Kennywood 2018: What You Can Expect This Summer

PITTSBURGH, PA - The cold weather might have fooled you into thinking Kennywood still won’t be open for months, but that’s not correct. The West Mifflin family amusement park begins the 2018 season for passholders the weekend of April 28-29 and for everyone the weekend of May 5-6.

Here’s what you can expect this year:

What’s new

Thomas Town, the $8.5 million repurposing of the Olde Kennywood Railroad ride featuring the popular children's character Thomas the Tank Engine. The train ride will take passengers along the back side of Kennywood, but Thomas Town visitors also can ride Harold’s Helicopter Tour, extinguish flame at Flynn’s Fire Training and climb aboard Diesel, Iron Bert and other engines for a fun ride.
Expect Thomas Town to debut in June.

What’s gone

After 42 years of ups, downs and splashes, Kennywood retired the Log Jammer last September. The water flume ride has been dismantled and there has been considerable speculation as to what ride eventually will occupy the expansive Jammer site. Rumor has it that Kennywood plans to debut a state-of-the art roller coaster in 2019.

Special events

• Kennywood Ribs and Blues Festival, May 27

This first-time event promises to bring tasty food and tasty tunes while you're between roller coaster rides. Among the bands that will be playing the festival are the Fabulous Booze Brothers and Jimbo and the Soupbones.

• Kenny’s Koaster Race, June 3

Koaster Race will wind runners through Kennywood and several surrounding communities in the morning, with an afternoon of friendly competition riding coasters to follow. Race registration is expected to open soon.

• Kennywood Comicon, June 17

Celebrate Father’s Day with comic book creators, merchandise and characters in the pavilion area. Tickets will be only $25 at the gate for those wearing a comic book themed T-shirt.

• Kennywood Kidsfest, June 28-29

Kennywood’s younger visitors can meet their favorite superheroes, royalty, puppies and engage in fun child-related activities. Online junior admissions are $19.99 for the event.

• Youth Association Days, June 17, July 6, July 23-25, Aug. 14

Tickets are $25 gate on these days for those wearing a youth sports, church or service association shirt.

• Celebrate America, June 30-July 4

Oh say can you see five straight nights of fireworks? Kennywood’s traditional Independence Day activities will include musical performances and magic tricks, the Silver Star Meats Hot Dog Eating Contest and the always-popular Wiener 100 dachshund races. Each evening ends with a star-studded fireworks show. All military personnel (active duty, retired military, and veterans) get free admission.

• Wrestling Day, July 12

Youth grapplers from ages 5-14 can participate in a round-robin wrestling tournament in Kennywood’s pavilion area, with riding time in between and after matches. Discounted admission is included with registration and offers a discount to family and friends as well.

• Italian Heritage Day, July 8

This longtime tradition features specialty vendors around the lagoon, musical performances, the traditional Italian Day parade and fireworks. Online tickets are $24.

• WTAE Summerfest, July 16-20

The people who bring you Action News will bring you discounted tickets, some of Pittsburgh’s favorite TV personalities and the traditional end-of-the-week WTAE parade.

• Cheerleading Day, July 30

Cheerleaders will take over the lagoon stage to compete for the coveted Kennywood Cheerleading Arrows. Expect lots of cheering, chanting, dancing, music, pom-poms and energy.

• Fall Fantasy, Aug. 4-21

More than 150 high school and college bands will march through Kennywood every night as the park season begins to wind down.

• First Responder Day, Aug. 26

All first responders (police, fire, EMS, and military) get free admission with discounted tickets available for their friends and family.

• Oldies Day, Sept. 9

All senior citizens 55 and older can purchase tickets for $9.99.

• Brews In The Park, Sept. 22

More than 100 different beers will be available for sampling, with food trucks, live music and entertainment setting the scene. Though no rides operate once pouring begins at 3 p.m., rides will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. This event is open only to those 21 and older, and season passes will not be valid.

• Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival, Sept. 23

Last year’s Pierogi Fest featured 40 vendors offering dozens of different pierogi styles. This year’s Pierogi Fest promises the same. Season passes also aren’t valid for this event.

Image via Shutterstock.