school, Steve Biodrowski has worked as a film critic, journalist, and editor at Movieline, Premiere, Le Cinephage, The Dark Side., Cinefantastique magazine, Fandom.com, and Cinescape Online. He is currently Managing Editor of Cinefantastique Online and owner-operator of Hollywood Gothique.