WHAT: Six Flags America will honor the bravery and selflessness of active and retired military personnel, and veterans during Military Appreciation Days with free tickets for entry on May 23 to 26. All active and retired military personnel and veterans can also obtain up to six specially discounted admission tickets to enjoy a fun-filled day in the park.

WHO:

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

WHEN: Tickets are on sale beginning April 28. Ticket dates May 23 to 26

WHERE: Six Flags America
13710 Central Avenue
Upper Marlboro, MD 20721

HOW: To qualify for this special event, active military, veterans, first responders must register with ID.me. After selecting the product(s), they will receive a prompt to login.

All offers must be redeemed online. During Pass and One-Day ticket sales, product offers will periodically change. Military, veteran and first responder discounts cannot be combined with other offers.

FARMLAND, Ind. — North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), the leading provider of carnival entertainment in North America, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Sawyer as its new Director of Business Development.

A seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience in fairs, festivals, live events, professional sports, and advertising, Sawyer brings a powerful blend of strategic vision, industry insight, and business acumen to NAME’s leadership team. His track record of success spans marquee events such as the Arkansas State Fair, Alameda County Fair, Greater Gulf State Fair, and Country Thunder USA, as well as iconic venues including Mud Island Amphitheater and the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.

Prior to joining NAME, Sawyer served as Senior Director of Accounts and Business Development at Agency GWL, a full-service firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Under his leadership, the agency delivered some of the largest fairs in the Arkansas State Fair’s 84-year history and managed a portfolio of more than 50 clients across nine states. His creative campaigns and strategic direction helped generate over $7.5 million in new business.

In addition to his agency work, Sawyer is the founder of ProFusion Marketing, a nationally recognized sponsorship consulting firm that has raised over $18 million for fairs and festivals since its inception in 2002. His efforts have earned him accolades such as Top Consulting Firm of the Year from Arkansas Money and Politics.

Sawyer also spent seven years as Assistant General Manager of the Arkansas State Fair, where he oversaw marketing, sponsorships, and event operations. Earlier in his career, he held sales and community relations roles with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League and played two years of professional hockey.

He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in Marketing and was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dan to the NAME family,” said NAME President & CEO Danny Huston. “His ability to connect people, brands, and experiences in meaningful ways will help us deepen our relationships with partners and bring new opportunities to the communities we serve.”

Sacoa Cashless System, the world leader in cashless management solutions for the entertainment industry, is proud to announce an ambitious world tour during May 2025, with simultaneous participation in five major international trade shows. This bold initiative underscores Sacoa’s ongoing commitment to innovation and global engagement.

Key stops on Sacoa’s global tour include:

• XV Encuentro ACOLAP & IX LAAE 2025
  May 8–10 – Ágora Convention Center, Bogotá, Colombia
• 2025 RSA Convention and Tradeshow
  May 11–15 – South Point Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada | Booth #509
• SINDEPAT Summit 2025
  May 14–16 – Campos do Jordão Convention Center, Brazil
• AAPA Summit 2025
  May 20 – Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
• SEA Expo 2025
  May 20–22 – Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, Saudi Arabia | Booth #3C 310

Throughout the tour, Sacoa will be showcasing its latest product lineup, including the cutting-edge K4 and K5 self-service kiosks, the innovative Redemption Kiosk, and its ever-evolving online solution – all designed to maximize operational efficiency and profitability for entertainment venues.

In the words of Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International “We are thrilled to be running this powerful global initiative, with multiple teams of Sacoa experts simultaneously attending trade shows on different continents. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to bring our cutting-edge technology to operators and entrepreneurs around the world, helping them increase the efficiency and profitability of their sites and projects. This tour represents both our growth and our unwavering commitment to advancing the entertainment industry worldwide.”

RES RIDES AG is thrilled to announce the opening of their SUPER SWING M20 at Gröna Lund, Parks and Resorts Scandinavia in Stockholm, Sweden. Gröna Lund named the ride Pumpen and opened to delighted thrill seeking crowds on 26 April. The Super Swing is only the second in the world and delivers an exhilarating experience as guests are launched high into the air while swinging back and forth in suspended high-speed motion.

