Kennywood (KW) Discussion Thread

[jedimaster1227]

Kennywood has shared an update on the progress to restore Steel Curtain to operation later in the 2025 season.

https://www.kennywood.com/Steel-Curtain-Update

[PennStater]

And here when I saw a post notification for this thread, I thought it was going to be about this:

https://www.hfecorp.com/whats-new/herschend-to-acquire-palace-entertainments-us-attractions-from-parques-reunidos/

[prozach626]

Same, lol.

[jedimaster1227]

Kennywood Park has sent us a press release confirming the return of The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster, opening to the general public on May 24th, 2025. 

It’s kick-off time at Kennywood Park for The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster. The highly anticipated, triple record-setting coaster will reopen to the general public on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from the park’s General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza, and special guests joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including current players and alumni, to mark the official Grand Opening.

Standing a staggering 220 feet above the park, Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster, will return with its famed nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States including the highest in North America, this Memorial Day Weekend. To mark the grand return, Gold and Platinum Season Passholders will get exclusive first ride time on the coaster on Friday, May 23. Those interested in tackling record setting thrills early can save $40 on a Gold Season Pass now during the final days of the park’s Spring Pass Sale.

“Kennywood fans should get ready to reach speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour as they tackle every twist, turn, and touchdown-level drop starting this Memorial Day Weekend,” said General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza. “We can’t wait to reintroduce this iconic coaster to our guests. With a heightened focused on the Steel Curtain’s reliability, this summer, guests can expect to hop on for a ride during every visit to Kennywood.”

Featuring 4,000 feet of track, the Steel Curtain originally opened to riders in 2019. In 2024, the coaster began a yearlong modification project to increase the reliability and longevity of the ride. Through the project, the park worked with the ride’s manufacturer, S&S Worldwide, and third-party engineers to add three new columns and additional braces throughout the ride. This modification decreased the structural movement of the ride, ultimately allowing the coaster to make more cycles throughout its lifespan.

In addition to the grand return of The Steel Curtain, Kennywood’s longest season ever continues with the beginning of Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival on Friday, May 23. Offering mouth-watering foods from around the world, this year’s event features two new countries, Cuba and Spain. Visitors’ taste buds will be thrilled as they make their way around the Kennywood Lagoon to eight tasting locations offering unique menu options at each booth.

The festivities continue throughout the weekend as the popular Nerveless Nocks return to Kennywood for the second year in a row. The Original Dare Devil Circus will take place at various times throughout the day at the Garden Stage from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, June 29. Guests will be on the edge of their seats watching one of the most legendary stunt families in circus history perform breathtaking acrobatics and motorcycle stunts.

Kennywood will be open every day beginning Friday, May 23 through Monday, August 18. Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through June 29, plus Monday, May 26. Then, in July the park celebrates America with July 4 and 5 fireworks shows above the Lagoon and nine nights of Drone Shows July 11 through July 19, during the new All-American Summer. Kennywood will close out the 2025 season with Fall Fantasy Parades, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights.

[prozach626]

Edit. Delete.

[jedimaster1227]

^ We shared that info here!

 

[prozach626]

^I may have dementia.....

[jedimaster1227]

Kennywood has sent us a press release sharing details about this year's Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival, starting Memorial Day Weekend!

Kennywood visitors can now thrill their taste buds as Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival takes over the Lagoon beginning Memorial Day Weekend. This year, guests will be delighted by two new countries, France and Germany, while also having the chance to enjoy returning fan favorites from Mexico, Poland, Italy, and more. 

In addition to the return of Bites and Pints, Kennywood will be honoring veterans, active duty, and retired members of the armed forces with free admission to the park all Memorial Day Weekend long from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25. Plus, up to four friends and family members can get tickets for just $34.99 each, both deals can be redeemed at the Main Gate.

