Six Flags Great America Chicago Reveals Plans for 50th Anniversary Celebration

Six Flags Great America has announced plans to celebrate its 50th Anniversary during the 2026 season, marking five decades of thrills and family memories at the park. The special 50th Anniversary Celebration will run from June 20 through Aug. 9 and will feature new entertainment, limited-time offerings and guest experiences.

Since opening in 1976 as Marriott’s Great America, the park has welcomed generations of guests to experience its attractions, from the classic Columbia Carousel to record-breaking coasters like Wrath of Rakshasa. The upcoming anniversary season is designed to honor that history while introducing new ways for guests to experience the park.

“Fifty years of Six Flags Great America is a celebration of the millions of memories made in our park,” said Hardeep Lall, park manager of Six Flags Great America. “This anniversary season is designed to honor our history while offering new ways for guests to experience the park they’ve loved for decades.”

50th Anniversary Celebration Highlights

Running June 20 through Aug. 9, the celebration will feature a variety of new and returning experiences across the park.

A new nighttime spectacular will debut as part of the anniversary celebration, featuring a high-energy stage show and parade with brand-new floats. The experience will also include a drone show on select nights, lighting up the sky in tribute to the park’s 50-year history.

Guests will also be able to explore a new Legacy Museum located in Emporium, showcasing historic artifacts, archival photography, retired signage and memorabilia from both park employees and fans. Displays will highlight key moments from each decade of the park’s history.

Limited-edition anniversary merchandise will be available throughout the event, including apparel, collectibles and nostalgic throwback items. These items will be sold at Emporium, which will serve as a dedicated retail location for the celebration.

A fan-favorite from the park’s opening year will also return with a reimagined Ice Cream Parlor in Hometown Square. Guests can enjoy classic scoops and nostalgic flavors inspired by the park’s earliest seasons.

Live entertainment throughout the park will celebrate each decade of Great America’s history, with performances, music and costumes inspired by the 1970s through today. Additional specialty food and beverage offerings will also be introduced, including nostalgic items such as classic root beer and limited-time treats available only during the event.

Guests will also find themed photo opportunities throughout the park, designed to reflect different eras of Great America’s history and give visitors the chance to capture new memories while celebrating past experiences.

Throughout the celebration, anniversary-themed décor will be featured across the park, including tributes to original attractions that are also marking 50 years.

Six Flags Great America will open for the 2026 season on April 25.

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