Kennywood turns up the fright with all-new Phantom Fall Fest Experiences
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Kennywood gates are creaking open once again as Phantom Fall Fest turns the fear up to 10 for 22 nights beginning on Saturday, Sept. 12. This season, visitors are invited to do Halloween their way as Kennywood offers new daytime activities, a delicious fall tasting experience, beloved rides, and the park’s […]
NEAAPA award this year’s Pinnacle Scholarship: Damian Guerra of Funtown Splashtown USA
Damian has been with Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, ME for three seasons and is a Lead in the Rides Department. In his essay, he said in his first season “I struggled with meeting new people, being social with co-workers, wasn’t always putting in the effort to try to engage with the guests”. However when […]
Toverland presents Europe’s largest Halloween Experience
Preparations for the Halloween season are in full swing at Theme park Toverland. From Saturday 3 October, the park will host 17 family-friendly Halloween Days and 13 spine-chilling Halloween Nights. During Halloween Nights, no fewer than 170 scare actors will take over the park across 6 thrilling scare zones and 6 terrifying Haunted Experiences. New […]
Six Flags Great Adventure offers last chance to splash and save this Labor Day Weekend
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure is giving guests two reasons to make the most of Labor Day weekend: one final chance to splash at Hurricane Harbor New Jersey and one final chance to lock in the lowest price on a 2027 Gold Season Pass. Hurricane Harbor New Jersey has just three operating days remaining in its 2026 season, […]
TEA announces 2026 TEA Masters inductees
BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) today announced the 2026 TEA Masters® inductees, honoring themed entertainment professionals whose careers have made significant and lasting contributions to the global industry. Since 2019, the TEA Masters program has honored creators, managers, designers, writers, producers, engineers, and craftspeople whose work has advanced themed entertainment through innovation, design, craftsmanship, technical excellence, […]
Dollywood Parks & resorts announces plans to honor Dreamer-In-Chief
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — The Dollywood Parks & Resorts family continues to celebrate the extraordinary life of its incomparable Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton, with plans to create several new experiences and installations that honor her remarkable contributions, enduring values and love for the people and places of the Great Smoky Mountains. Over the coming months, these additions […]
IAFE awards nearly $50,000 in scholarships and grants to support fair industry professionals
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), in partnership with the IAFE Education Foundation and with generous contributions from its valued partners, has awarded $49,963 in scholarships and grants to help fair professionals attend the 2026 IAFE Convention & Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 69 scholarships and grants […]
Fairytale Farm’s Illuminated Evenings return with a magical new Wonderland experience
CHIPPING NORTON, Oxfordshire — Fairytale Farm will transform into a wonderland of light, colour and music this autumn when its popular Illuminated Evenings return from Friday 23 October to Sunday 15 November 2026. The after-dark event will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as every evening during October Half Term from 24 October to […]
‘Fang’tastic fun returns to Legoland New York Resort
GOSHEN, N.Y. — A fun and festive Halloween awaits as LEGOLAND New York Resort transforms for Brick or Treat this October! The signature family-friendly event filled with Halloween fun kicks off October 2 and families can look forward to trick or treating, live entertainment, and meet and greets with Halloween-themed LEGO characters. The event runs […]
Endless Surf and Flowstate announce partnership and introduce ‘The Mixtape’
VANCOUVER, British Colombia — Endless Surf and Flowstate announced a strategic partnership bringing together two of the surf park industry’s most advanced technologies to create a more connected technology ecosystem for surf park operators and a more personalized experience for surfers. The partnership pairs Endless Surf’s flexible, customizable wave technology with Flowstate’s leading AI-powered computer vision, […]
Six Flags Fiesta Texas breaks ground on Werewolf Gorge
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Six Flags Fiesta Texas officially broke ground today on Werewolf Gorge, the future world’s longest family launch coaster and the largest single-attraction investment in park history, marking a major milestone in the continued growth of the park and Texas tourism industry. Scheduled to debut during the park’s 35th anniversary season in 2027, Werewolf Gorge will stretch […]
Six Flags St. Louis officially becomes Mid America Adventure
EUREKA, Mo. — Six Flags St. Louis today announced the park’s new name: Mid America Adventure. Along with the name, the park also revealed an updated logo and brand identity which honors its 55-year history in the heart of the Midwest while celebrating its diverse collection of rides and attractions. “We are excited about the […]
Movie Park Germany summons the legends of darkness for the Halloween Horror Festival 2026
