Voted as one of America’s 10 BEST theme parks in 2025, Kennywood will open soon for the 2026 season, announcing plans to offer new food options and events this year while celebrating both America’s 250th birthday and major milestones for two much-loved park rides.
Allegheny County’s Kennywood opens for the season on April 18 with ‘Celebrate Kennywood Weekends,’ which take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through May 10, according to the park’s March 19 announcement.
It is being touted as a possible destination for those visiting Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23-25.
Guests are invited to wear their favorite Kennywood outfits, enjoy the rides and celebrate Kennywood nostalgia with a potato-themed menu (in honor of the Potato Patch), take photos with Kennywood scenery, take a history walk and test their knowledge of Kennywood trivia.
Park rides celebrate milestones
New food options will also bring back fond memories, as the Centennial Grill brings cheesesteaks back to Kennywood in 2026 and the Big Dipper ice cream stand reminds guests of the Dipper roller coaster that operated in the park from 1947 until 1984.
Two important Kennywood rides are celebrating milestones this season. The Whip turns 100 years old and Phantom’s Revenge – named the best roller coaster in the country in 2025 by USA Today 10BEST voters – turns 25 years old. A new 25th anniversary logo and other special updates will be added to the ride this year to celebrate the occasion, according to the West Mifflin park’s announcement.
Celebrating America’s 250th at Kennywood
Kennywood has plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4 in true Pittsburgh fashion with an ‘All American Summer’ event that includes entertainment, special activities and the park’s largest fireworks show ever, the announcement said.
The celebration continues on weekends through July as over 300 drones perform a light show on Saturday and Sunday nights from July 11-26.
The park also plans to bring back its Bites and Pints food and drink festival on Fridays through Sundays from May 22 – June 28 (and including May 25). This event allows guests to sample food and drink selections from eight different countries: France, Germany, Cuba, Greece, Italy, South Korea, Mexico and Poland.
Kennywood season passes can be purchased now at the park’s website.
In addition, people can vote now for Kennywood as Best Theme Park and the Phantom’s Revenge as Best Roller Coaster in the 2026 edition of the USA Today 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Online voting is accepted until noon on April 20 in both categories.
