Kennywood entrance

Insider's Guide: Kennywood

Kennywood is kicking off 2023 with a 125th Anniversary Celebration!

New in 2023

2023 is going to be a fantastic year at Kennywood! Spinvasion, the first multi-action spin ride of its kind in the US, will take flight next season, pitting riders in a thrilling battle against alien invaders to defend Pittsburgh. Complete with an all new themed area, dubbed Area 412, the fun is sure to be out of this world!

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kennywood (@kennywoodpark)


Returning in 2023 is the popular Raging Rapids water ride! Board your raft and get soaked from the white water adventure as this fan-favorite ride re-opens.

And, it doesn't get any more Pittsburgh than this! Primanti Bros, the iconic Pittsburgh sandwich shop, is coming to Kennywood! Their location in Lost Kennywood will be serving up the same signature sandos, piled high with fresh-cut fries and secret recipe coleslaw, when it opens later this spring.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Primanti Bros (@primantibros)

Also new in 2023:

  • Pizza Warehouse refurbishment along with a new menu and easier ordering
  • 1898 Coffee Co. opening on the Midway
  • A stunning new look for the Swingshot
  • Fire-Breathing Sausage and Blizzard-Blast Creamery will have striking new signage at the Pagoda.

Kidsburgh 2023 Passport

Make planning your summer visit to Pittsburgh easy! Get your FREE Kidsburgh 2023 Passport delivered straight to your phone for access to passholder-only discounts as you earn points for each check-in to redeem for exclusive prizes.

Kennywood is turning 125! To celebrate Kennywood's 125th Anniversary, the park is throwing a massive two-year celebration thanks to a multi-million dollar investment. The park will be undergoing renovations and exciting experiences that include the new features detailed above and last year's enhancements including the return of the classic Kangaroo ride.

Plan Your Visit 

Combining modern thrills and classic rides, complete your summer with a trip to Kennywood! Gather your friends and family for unforgettable fun. 

Kennywood is open on April 22 for the start of the 2023 season. Visit kennywood.com for varying park hours and to purchase tickets online and view the full events calendar.

Season Passholders 

Secure endless summer fun with a Season Pass! Multiple pass holder options are available, including a Gold Pass good for unlimited visits to Kennywood all year (including special events) and the Platinum Pass which allows entry to all three sister parks (Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild) all year, plus additional discounts and incentives.

2023 Special Events 

This year, Kennywood is excited for an exciting lineup of events. With a mix of new and returning events, the park features eight months of unique entertainment. 

  • 125 Celebration | April 22 - May 21 (Saturdays & Sundays): The 2023 Season begins with a massive party celebrating 125 years of Kennywood fun with special activities, photo ops and nostalgic food, drinks and merch each weekend.
  • Bites and Pints Festival | June 2-July 30 + July 3-4 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays): Taste international cuisine paired with specialty cocktails, craft beer and wine during this returning, fan-favorite festival.
  • Celebrate America | July 1-4 (Fireworks July 3 & 4): Celebrate America explodes onto the scene with  fireworks, the Weiner 100 dachshund races and more patriotic performances.
  • Fall Fantasy Parades | Aug. 5-20: The annual Fall Fantasy Parades march back into Kennywood, with more than 130 local and regional high school and college bands performing accompanied by decorated floats.
  • Kids Fest | Aug. (Select Dates): Kids rule. Celebrate the little ones with special activities, meet-and-greets with special characters and more!
  • Phantom Fall Fest | Sept. 22-Oct. 29 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays): Phantom Fall Fest returns with festive family fun during the day and frights all night long.
  • Kennywood Holiday Lights | Nov. 21 – Jan. 1, 2024 (Select Dates): Experience the magic of Holiday Lights as more than two million lights sparkle and shine throughout the park plus enjoy festive entertainment, food and drinks and Pennsylvania's tallest Christmas Tree during this holiday outing.
Share Your Story On Social #LovePGH

Insider’s Tips 

Avoid Measurements with Height Check 

Have your kids grown since last summer? Be sure to stop by one of Kennywood’s Service Centers for a height check! Located near Noah’s Ark and at the Front Gate, kids are measured and provided a color-coded wristband with their “official” height. When entering a ride, show the operator your kid’s wristband to avoid measurements for every ride. 

Indulge in Iconic Potato Patch Fries 

A trip to Kennywood isn’t complete without a stop at The Potato Patch! The “Patch” serves homemade fries with fresh cut Idaho potatoes. Top off your fries with melted cheddar cheese, bacon, vinegar, gravy, or seasoning salts. Eat like a local with Potato Patch Fries – food you can get Only in Pittsburgh

Ride the Record-Breaking Steel Curtain 

In partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kennywood opened the record-breaking Steel Curtain in 2019. At a maximum height of 220 feet and featuring nine inversions, the coaster speeds through 4,000 feet of track at 76 miles per hour. The Steel Curtain sets three records: the tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania, the most inversions on a roller coaster in North America, and the tallest inversion in the world!

Rain Check

Many visitors will avoid a day calling for rain, which means these days tend to be less busy. Many of the rides still run if the weather isn't too bad. If the weather takes a turn for the worse causing the park to close early, rain checks are issued for guests that present their ticket stubs. This means you can get some riding in when it isn't busy, and come back another day if the park does close! 

Share Your Story On Social #LovePGH

Kennywood's website is the biggest tool in planning your visit. Preview the rides, food options, special events and more before heading to the park. Taking some research of your own along with these tips will ensure a great next visit to Kennywood!

Pittsburgh is KidsBURGH®!

Pittsburgh is the perfect destination for unforgettable family fun! Featuring many fantastic attractions, Pittsburgh has plenty of entertainment options for kids of all ages. Plan your KidsBURGH® trip today!