Press Release from Kennywood

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 3, 2024): Kennywood, a USA Today 10 Best Theme Park, today revealed park improvements and additions, a new local partnership and brand-new entertainment for its 126th season beginning Saturday, April 20. The park’s upcoming year highlights feature the all-new Potato Smash bumper cars, brand-new food and beverage locations, parkwide enhancements and an all-new special event.

“Kennywood continues to elevate the park experience with even more thrills and excitement, in what is sure to be the most memorable season yet,” says Kennywood’s Assistant General Manager, Rick Spicuzza. “We are committed to always raising the bar for our guests’ expectations. This year brings an exciting new local partnership, tasty new dining options, the brand-new Potato Smash and new thrilling entertainment to wow our guests like never before.”

Visitors are in store for newness and improvements this season, from exciting attractions to appetizing culinary additions, including:

  • The total transformation of the park’s classic bumper car ride, themed to Kennywood’s iconic fresh-cut Potato Patch® fries, Potato Smash will feature 20 new ‘spud-tacular’ cars modeled after the park’s signature snack. Each car will be fitted with fries, oozing cheese sauce and an oversized fork, completing an appetizing look for the most drool-worthy attraction around;
  • The 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;
Photo courtesy of Kennywood

  • The park’s popular pendulum ride showcasing the iconic Kennywood arrows, Aero 360 is refreshed and rejoins the ride lineup with vibrantly painted seats and a completely updated control system;
Photo courtesy of Kennywood

  • In partnership with Penn Brewery, Jeeters’ Pub, a hometown bar themed to Kennywood’s popular pink mascot from the 1970s, who will make a triumphant return later this summer, will welcome guests this season, with eight draft beers from the beloved Pittsburgh brewery, charcuterie boards, wings and other tasty pub snacks.  
Photo courtesy of Kennywood

  • Carousel Burger Co., a new all-American restaurant commemorating Kennywood’s historic past in the park’s original Merry-Go-Round pavilion will provide a bigger and better dining experience featuring juicy burgers, delectable milkshakes and much more.
Photo courtesy of Kennywood

  • Other parkwide improvements are getting the final touches as opening day approaches. Wacky Wheel, the park’s 100-year-old miniature Ferris Wheel, has been completely reimagined and is ready to take the little ones for a birds-eye view of Kiddieland this upcoming season. Plus, the park’s largest retail space, the Lost Kennywood Gift Shop, is undergoing a complete makeover and will offer delicious sweet treats and park souvenirs.
Photo courtesy of Kennywood

The fun continues as summer kicks into full gear starting Memorial Day weekend with unique entertainment and special events, including;

  • The fan-favorite Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival returns beginning Memorial Day Weekend and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout June;
  • All-new Celebrate Pittsburgh, every Saturday and Sunday in July, Kennywood will celebrate everything that makes the Steel City a special place to live and play by putting Pittsburgh on display, from arts and culture to sports and beer. Plus, the entire family can join in a high-energy dance party around the Lagoon with a live DJ every night of the event;
  • Kennywood’s first ever drone show will wow guests on Saturday, July 20 during the Celebrate Pittsburgh event; 
  • Celebrate America will be back for July 4th, plus summer wraps up with the Fall Fantasy Parades; and 
  • Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights will return during the fall and winter seasons, bigger and better than ever.

This season will elevate the Kennywood experience guests know and love with the all-new Potato Smash, new dining options, extended hours and more days to enjoy the park. Daily summer operation begins Memorial Day weekend and will feature night rides with select 10 p.m. closes.

Guests will not want to miss a moment of all the thrills and fun at a USA Today 10Best Theme Park and the full season lineup of events throughout the entire year with Season Passes on sale for up to $30 off select passes. A Season Pass provides the best way to visit the park, offering unlimited admission, 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.