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.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

For those who may have missed it, Kings Island has added a new "Military Days" event to their lineup! It runs May 22 through May 25. See the quote and screenshot for more details.

Quote

Join us as we say thank you to U.S. military members and veterans this Memorial Day Weekend! All active and retired members will receive a free single day admission ticket to Kings Island on Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25, 2026.

To redeem your free ticket: Present your valid U.S. Military ID for free admission at the front gate turnstiles any one day 5/22-5/25. Additional tickets for friends and family must be purchased online in advance. Verification required.

Year Long Discounts for Military Members:

All military members, active and retired, receive discounted admission year-round at Kings Island.

The following receive discounted admission:

    Active U.S. Military
    Retired U.S. Military
    Veterans
    Reserves
    National Guard

In addition, military members can save online when purchasing tickets for up to six friends or family members. This is our small way to say thank you for your service! We can’t wait to see you at Kings Island.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I'm getting some mixed signals here, but it looks like the 2026 Star Spangled Night — whose dates were originally fudged on the website and taken from a week-long celebration down to a one-night-only event — has now been expanded to a three night event. This change is according to the park's website which lists both July 3-5 and July 4 on the same page.

[Tr0y]

I’ve been completely disappointed with the ticketed events this year at KI. No Coaster-stock, no Mother’s Day brunch, no ticketed events to replace the aforementioned. I wouldn’t be shocked if the NYE at the international restaurant follows suit. Who knew copying and pasting a ticketed event from the year prior proved to be so difficult.

I was looking forward to having Tony Clark as our Regional PR person but so far I’ve been totally disappointed. He, so far has been worse than his predecessor. Both him and his predecessor at KI are/were never around so that hasn’t changed but at least his predecessor put on some ticketed events. 

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

I mean we have an ACE event coming up in a couple weeks. That's sorta the Coasterstock "replacement". However, won't be the same. 

Tony should just stick with Cedar Point. There needs to be someone at the park level with boots on the ground thinking outside the box like Don was. Anyone know what Paul Bonifield is up to these days after being let go from the corporate planning and design team? I honestly think he would be a great PR/Marketing person at the park and he could help out with teaser campaigns and theming planning for future attractions and experiences. 

[brenthodge]

12 minutes ago, Tr0y said:

I’ve been completely disappointed with the ticketed events this year at KI. No Coaster-stock, no Mother’s Day brunch, no ticketed events to replace the aforementioned. I wouldn’t be shocked if the NYE at the international restaurant follows suit. Who knew copying and pasting a ticketed event from the year prior proved to be so difficult.

I was looking forward to having Tony Clark as our Regional PR person but so far I’ve been totally disappointed. He, so far has been worse than his predecessor. Both him and his predecessor at KI are/were never around so that hasn’t changed but at least his predecessor put on some ticketed events. 

 

[Tr0y]

51 minutes ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

I mean we have an ACE event coming up in a couple weeks. That's sorta the Coasterstock "replacement". However, won't be the same. 

Tony should just stick with Cedar Point. There needs to be someone at the park level with boots on the ground thinking outside the box like Don was. Anyone know what Paul Bonifield is up to these days after being let go from the corporate planning and design team? I honestly think he would be a great PR/Marketing person at the park and he could help out with teaser campaigns and theming planning for future attractions and experiences. 

ACE hosted an event last year at KI… ERscream.

[disco2000]

1 hour ago, Tr0y said:

I’ve been completely disappointed with the ticketed events this year at KI. No Coaster-stock, no Mother’s Day brunch, no ticketed events to replace the aforementioned. I wouldn’t be shocked if the NYE at the international restaurant follows suit. Who knew copying and pasting a ticketed event from the year prior proved to be so difficult.

I was looking forward to having Tony Clark as our Regional PR person but so far I’ve been totally disappointed. He, so far has been worse than his predecessor. Both him and his predecessor at KI are/were never around so that hasn’t changed but at least his predecessor put on some ticketed events. 

Did you start the #bringbackchad hash tag🤣

[Tr0y]

27 minutes ago, disco2000 said:

Did you start the #bringbackchad hash tag🤣

As far as I’m concerned Tony’s time as regional PR has been nothing but a “morning flush”. 💩

[DonHelbig]

1 hour ago, Tr0y said:

I’ve been completely disappointed with the ticketed events this year at KI. No Coaster-stock, no Mother’s Day brunch, no ticketed events to replace the aforementioned. I wouldn’t be shocked if the NYE at the international restaurant follows suit. Who knew copying and pasting a ticketed event from the year prior proved to be so difficult.

I was looking forward to having Tony Clark as our Regional PR person but so far I’ve been totally disappointed. He, so far has been worse than his predecessor. Both him and his predecessor at KI are/were never around so that hasn’t changed but at least his predecessor put on some ticketed events. 

Thrills in the Hills returns to Dollywood gor a two-day event Sept. 11-12. It’s worth doing.