PITTSBURGH, PA (April 12, 2024): Kennywood, a USA Today 10 Best Theme Park, will open its gate for its 126th season on Saturday, April 20. Guests are in store for the most exciting and appetizing Opening Weekend yet with the return of beloved attractions like Turtle and Aero 360, brand-new culinary additions, Jeeters’ Pub and Carousel Burger Co. plus several parkwide enhancements. The upcoming season will feature an all-new special event, thrilling entertainment and the all-new Potato Smash bumper cars.
“Final preparations are underway now for what is sure to be Kennywood’s most thrilling season yet, with brand-new elements and park improvements,” says Kennywood’s Assistant General Manager, Rick Spicuzza. “We are excited to kick off this season with tasty new dining options, Turtle and Aero 360 back in the ride lineup, a unique new summer event and action-packed entertainment to truly elevate the guest experience.”
Kennywood, continuing the multi-year park improvement project, is ready to delight guests with all-new park enhancements throughout, including:
- Turtle – the last operating ride of its kind in the world, will again welcome riders after its ‘turt-al’ restoration, preserving this icon of Kennywood’s past, present and future;
- Aero 360 – the park’s popular pendulum ride showcasing the iconic Kennywood arrows, is refreshed and rejoins the ride lineup with vibrantly painted seats and a completely updated control system;
- Wacky Wheel – the Centurian miniature Ferris Wheel is ready to take the little ones for a birds-eye view of Kiddieland after its complete restoration;
- Lost Kennywood Gift Shop – the largest retail space in the park, is completely remodeled and ready to offer delicious, sweet treats and park souvenirs;
- Potato Smash – the total transformation of the park’s classic bumper car ride, themed to Kennywood’s iconic fresh-cut Potato Patch® fries, will feature 20 new ‘spud-tacular’ cars modeled after the park’s signature snack;
- More days to play this season with extended hours, including 10 p.m. closes, and an expanded park operating schedule.
Hungry guests are in for a treat this season as Kennywood introduces two all-new dining experiences. In partnership with Penn Brewery, Jeeters’ Pub, a hometown bar themed to the popular pink mascot from the 1970s, will offer twelve different draft beers, pub snacks and other spirited beverages. Carousel Burger Co. joins the lineup in the park’s original Merry-Go-Round Pavilion. The new all-American restaurant, commemorating Kennywood’s past, will provide a bigger and better dining experience featuring juicy burgers, signature Carousel Shakes and much more.
The summer will be headlined by thrilling events. The fan-favorite Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival returns Memorial Day Weekend and will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout June. The chef-inspired tasting event will feature international cuisine from eight different countries. In July, the park will celebrate the Steel City every weekend with the all-new, Celebrate Pittsburgh featuring Pittsburgh arts, culture, sports and beer complete with the park’s first-ever drone show on Saturday, July 20.
Right now, Kennywood is offering its best deal of the season, guests can save up to 50% on tickets and Season Passes for a limited time. Those looking to enjoy a full season of thrills can upgrade to a 2024 Gold Season Pass and enjoy unlimited admission all year and unique perks like discounts on food and retail, Bring a Friend Day discounts and more.
To learn more about Kennywood and to purchase Season Passes and park tickets, visit kennywood.com.