Bites and Pints offers chef-inspired tastings of international cuisine from eight different countries and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 22 through June 28, plus Monday, May 25. Parkgoers are invited to eat their way around the Lagoon as they enjoy unique offerings from across the globe. Delicious details include:

• NEW! France – The elegance of French cuisine shines through at this booth with Filet of Boeuf en Croute, classic Croque Monsieur, and decadent Profiteroles. Guests can sip selections including Presque Isle Chardonnay, Mazza Merlot, and more.
• NEW! Germany – Hearty Bavarian comfort is all the rage at Germany with unique dishes like Currywurst, smoky Schweinebraten, and warm Bavarian Pretzels served with bier cheese. Traditional beer selections like Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier and Von Trapp Helles complete the experience.
• Cuba – Guests will be transported to Havana with bold flavors like Mojo Shrimp ala Plancha, savory Cubanos, and comforting Arroz con Frijoles. Pair it all with a refreshing Piña Colada, a crisp Banks Caribbean Lager, or the hop-forward Cigar City Jai Alai IPA.
• Greece – Fresh Mediterranean flavors shine in Greece’s lineup featuring savory Gyros with tzatziki, grilled Chicken Souvlaki, and rich Baklava Cheesecake. Guests can enjoy refreshing pours of Lancaster Blue Trail Blueberry Shandy and Bell’s Oberon.
• Italy – Comforting classics and vibrant flavors come together at Italy with Caprese Tramezzini, sweet-and-savory Piadina, and rich Short Rib Ragu. Pairings include Birra Italia, Tröegs Pennsylvania Lager, Pinot Grigio, and Mazza Merlot.
• South Korea –Bold street-food-inspired dishes are featured at the South Korea booth including Gua Bao with samgyeopsal pork belly, flavorful Japchae-Bap, and crispy Yaki Mandu pork dumplings with sesame chili oil. Guests can raise a glass with Asahi Super Dry or Cigar City Sumo Splash.
• Poland – Comforting favorites can be found at Poland with Pierogies filled with cheese and potato, sweet Nalesniki, and savory Haluski. Beverage highlights include Zywiec Lager and Victory Kirsch Gose.
• Mexico – Vibrant coastal flavors come together at Mexico with Tacos de Carnitas, Baja Crab Cakes with street corn, and Tacos de Camaron. Guests can wash it all down with a Frozen Margarita, Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager, or Tröegs Freaky Squeeze Pineapple Mango.

“Bites and Pints has become one of the most anticipated events of the summer because it brings together two things our guests love most, incredible food and unforgettable fun,” said Ricky Spicuzza, General Manager of Kennywood. “This year’s addition of France and Germany gives visitors even more opportunities to explore new flavors while enjoying the unique atmosphere and thrills that make Kennywood such a special part of Pittsburgh summers.”

To get the most out of Bites and Pints, visitors can save up to $10 when they purchase a Tasting Card online with eight or 12 samples. The card allows guests the option to mix and match delectable dishes and drink options at each Bites and Pints booth. Tasting Cards purchased online can be redeemed at any booth and can be used any day of the five weeklong tasting event.

A full season of thrills continues at Kennywood as the parkcelebrates America’s 250th birthday with its All-American Summer, headlined by a fireworks spectacular on Saturday, July 4. Then, special patriotic activities and Drone Shows will run every Saturday and Sunday, July 11 through 26. The 76th annual Fall Fantasy Parades return daily August 1 through August 17, plus August 22, followed by the day-to-night fall event, Phantom Fall Fest, which runs select days from September 11 to November 1. Kennywood will wrap up the 2026 season with Holiday Lights running select days from November 13 through January 3, 2027.

Right now, guests can grab a single day ticket for just $39.99 during the park’s Memorial Day Sale. Those looking to visit all season long can get a Gold Season Pass for $40 off when they purchase online. Gold Season Passes include a variety of perks like free access to all seasonal events, discounts on food and retail, free guest tickets, and more.

To learn more about Bites and Pints, to purchase Tasting Cards, Tickets, and Season Passes, visit, Kennywood.com.