Carowinds 2026 Season to Feature Full Calendar of Events and Experiences

Carowinds is preparing for a packed 2026 season, unveiling an expanded lineup of special events that will stretch from early spring through the holiday season. The park officially opens March 14, kicking off its 53rd season with a mix of brand-new experiences and returning festivals that have become favorites for guests.

The season begins with a Season Passholder Preview Night on March 13, giving passholders an early opportunity to experience the park before Opening Day on March 14. From there, Carowinds will roll out a full calendar of seasonal events designed to give guests more reasons to visit throughout the year.

Park leaders say the expanded event calendar reflects growing demand for more experiences beyond rides alone. The 2026 lineup introduces several new offerings while continuing popular seasonal traditions that bring food, music, entertainment, and themed experiences to the park.

One of the biggest additions arrives during spring break with the debut of Scream Break, giving guests a chance to experience a haunted attraction months before Halloween. The event will feature The Conjuring: Beyond Fear, an interactive walkthrough attraction inspired by the horror franchise where guests must navigate through scenes while attempting to lock away cursed artifacts before supernatural chaos is unleashed. The experience will be offered as an optional upcharge attraction.

Summer will also introduce two new experiences. Bands in Residence will highlight local musicians during a seasonal concert series, while the brand-new SPLASH! Water Parade will bring colorful floats, music, and interactive water features designed to help guests cool down during the hottest days of the season.

The Rusted Rooster Trading Post, one of the park’s original 1973 buildings, has received updated theming and refurbishment and will debut new food offerings this season, including Boysenberry items inspired by Knott’s Berry Farm.

That’s not the only facility getting a refresh at Carowinds. Harmony Hall, a longtime guest favorite, has undergone a major off-season infrastructure refurbishment designed to improve guest flow, efficiency, and overall food quality while maintaining its familiar look.

Premiers is being transformed into State Street Emporium, a new retail location inspired by classic small-town Carolina architecture that is expected to open around Memorial Day.

Alongside the new events, several returning festivals will once again anchor the park’s calendar. Viva La Fiesta returns with a celebration of Latin culture, while Star-Spangled Nights will light up the sky with fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Fall will once again bring the return of SCarowinds, widely known as one of the largest Halloween events in the Carolinas, featuring scare zones, haunted mazes, themed food, and roaming monsters. Families looking for a lighter experience can enjoy Tricks and Treats, the park’s daytime fall festival designed for guests of all ages.

As the year winds down, Oktoberfest will bring themed entertainment, seasonal food, and craft beverages inspired by the famous German festival before the park transitions into the holiday season with WinterFest, transforming Carowinds into a festive winter wonderland. The season concludes with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring fireworks and live entertainment.

 

Carowinds 2026 Special Events Calendar

 

Spring Events

• Season Passholder Preview Night — March 13 2026 season passholders can enjoy exclusive park access the evening before opening day.

• Opening Day — March 14 Carowinds officially begins its 53rd season with the return of rides, entertainment, and attractions.

• Spring Break — April 3 through April 12 School is out and spring festivities arrive at the park, including the debut of Scream Break and the early opportunity to experience The Conjuring: Beyond Fear months before Halloween.

• Viva La Fiesta — April 17 through May 17 A colorful celebration of Latin culture featuring food, music, dancing, and themed entertainment.

• Carolina Harbor Opening — May 23 The park’s water park opens for the summer season with slides, wave pools, and family water attractions.

 

Summer Events

• Bands in Residence — June 13 through August 9 A summer music series featuring local and regional artists performing throughout the park.

• Star-Spangled Nights — July 3 and July 4 A patriotic celebration featuring fireworks and summer festivities honoring America’s 250th anniversary.

• SPLASH! Water Parade — Debuting Summer 2026 A new interactive parade filled with music, colorful floats, and water-soaking zones designed to keep guests cool.

 

Fall Events

• SCarowinds — Select dates September 11 through November 1 The park’s signature Halloween event returns with scare zones, haunted mazes, themed treats, and hundreds of monsters throughout the park. Haunted attractions require a separate pass.

• Tricks and Treats — Select dates September 12 through November 1 A daytime fall festival featuring family-friendly Halloween activities and entertainment.

• Oktoberfest — Select dates November 7 through November 22 A seasonal celebration inspired by the famous German festival featuring authentic cuisine, craft beer, and themed entertainment.

 

Winter Events

• WinterFest — Select dates November 27 through January 3 The park transforms into a holiday celebration filled with festive décor, seasonal treats, and winter entertainment.

• New Year’s Eve Celebration — December 31 Guests can ring in the new year with fireworks, live entertainment, and a park-wide countdown celebration.

Beyond its seasonal events, Carowinds continues to offer more than 50 rides and attractions across its 400-acre property located along the North Carolina and South Carolina state line. The park is home to major thrill rides including Fury 325, widely recognized as one of the tallest and fastest giga coasters in the world. Guests can also cool off at the 26-acre Carolina Harbor water park during the summer months.

Access to all seasonal events is included with a 2026 Gold Season Pass, which also provides entry to other regional Six Flags parks.

Additional details about each event will be released throughout the season.

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