Kings Island 2026 Special Events

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

As we approach the beginning of Winterfest and roll ever closer to the new year, Kings Island has published a couple of 2026 group events to the park's new website. For reference, in 2024 and 2025 the seasonal events calendar was released on March 4th. The current lineup is still missing seasonal festivals like Food & Wine, Halloween Haunt, and Winterfest, but even the PSM days are more than we knew about this time last year. PitP days may also give some insight into the park calendar once more is published. Haunt and Winterfest are listed as benefits of the 2026 passes so it's reasonable to assume they will both return in 2026.

So far the 2026 events calendar includes the following group events:

• Physics, Science, and Math Days — April 24 & May 1, 8, 14, 15, & 22, 2026
• Performance in the Park — Any Public Operating Day During the 2026 Season

Unless something changes — which there is a chance that it might — we now know that the season will start by Friday, April 24th, 2026.

 

Could we see Grand Carnivale return in 2026? How do you think the park could improve the Food & Wine Festival? When do you think the rest of the 2026 events will be revealed? Next year might be big for new seasonal events as the United States celebrates its Quarter Millennial. A number of parks have already revealed special events, shows, and rides as part of the America 250 campaign. Exciting times await Kings Island in 2026!

[DJSkyFoxx]

I think the biggest thing I want to see the return of for any of the food related events would be the punch cards. I feel like they give a better value, or at least the sense of a better value vs a 'la carte. It also provides more of an incentive to participate. I know the likelihood of punch cards returning is slim to none, but one can kindly request it from the powers that be. 

As for any other certain special events, I have some thoughts and feelings but those are discussions to be had off the forums as I know this is not the place to have them. 

[beastfan11]

I’d trade out Carnivale for an expanded Food and Wine (with tasting cards) and an Oktoberfest event. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

2 more group events have been added to the 2026 calendar, bringing the total 2026 event count to 4 so far.

• Music in the Park — April 24, May 1, May 8, & May 15, 2026
• Physics, Science, and Math Days — April 24 & May 1, 8, 14, 15, & 22, 2026
• Performance in the Park — Any Public Operating Day During the 2026 Season
• STEM Days  — May 8 & 15, 2026

Unless something changes — which there is a chance that it might — we now know that the season will start by Friday, April 24th, 2026. 

 

I'm still holding out for the official release of the 2026 operating calendar and the Festival Events schedule, but as I said before, this is more than we knew about by this time last year.

[IndyGuy4KI]

On 11/20/2025 at 3:09 AM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

I'm still holding out for the official release of the 2026 operating calendar and the Festival Events schedule, but as I said before, this is more than we knew about by this time last year.

At least we know how Tony operates, and can trust the info that is posted. 

[Orion-XL200]

I, for one, trust Tony way more than what's been shown prior to him taking over PR. As you said @Indyguy4KI we know how he operates and know that information can and will be shared.