RES RIDES began collaborating with Gröna Lund in 2022 after they expressed an interest in a unique one-of-a-kind thrill ride. Roman Rothe, CEO of RES says “Gröna Lund came to us and told us what they were looking for. We adapted our Super Swing M20 to deliver the kind of thrill and excitement that they were looking for.”

Kings Dominion Official Birthday – May 3
Join Kings Dominion as it celebrates the official anniversary of the park’s original opening 50 years ago in 1975. On May 3, the park will be celebrating with a commemorative button giveaway for guests. Limit one per guest while supplies last. The VCU Peppas will kick things off with a show at the front gate prior to opening at 11:00 a.m. The KOS band will be returning to the Grand Bandstand. This group performed during the original opening of the park 50 years ago and they’re back to serenade guests under the Eiffel Tower with shows throughout the day.

About Kings Dominion’s 1975 Opening:
Ground originally broke on the project in 1972. In 1974 the park opened in a limited preview as Lion Country Safari, a drive-through animal zoo with over 200 species of animals. In 1975 the park officially opened as Kings Dominion with 15 attractions including the rides known today as Racer 75 and Woodstock Express rollercoasters, the Carousel, Dodgem (bumper cars), the Shenandoah Lumber Company (a log flume ride), and the one-third replica of the Eiffel Tower.

American Red Cross Blood Drive – May 13
On Tuesday, May 13, the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Kings Dominion’s Human Resources building from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Guests who successfully donate blood will receive the following: one single day admission ticket to Kings Dominion, a $20 e-gift card to a retailer of their choice, and one entry for a chance to win a US trip of their choice for two. Terms apply.

The American Red Cross is in special need of O, B negative and A negative blood types. All donors are encouraged to sign up on the American Red Cross website to donate. Due to the popularity of the event, walk-ins cannot be guaranteed the opportunity to donate.

Soak City Waterpark Opening Day – May 24
Soak City Waterpark officially opens for the season at 12:00 p.m. on May 24^th. Enjoy a summer of splashes in the wave pool, thrills on the water slides, and family fun at Coconut Shores play area. For more details about summer hours visit https://www.kingsdominion.com/

Military Days – May 23 to 26
Kings Dominion will honor the bravery and selflessness of active military personnel and veterans during Military Appreciation Days May 23 to 26 with a free ticket. In addition, active military personnel and veterans are eligible for specially discounted admission on up to six tickets to enjoy a fun-filled day in the park with family members. Tickets go on sale April 28^th and can be purchased at kingsdominion.com.

To qualify for this special event, active military and veterans must register with ID.me. After selecting the product(s), they will receive a prompt to login. Members of the following organizations are eligible:

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

NEW YORK and MIAMI — Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line renowned for its signature Destination Immersion experiences and Extended Destination Days, today announced an exciting new phase in its long-standing partnership with RWS Global to deliver 13 new and exclusive-to-Azamara, world-class entertainment experiences across its fleet starting in 2026. This next chapter underscores Azamara’s continued commitment to curating vibrant, culturally enriched programming that inspires and engages travelers onboard.

“At Azamara, we are always looking for ways to elevate the onboard experience and create lasting memories for our guests,” said Simon Blacoe, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Azamara Cruises. “Our partnership with RWS Global allows us to elevate our guest experience, delivering world-class performances and entertainment which also reflect the destinations we visit and the cultures we celebrate. We are really looking forward to sharing the amazing new shows and experiences that will debut exclusively on Azamara Cruises next year.”

A Fresh Wave of Signature Entertainment
Azamara Cruises’ 2026 entertainment will include:

• 10 original, exclusive-to-Azamara Cruises stage shows featuring high-caliber talent, contemporary choreography, and reimagined classics. These shows will span a variety of musical genres and decades, designed to resonate with the cruise line’s diverse, multi-generational audience.
• Two interactive game shows that maximize guest participation in new ways.
• Themed musical experiences and pop-up moments that surprise and delight passengers throughout their voyage.
• Fleetwide technical upgrades to enhance venue production quality and elevate every aspect of the entertainment experience.

