Contributed EXCITEMENT AT KENNYWOOD — Kennywood Park might be decked out for this year’s Holiday Lights event, but that hasn’t stopped officials from releasing the 2026 schedule.

From staff reports

PITTSBURGH — Kennywood Park, Sandcastle Water Park and Idlewild and SoakZone are hard at work preparing for a thrilling and entertaining 2026. All three parks have officially announced opening days next spring, with Kennywood welcoming guests back on April 18, and Sandcastle and Idlewild and SoakZone on May 23.

While Kennywood just kicked off its 2025 Holiday Lights event, running select dates through Jan. 4, the park already promises next year will be one of the most entertaining yet. Next year, visitors can expect the return of the record-setting Steel Curtain and other fan-favorite rides like the USA Today 10 Best Phantom’s Revenge, Racer and more, along with a new spring event.

Details include:

• Spring’s new event will be spread among select dates in April and May and allow guests to feel the nostalgia as the park spotlights beloved rides, signature foods, mementos, and memories to start the season.

• Bites and Pints Food and Drink Festival (May 22 – June 28): The event will feature flavors from countries around the world, Pittsburgh’s most thrilling food festival gives park-goers the opportunity to discover dozens of food and drink options every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 28, plus Memorial Day.

• All-American Summer (Select dates in July): Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a Fourth of July fireworks spectacular, special patriotic activities and high-energy entertainment select dates in July.

• Fall Fantasy Parades (Daily Aug. 1-16): This 76-year-old tradition includes more than 130 local marching bands, and a Mardi Gras theme that once again extends beyond the parade floats with live music on the midways, specialty food and drinks and a decked out French Quarter block party.

• Phantom Fall Fest (Select dates Sept. 11-Nov. 1): Play all day and fright all night at Phantom Fall Fest. Guests will experience several hair-raising haunts each night., including the newest spooky addition, Detached. Phantom Fall Fest will include festive fall food and beverage options and a variety of Kennywood rides and attractions.

• Holiday Lights (Select dates Nov. 13-Jan. 3): Pittsburgh’s Home for Holidays illuminates the park with more than 3 million lights for its 15th season. Featuring meet and greets with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the state’s tallest Christmas tree, festive treats and seasonal entertainment, there’s no better place to get into the spirit of the season, officials said.

Idlewild and SoakZone also promises to deliver a jam-packed 2026 season. Next year, families are invited to the longest HALLOWBOO! in the park’s history as the beloved Halloween event begins on Sept. 12 and runs weekends through Oct. 31. Idlewild also will bring back the iconic Neighbor Days, Kids Fest, and Celebrate America events. The park will be open on select days from May 23 through Oct. 31.

All three parks are currently offering Black Friday Deals on 2026 season passes. Visitors can save up to $60 on select Season Passes at Kennywood and get this year’s Holiday Lights for free when they purchase online now. For the ultimate value, guests can get a 2026 Platinum Season Pass that includes unlimited access to all three parks for the entire 2026 season, plus free parking, free soda refills and more.