Kennywood Plans Cavalcade Of Fun Events For 2020 Season

PITTSBURGH, PA - There won't be anything as spectacular as the Steel Curtain coaster and Steelers Country debuting at Kennywood this year. But there will be a little something for everyone at the West Mifflin amusement park during the 2020 season that begins for season pass-holders on April 25 and everyone else on May 2.

In addition to the whirlwind rides, there will be a whirlwind of activities and events at the park that should make for added enjoyment for everyone. Here are more than a dozen that already are scheduled for the regular season:

• Country Music Festival, May 24-25: Many local barbecue joints will be on hand to provide food to go along with live country music performances.

• Kenny's Coaster Race, May 31: First it's a footrace through Kennywood, then it's an afternoon of friendly competition riding coasters.

• Kennywood Comicon, June 21: Meet comic book characters, interact with comic book creators and browse through a large selection of comics-related merchandise.

• Youth Association Days, June 21; July 7, 27-29 and Aug. 11: Save more than $25 off the gate price when wearing a youth sport, church or service association T-shirt.

• Kidsfest, June 25-26: Kiddies will get to meet their favorite superheroes, royal character, puppies and others. There will be special character meet-and-greets and kid-friendly activities.

• Celebrate America, June 3-July 4: Kennywood's traditional Independence Day activities stretch nearly an entire week and will include music performances, magic acts, the Silver Star Meats Hot Dog Eating Contest and the Wiener 100. All military (active duty, retired military, and veterans) get in free.

• Kennywood Wrestling Classic, July 9-10: Pins in the Park returns for its fourth year as youths ages 6-14 compete in a double-elimination PIAA-modified rules tournament. There also will be a novice, high school and girls wrestling tournament.

• Italian Day, July 12: This longtime tradition nears 90 years of celebrating with all the staples of Italian heritage. Authentic Italian food vendors and musical performances will fill the park all day.

• WTAE Summerfest, July 20-24: See Action News 4 team members throughout the week. Discounted tickets will be available, special activities will be scheduled and the event concludes with the WTAE parade on July 24.

• KDKA Summerblast, July 31: Catch the Channel 2 crew, see your favorite on-air personalities, play games and watch a parade to end the festivities.

• Cheerleading Day, Aug. 3: Squads will compete for the coveted Kennywood Cheerleading Arrows in this day of cheering, chanting, dancing, music, pom-poms and more.

• Polish Day, Aug. 4: The 89th annual Polish Day will feature traditional food, music, and polka dancing.

• Fall Fantasy Days, Aug. 8-25:. The parades span 18 nights and include more than 150 bands from schools and universities from southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond, along with dozens of decorated floats.

• First Responder Day, Aug. 30: All first responders (police, fire, EMS, and military) get free admission this day, with discounted tickets available for their friends and family. There also will be demonstrations from local agencies showing how much work can go into their service.

• Coasting for Kids, Sept. 6: Ride for a one-of-a-kind cause: The Give Kids The World Village. People can form a team or raise funds as an individual to benefit the Orlando-based resort that provides free stays to children battling life-threatening illnesses.

• Oldies Day, Sept. 13: Enjoy musical entertainment with the hits of yesteryear and more.