A Continued Collaboration with RWS Global
The newly expanded multi-year partnership builds upon a creative relationship originally forged in 2017. RWS Global will lead the development, casting, choreography, design, and production of Azamara’s new shows, while also overseeing implementation and ongoing management across the fleet.

“We are delighted to expand our longstanding partnership with Azamara Cruises to create premium entertainment and unforgettable experiences for travelers around the world,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President, Sea Production of RWS Global. “Azamara guests will be treated to a vibrant range of musical, dance, and artistic performances — brought to life with world-class talent and enhanced by our shared investment in onboard technology.”

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Magic Springs Theme and Water Park has announced its theme park will open to the public Saturday, May 3, with the water park opening the following weekend on Saturday, May 10.

The 2025 Magic Springs season promises another year of family-friendly fun, outdoor concerts and exciting events. Guests can enjoy the park’s offerings on the weekends from opening day until weekday operations begin Monday, May 27. Operation times vary, so reference the park’s calendar for details.

“Our team is ready to start the summer strong with another year of unbeatable experiences you definitely won’t want to miss,” said Jessyka Hanna, general manager of the park. “The season will be packed with fantastic events and shows, and we can’t wait for our guests to come out and make Magic Springs a part of their summer memories.”

For the first time, Magic Springs will be hosting an adults-only foam water park party June 27. Guests will have access to select attractions from 7:30-9 p.m., with the party amping up at the Wave Pool with a Glow Foam Party until 11 p.m. Tickets will be available online May 10.

Magic Springs will also hold an exclusive event for season passholders June 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the water park, offering guests the opportunity to experience Splash Island and Ohana Oasis after hours. Mermaid Mondays and Family Fun Fridays will also return on select days in July for families to enjoy.

Magic Springs recently announced its lineup for the Summer Concert Series, featuring 10 high-energy shows between June 7 and August 9 at the Timberwood Amphitheater. Highlights include performances by a diverse lineup including country artist Clay Walker, rock powerhouse Skillet, worship leader Phil Wickham and pop heartthrob Jesse McCartney. There will be several new concert upgrade options this year as well, including premier reserved tables, a Party Pavilion VIP Bar and exclusive amenities.

Season passes are available for four payments of $15.75 or $62.99 with the purchase of four or more through April 30. Concerts are included with a one-day admission ticket or season pass to Magic Springs. Concert-only tickets may also be purchased online for $39.99 to allow guests entry to the park after 5 p.m. Regular daily admission is $59.99 plus tax for adults, and $44.99 plus tax for children and seniors.

BRISTOL, Conn. — Opening Day at Lake Compounce, America’s First Amusement Park, is just 11 days away as the park begins its Ultimate Season of Family Fun at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. Guests will be welcomed back with a live DJ, creating an energetic atmosphere as the park’s 179^th season begins. To commemorate this historic season, the first 250 guests through the gates will receive a special edition Boulder Dash coin as a keepsake. 

Beginning on Opening Day, park-goers will be delighted by park-wide improvements. The second phase of track work has been completed on the nearly 100-year-old Wildcat Roller Coaster. Now, riders will experience a smoother lap around the entire track thanks to Vertically Stacked Track from Gravity Group. The improvements don’t stop there, the award-winning Boulder Dash Roller Coaster has also had more than 1,000 feet of track replaced with Titan Track, offering a faster and smoother ride up the mountain and through the woods.  

In addition to beloved thrill rides and award-winning roller coasters, Lake Compounce is kicking off its Ultimate Season of Family Fun in 2025. This year, families can expect the park’s biggest and best Kids Fest ever, every single weekend in June. Complete with interactive entertainment throughout the park’s kiddie land section, families will have the chance to meet and greet popular characters throughout the month. Peppa Pig and her brother George appear with oinktastic fun for everyone May 31 through June 1, then June 7 and 8 and June 21 and 22, Daniel Tiger from PBS KIDS’ Emmy® Award-winning Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, will be at the park for meet and greets. This pint-sized party wraps up with visits from the Power Rangers on June 14 and 15 and Blippi on June 28 and 29.  

