Last Friday, we visited Night of the Jack at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, and it lived up to its reputation as one of L.A.βs must-do Halloween events.
Now in its 8th year and drawing over 100,000 visitors annually, the festival balances festive fun with just the right touch of spooky, making it a seasonal tradition for families, friends, and couples alike.
The Spookeasy and Food
The evening kicked off at the Spookeasy, a Halloween-themed bar offering cocktails, wine, craft beer, and seasonal favorites like hot cider and cocoa. It was a fun way to set the mood, especially for adults who want to enjoy the Halloween spirit with a drink in hand. On the food side, some of L.A.βs best-loved trucks kept guests fueled with options from Cousins Maine Lobster, Vivace Pizza, Babyβs Burgers, Cerda Vega Tacos, and The Twist Churro Truck, covering everything from comfort food to sweets.
Pumpkin Carving and Atmosphere
One highlight was the live pumpkin carving. Watching an artist transform pumpkins into intricate sculptures right before your eyes captured that old-school Halloween magic. Combined with music, festive lighting, and plenty of photo ops, the grounds felt lively without tipping into haunted-house intensity. Costumes were encouraged, so kids, parents, and groups of friends alike leaned into the vibe, giving the event a playful and photogenic atmosphere.
Jackβs Trail
The main attraction is Jackβs Trail, a self-guided mile-long walk through glowing pumpkins, immersive worlds, and cutting-edge light displays. This year introduces new multi-sensory projection mapping and pixel technology, which transform parts of the ranch into a glowing, interactive canvas. I started the trail at sunset during the βAlmost Darkβ hour, which made it even cooler to watch as the lights gradually came alive. Displays ranged from character pumpkins to large-scale themed setups, and the walk was easygoing and enjoyable at any pace. Most people seemed to spend one to two hours between the trail and other activities.
For Families and Kids
Beyond the trail, families had no shortage of entertainment: a hay maze for kids, face painting with seasonal designs, and a souvenir shop stocked with glowing toys, candy, and Halloween swag. I appreciated that it wasnβt overwhelmingβno jump scares or horror-house theatricsβjust a whimsical, family-friendly event where kids could explore and parents could relax.
A Full Halloween Night Out
Between the Spookeasy, food trucks, psychic readings, pumpkin carving, and the illuminated trail, Night of the Jack truly delivers a complete night out. The pacing worked well: grab a drink, check out live art, eat, then hit the trail as the sky darkens. Itβs immersive, photogenic, and feels like the right mix of whimsical and seasonal. As co-founder Ben Biscotti put it: βEvery season, we push ourselves to outdo the last, and 2025 is no exception. This event has become so many familiesβ annual tradition, and we canβt wait to share all the surprises we have in store this year.β
History and Highlights
Adding to the local flavor, Night of the Jack celebrates a bit of Calabasas history: according to legend, the cityβs name came from pumpkins that spilled from a rancherβs wagon in 1824, sprouting into fields along the road. That heritage pairs perfectly with the festivalβs modern light technology and artistry. And of course, it draws plenty of L.A. star powerβthis seasonβs opening weekend welcomed Kevin Connelly, Tori Spelling, Chuck Liddell, Reggie Miller, Adrienne Maloof, and Enola Bedard, among others.
Event Details
- Location: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Times: Grounds open at 5:30 PM; trail runs 6:00β9:15 PM; event closes at 10:00 PM
- Tickets: $29β63 GA, $63β84 VIP (kids 2 and under free)
- Duration: Most guests spend 2 hours enjoying everything
For tickets and more info, visit nightofthejack.com.
Check out how your night can look: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPSRG2Lgb2D/