Some legends create history. Others create bloody nightmares. Under the motto “Legends Never Die”, the Halloween Horror Festival 2026 rises from the darkest corners of Movie Park and truly lives up to its name. With the new “Jason Universe” horror house, Movie Park Germany unleashes one of film history’s most famous slashers. By bringing back a […]
PortAventura World gets ready for its most complete Halloween yet: a new passage andproposals for the whole family
PortAventura World is preparing for a new Halloween season with a renewed proposal that raises the intensity of the experience and expands its entertainment offering. From September 19 to November 15, PortAventura Park will transform its areas with new elements of terror and proposals for the whole family, among which the premiere of El Carnicero de Penitence, […]
Lake Compounce welcomes new General Manager Daniel LLanas
BRISTOL, Conn. — Lake Compounce, America’s First Amusement Park, today announced the appointment of Daniel LLanas as General Manager of Lake Compounce Amusement & Water Park. Daniel brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the theme park, water park and destination-attraction industry to his new role, with a strong track record of driving operational […]
Thank you for celebrating 175 years of Wisconsin State Fair together
WEST ALLIS, Wis. — The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by T-Mobile, celebrated 175 years together with 925,749Fairgoers who visited over the 11 days. “Whether you took a spin 230 feet in the air on the America 250 Wheel, raised a glass of Cream Puff Ale, danced at one of the many shows throughout the Fair Park […]
Skyline Social partners with Intercard at its big new location in Minnesota
ST. LOUIS — Intercard’s latest cashless technology has been chosen to manage the arcade at the new Skyline Social & Games in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Skyline Social’s massive, all-new family entertainment center spans nearly 100,000 indoor and outdoor square feet. It is operated by the Kolquist family, which has run a popular bowling center in […]
Area15 transforms into Las Vegas’ Halloween epicenter For Scarea15: Strange Circus, Saturday, Oct. 31
LAS VEGAS — AREA15, the world’s first purpose-built destination for immersive entertainment located parallel to the Las Vegas Strip, will turn into a sprawling Halloween playground of music, performance, art and spectacle with the return of its annual ScAREA15 Massive on Saturday, Oct. 31. Headlined by internationally renowned DJ and producer Valentino Khan, ScAREA15: Strange Circus […]
Statement from Stampede and Pirates Voyage regarding the passing of Dolly Parton
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that we remember Dolly Parton—an extraordinary artist and visionary partner. Almost 40 years ago we partnered with Dolly to create our venues that have welcomed millions of guests, created opportunities for thousands, and strengthened the communities we serve. Dolly’s impact, however, has always gone far beyond the […]
Statement from Dollywood regarding the passing of Dolly Parton
IGEON FORGE, Tenn. — With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit. Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness—a space […]
EXTRA! EXTRA! The SEPTEMBER 2026 issue is now available!
In this issue:
New Hatfield & Mccoy Dinner Show takes on fall with autumn antics perfect for a seasonal Smokies visit beginning September 11
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — When the heat of summer turns to cooler autumn days and nights, the Smokies’ top feudin’ families have come up with an all-new way to fuss and fight all fall with a new harvest-themed show at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. Starting Sept. 11 and continuing through Nov. 5, the […]
WhiteWater debuts Helix Twist, world’s first optical illusion water slide
VANCOUVER, Canada — WhiteWater, the world’s largest designer and supplier of water attractions, has debuted Helix Twist, a water slide feature that uses a physically twisting flume profile to change riders’ perception of motion, orientation, and gravity. The feature premiered as part of the Dragonfly Jet water slide at The Land of Legends in Antalya, Türkiye. […]
AromaPrime to reveal Pirate Water Ride smell at IAAPA Expo Europe
AromaPrime is launching a new themed scent oil called Pirate Water Ride. It is for theme park fans and theme parks alike, and will be unveiled at the IAAPA Expo Europe in London this September. Pirate Water Ride is inspired by what could be the most popular theme park smell ever! It is recognisable in […]
Cute! Six Flags Wild Safari welcomes more than 30 baby rheas
JACKSON, N.J. — Wild Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure is celebrating the arrival of more than 30 baby rheas born over the past week, adding an exciting new chapter to the park’s ongoing commitment to wildlife care and conservation. Native to South America, rheas are large, flightless birds closely related to ostriches and emus. While adults can […]
Step into the Ffog at Knott’s Scary Farm where nightmares turn into reality
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Knott’s Scary Farm, Southern California’s longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event, is excited to announce two new spine-chilling mazes that will take guests into an animated nightmare and to the base of terror. The 2026 Knott’s Scary Farm lineup includes a total of 10 mazes, five sinister scare zones, two new shows plus fan-favorite, […]
Purchase a Discounted 2027 Season Pass now and receive free access the rest of 2026!
