Kennywood announces opening day
Gates will open for the season at 11 a.m. April 18.
By MEGAN SWIFT
TribLive
There’s officially less than one month until Kennywood Amusement Park opens for the 2026 season.
Gates will open at 11 a.m. April 18.
This year, Kennywood will debut “Celebrate Kennywood Weekends” and launch two new food locations.
The two new food options include:
• Centennial Grill near The Whip in Lost Kennywood: Beginning on opening day, this new food location will bring back cheesesteaks to the park, “a beloved Kennywood menu item.”
• Big Dipper next to Noah’s Ark: This new ice cream stand will serve a variety of flavors. Kennywood said it’s a tribute to the Dipper roller coaster that was in operation from 1948 until 1984.
Celebrate Kennywood Weekends will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from April 18 through May 10 to celebrate the amusement park. They will offer exclusive Potato Patch-inspired food items, nostalgic photo opportunities and more, the park said.
“Opening Day at Kennywood is always a big deal for Pittsburgh. This year, we’re adding Celebrate Kennywood Weekends, which honors our iconic brand, the Potato Patch, through a variety of potato-inspired menu items,” said Ricky Spicuzza, general manager. “We’re proud to see families continuing to enjoy generations of memories on the same rides that have made Kennywood special for nearly 130 years.”
Also in 2026, Kennywood has two major ride anniversaries — The Whip turns 100 years old, and Phantom’s Revenge turns 25. There will be a 25th anniversary edition logo for the Phantom.
Other notable events at Kennywood for the 2026 season include:
• Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22 through June 28, plus Monday, May 25.
• All American Summer Fourth of July celebration with Kennywood’s largest Zambelli fireworks show ever. More than 300 drones will take the night sky every Saturday and Sunday from July 11 through July 26.
• Fall Fantasy Parades will return daily from Aug. 1-17, plus Aug. 22.
• Phantom Fall Fest on select days from Sept. 11 to Nov. 1.
• Holiday Lights on select days from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027.
Kennywood said those interested in purchasing a season pass can save up to $40 when purchasing online.