Kids Fest is just the beginning of a season jam packed with new events and new reasons to visit. Connecticut’s Largest Water Park, Crocodile Cove, opens for its longest season ever on Saturday, May 24, offering families a place to cool off on their favorite water attractions through Sunday, September 7. Then, pirates take center floating stage in the all-new Splashbucklers Pirate Show, where the whole family is invited to cheer on the daring Captain Cunning as he protects the Queen’s booty from plundering scalawags and ne’er-do-wells daily from July 12 through August 17. The night sky is lit up with fireworks July 4 and 5 and on August 30, 31 and September 1 as more than 300 drones take to the night sky. The full 2025 season wraps up with Phantom Fall Fest featuring more horror around every corner select days September 20 through October 27 and Holiday Lights closes out the season select days November 28 through December 28.  

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back for another unforgettable season at Lake Compounce. With exciting upgrades to our iconic roller coasters, a jam-packed lineup of family-friendly events, and the longest Crocodile Cove season ever, 2025 is truly shaping up to be our Ultimate Season of Family Fun. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or here to make lifelong memories with loved ones, there’s never been a better time to visit America’s First Amusement Park.” 

For those looking to extend their adventure, Lake Compounce Campground will open on May 2, offering a variety of accommodations, including cabins, RV and tent sites. Whether guests are looking for a weekend getaway or an overnight stay under the stars, the campground provides the perfect setting to relax after a thrilling day in the park. 

To celebrate Opening Day and the start of the season, Lake Compounce is currently offering up to 50% off on Tickets and Passes. Single day tickets are available for as low as $29.99. To get the most out of the Ultimate Season of Family Fun, visitors can buy a 2025 Season Pass now for as low as $54.99. Select passes also include perks like free parking, free soda, free friend tickets and more.  

CALVERTON, N.Y. — Splish Splash Water Park, is inviting park-goers to spend their weekends under the lights. Beginning Friday, July 11 and running every Friday and Saturday through August 16, Neon Nights is where family fun shines brighter. Plus, there’s even more in store this summer as Splish Splash celebrates 35 seasons beginning on Opening Day, Saturday, May 24.

Neon Nights is the all-new electric event under the stars. Guests will follow the lights and sounds through the bubble tunnel to Kahuna Bay wave pool where the action pulses in full vivid color. A live DJ will dial the energy up while visitors zip down some of their favorite slides in the dark. Families will splash in the middle of the wave pool surge, immersed in a full LED light show with dazzling special effects.

Neon Nights will run each Friday and Saturday from July 11 through August 16 from 7 p.m. through 10 p.m. Tickets for the event will go on sale on May 7. Gold and Platinum Season Passholders will receive free admission; with discounted pricing available for Bronze and Silver Passholders.

In addition to the all-new night event, Splish Splash is thrilled to announce the launch of two new Luxury Cabanas, designed to elevate guests’ water park experience to an unparalleled level of comfort and style. Paradise Pavilion and Hang Ten Hideaway will be located right in front of the Kahuna Bay wave pool and will provide a more versatile and luxurious space that adapts to any occasion more than ever before. Offering the perfect blend of sun and shade, guests will have plenty of comfortable seating, a dining room and kitchen area, dedicated cabana server, private shower area, bar area and more.

“Get ready to experience Splish Splash like never before,” said General Manager Mike Bengtson. “This season we’re introducing an electrifying night event that will light up our visitors’ summer nights, paired with the ultimate daytime indulgence of our brand-new luxury cabanas. The cabanas will bring a whole new level of fun and relaxation to the park while Neon Nights promises unforgettable excitement.”

Park-goers will also have the chance to explore the all-new Stingray Bay when the new splash-tastic water playground debuts. The new kid-friendly zone will offer families more than 15 fun and silly ways to stay cool during their visit to Splish Splash. The all-new water playground will be decked out with three-pint sized water slides, six interactive spray features, five water play features, a dump bucket and fun for all to soak and spray. From sun-soaked thrills in the park’s new luxury cabanas to the dazzling excitement of the night event, Splish Splash will be the ultimate destination this season creating unforgettable memories from daybreak to starlight.