Kennywood's 2026 season marks milestone anniversaries for 2 rides
Finch Walker- Kennywood Amusement Park is celebrating milestone anniversaries for two rides in 2026 – Phantom's Revenge and the Whip.
- The park is introducing new food stands and international cuisine for its Bites and Pints festival.
- The park's summer season begins daily operation on May 24, with varied hours throughout the season.
Kennywood Amusement Park opened its doors for the 2026 season on April 18 for "Kennywood Weekends," and as temperatures warm and the end of school approaches, hours of operation at the park southeast of Pittsburgh will expand.
The West Mifflin-based park will celebrate two ride anniversaries this year and offer new food and entertainment for guests.
Here's what you can look forward to.
2026 marks milestone anniversaries for two Kennywood thrill rides
Two Kennywood thrill rides will celebrate milestone anniversaries in 2026 – the Whip, a 16-car family ride, and Phantom's Revenge, Pennsylvania's fastest roller coaster with the tallest drop in the state.
Phantom's Revenge, voted a USA TODAY 10Best Roller Coaster in April, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this month. Built in 2001, the coaster boasts a 3,365-foot track with a 232-foot drop that thrusts riders to a top speed of 85 miles per hour.
The coaster, which requires riders to be at least 48 inches tall to ride, is unique in that its tallest drop is its second rather than its first, according to the park's website. The track passes through the structure of the Thunderbolt, a neighboring wooden coaster, and down the side of a ravine toward the Monongahela River for its second drop.
Those who are looking for a more family-friendly ride can enjoy the Whip, the park's oldest flat ride, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It debuted in 1919, then was upgraded for the 1926 season with 16 cars.
The ride travels on an elliptical track and whips riders around bends. There is no minimum height to ride, though riders under 46 inches must ride with a supervising companion, according to the park.
Kennywood debuts new food options for 2026
Starting in 2026, Kennywood visitors can visit two new food stands for cheesesteaks, ice cream and more. The classic sandwich is available at the Centennial Grill, while guests can find coaster-inspired treats at the Big Dipper ice cream stand.
Bites and Pints Food and Drink Festival, which takes place on Memorial Day and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22 through June 28, will feature food from two new countries in this year's lineup of international cuisine. There will be new options from France and Germany, additions that will join Cuba, Greece, Italy, South Korea, Mexico and Poland.
One-day and season passes include event access; purchase a Tasting Card to mix and match dish and drink options at Bites and Pints booths.
Kennywood drone show celebrates America 250
To celebrate America's 250th birthday, Kennywood will host drone shows every Saturday and Sunday from July 11–26. Each show will include 300 drones, patriotic activities and other entertainment.
When is Kennywood open this season? 2026 dates to remember
The park will soon kick off its summer season. These are the dates to remember.
- Friday, May 15: First Friday park day of the 2026 season
- Sunday, May 24–Saturday, Aug. 15: Kennywood is open every day of the week during the late spring and through most of the summer. Hours vary depending on the day. Consult the park calendar for details.
- The week before school starts in Pittsburgh, the park will be open three days a week: Sunday, Aug. 16; Monday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 22. The month will wrap up with three more weekend dates (Sunday, Aug. 23; Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30).
- The park will be open Friday through Sunday on most weekends in September and October, with an additional date for parkgoers on Monday, Sept. 7. There is a private event on Sunday, Sept. 13, meaning the park will not be open to the public. Hours vary.
- In November, Kennywood is open in the late afternoon and evening the first Sunday of the month (Nov. 1), then doesn't reopen until Friday, Nov. 13 for a three-day weekend (Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15). The park will open for the following two weekends on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Friday, Nov. 20; Saturday, Nov. 21; Sunday, Nov. 22; Friday, Nov. 27; Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29) as well as the first two weekends of December (Friday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 5; Sunday, Dec. 6; Friday, Dec. 11; Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13).
- The park will be in the late afternoon and evening open around the winter holidays, though it will close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Kennywood will be open Friday, Dec. 18–Wednesday, Dec. 23, then open again on Saturday, Dec. 26–Sunday, Jan. 3.
How much are tickets to Kennywood?
There are several options for purchasing tickets online at Kennywood's website. Here's how much they cost as of May 8.
- Dated Admission (pick the date of your visit ahead of time): $39.99
- Any Day Admission (visit any day during the summer): $59.99
- 2026 Bronze Season Pass (includes admission for most of the summer): $99.99
- 2026 Gold Season Pass (unlimited Kennywood visits all year, including summer, Phantom Fall Fest and holiday lights): $129.99
- 2026 Platinum Season Pass (unlimited visits to all Pennsylvania parks, including Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild, SoakZone and Dutch Wonderland; summer, fall and holiday events included): $219.99
The park offers a military discount on their website of up to 50% and a senior discount for those 65 and older in store.