Kennywood – See What’s New in 2024

Kennywood doesn’t open its gates until April 20th, but today, we stopped by for an up close look at all the new 2024 improvements and additions around the park.

Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s Thrill and Entertainment Destination, offers an unmatched mix of modern thrills and classic rides, exciting entertainment, iconic eateries with signature food and memorable events. For over 125 years, families have made countless memories at this National Historic Landmark Park. Voted as a USA Today 10Best Theme Park in the country, Kennywood has something for everyone with eight roller coasters, a Kiddieland, areas themed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thomas & Friends, the first ride of its kind in the U.S., Spinvasion and the world-famous Potato Patch fries.

Kennywood offers a unique roster of rare and historic attractions, plus pulse-pounding thrill rides. Three classic wood roller coasters from the 1920s join attractions like Noah’s Ark, Kangaroo and Turtle as rarities that cannot be found anywhere else.

The park’s upcoming year highlights feature the all-new Potato Smash bumper cars, brand-new food and beverage locations, parkwide enhancements and an all-new special event. A new local partnership and brand-new entertainment is also on the way for the parks 126th season, beginning Saturday, April 20.

“Kennywood continues to elevate the park experience with even more thrills and excitement, in what is sure to be the most memorable season yet,” says Kennywood’s Assistant General Manager, Rick Spicuzza. “We are committed to always raising the bar for our guests’ expectations. This year brings an exciting new local partnership, tasty new dining options, the brand-new Potato Smash and new thrilling entertainment to wow our guests like never before.”

This season, Kennywood guests can anticipate a range of fresh offerings and enhancements, spanning thrilling attractions to delectable culinary expansions.

The total transformation of the park’s classic bumper car ride, themed to Kennywood’s iconic fresh-cut Potato Patch fries, Potato Smash will feature 20 new ‘spud-tacular’ cars modeled after the park’s signature snack. Each car will be fitted with fries, oozing cheese sauce and an oversized fork, completing an appetizing look for the most drool-worthy attraction around.

The Turtle, the last operating ride of its kind in the world, will again welcome riders after its ‘turt-al’ restoration, preserving this icon of Kennywood’s past, present and future.

The fresh paint and brown seats created to resemble a turtle shock look fantastic!

The park’s popular pendulum ride showcasing the iconic Kennywood arrows, Aero 360 is refreshed and rejoins the ride lineup with vibrantly painted seats and a completely updated control system.

In partnership with Penn Brewery, Jeeters’ Pub, a hometown bar themed to Kennywood’s popular pink mascot from the 1970s, who will make a triumphant return later this summer as a mascot, will welcome guests this season.

Vintage graphics cover the pub walls to capture that historic feel.

There’s even a throwback to the old Le Cachot dark ride!

The pub will offer eight draft beers from the beloved Pittsburgh brewery, charcuterie boards, wings and other tasty pub snacks.

Carousel Burger Company, (formerly Johnny Rockets) is new all-American restaurant commemorating Kennywood’s historic past in the park’s original Merry-Go-Round pavilion will provide a bigger and better dining experience featuring juicy burgers, delectable milkshakes and much more.

The inside has been re-themed with old prints and signage complete with carousel horses surrounding the menu, to match the historic vibes around the park.

We got a chance to sample the new burgers and shakes — the burgers were good, but those milkshakes were incredible! The image above is how they will be served!

Other parkwide improvements are getting the final touches as opening day approaches. Wacky Wheel, the park’s 100-year-old miniature Ferris Wheel, has been completely reimagined and is ready to take the little ones for a birds-eye view of Kiddieland this upcoming season. Thunderbolt’s ride sign has been restored to show off its classic white border.

Plus, the park’s largest retail space, the Lost Kennywood Gift Shop, is undergoing a complete makeover and will offer delicious sweet treats and park souvenirs.

The fun continues as summer kicks into full gear starting Memorial Day weekend with unique entertainment and special events, including;

The fan-favorite Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival returns beginning Memorial Day Weekend and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout June.

All-new Celebrate Pittsburgh, every Saturday and Sunday in July, Kennywood will celebrate everything that makes the Steel City a special place to live and play by putting Pittsburgh on display, from arts and culture to sports and beer. Plus, the entire family can join in a high-energy dance party around the Lagoon with a live DJ every night of the event.

Kennywood’s first ever drone show will wow guests on Saturday, July 20 during the Celebrate Pittsburgh event.

Celebrate America will be back for July 4th, plus, summer wraps up with the Fall Fantasy Parades.

Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights will return during the fall and winter seasons, bigger and better than ever.

This season will elevate the Kennywood experience guests know and love with the all-new Potato Smash, new dining options, extended hours and more days to enjoy the park.

Daily summer operation begins Memorial Day weekend and will feature night rides with select 10 p.m. closes.

For more information and to purchase Season Passes or park tickets, visit the official Kennywood website by Clicking Here.