ORLANDO — Fun Spot America, known for providing family-friendly entertainment and thrilling experiences across its Central Florida parks, is kicking off its first-ever Early Access Season Pass offer. Providing families a huge entertainment value with up to 16 months of fun! Offering exclusive savings on 2027 Season Passes and 2027 Ultimate Season Passes while also […]
New Excavator attraction has arrived at Calypso’s Cove
OLD FORGE, N.Y. — Families visiting Old Forge have a new way to play with the addition of the Excavator ride experience at Calypso’s Cove, located next door to Water Safari. The attraction features three real JCB mini excavators brought to Old Forge from Water Safari’s sister park, Diggerland USA. Two excavators offer guests a traditional […]
IATP announces new partnership with TheHopeLine to support young employees and guests
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The International Adventure & Trampoline Parks Association (IATP) is pleased to announce a new partnership with TheHopeLine, a free and confidential crisis chat service that connects students and young adults with a caring Hope Coach 24 hours a day. Through this partnership, IATP will introduce its members to TheHopeLine’s services and free […]
Guy Fieri and FACE Amusement Group to host official ribbon cutting for Downtown Flavortown Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Guy Fieri and FACE Amusement Group will host the official ribbon cutting of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown Myrtle Beach on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Myrtle Beach Mall. The public is invited to attend the outdoor ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Emmy Award-winning chef and television personality Guy Fieri, FACE Amusement Group executives, community leaders and special guests. Following the public […]
TrainerTainment’s Genevieve Sullivan to speak at Amusement 360 on building staff training that actually sticks
RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — TrainerTainment, powered by The GrowthPro Group is proud to announce that Genevieve Sullivan will take the stage at Amusement 360 on Wednesday, August 26, from 3:30 to 4:10 p.m. Her session, Build it Once: Designing Staff Training That Sticks, is built for operators who are tired of training that disappears the […]
Fright Fest returns to Six Flags Darien Lake Sept. 19
DARIEN CENTER, N.Y. — Halloween takes over Six Flags Darien Lake this fall as Fright Fest returns on select dates from Sept. 19 through Oct. 11, transforming the Thrill Capital of New York into Western New York’s biggest Halloween experience. By day, families can enjoy Kids Boo Fest, featuring trick-or-treating, costume contests, family-friendly entertainment and seasonal surprises. Guests can also […]
The numbers are in: families are the future of VR, and Zero Latency VR’s Jumanji: The Lost Levels will be ready for them
MELBOURNE, Australia — Zero Latency VR, the world’s largest and most innovative immersive VR network, has a date, a destination, and a challenge for you: step into the world of Jumanji: The Lost Levels on December 4, 2026. The experience, built in collaboration with Sony Pictures, will be live at Zero Latency VR locations worldwide, […]
Six Flags New England unveils Fall lineup with Oktoberfest, Kids Boo Fest and Fright Fest
AGAWAM, Mass. — Today, Six Flags New England announced its 2026 fall events lineup, bringing Oktoberfest flavors, family-friendly Halloween activities and the thrills of Fright Fest to Agawam, Massachusetts. From Oktoberfest presented by Cash App and Kids Boo Fest to Fright Fest presented by Snickers, guests can enjoy seasonal entertainment, themed food and drinks, Halloween activities and immersive […]
SCarowinds presented by Snickers enters most ambitious Halloween season yet with the debut of Jason: Blood Reign and eight terrifying new experiences
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — SCarowinds is adding eight new terrifying experiences this year. Now with a total of 17 haunted attractions, the Carolinas’ largest Halloween event is bigger than ever, with one of the most robust attraction offerings in SCarowinds’ 26-year history. Headlining this season’s new attractions, SCarowinds will debut Jason: Blood Reign, featuring one of horror’s most […]
Six Flags Darien Lake seeks more than 400 employees for spooktacular Fall season
Something spooky is stirring at Six Flags Darien Lake as the park prepares for its thrilling fall event season. Six Flags Darien Lake is seeking more than 400 employees to join the team for Fright Fest, Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. The park is hiring for a variety of seasonal positions, including Ride Operators, Food Service Team Members, Scare Actors, […]
Halloween Haunt presented by Snickers returns to Kings Dominion Sept. 18
DOSWELL, Va. — When darkness falls, the screams rise. Kings Dominion today announced one of its most ambitious Halloween entertainment lineups ever as Halloween Haunt returns on select dates beginning Sept. 18, transforming the park into a massive nighttime playground where thrills and scares collide. As part of Six Flags Entertainment’s largest Halloween celebration in company history, Kings Dominion […]
The 2026 Golden Ticket Awards introduces new attendee app
ARLINGTON, Texas — The attractions industry is headed to Texas for the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, September 11–12, and this year attendees will have a new way to stay connected throughout the event. Presented annually by Amusement Today, the Golden Ticket Awards bring industry professionals together to celebrate the “Best of the Best” while enjoying two days […]
Silver Dollar City unveils Miner’s Mountain Express
OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. — Silver Dollar City today unveiled Miner’s Mountain Express, America’s Most Legendary Family Coaster, opening in 2027. Based on a true Ozarks story, families will embark on an expedition more than a century in the making, racing through the history, mystery and determination that inspired the creation of America’s #1 Theme Park. […]
Fireworks & Party in the Park moving from Eldridge Park for 2027!
ELMIRA, N.Y. — The Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society has announced that the annual Fireworks and Party in the Park will be moving to a new location in 2027. Details have not been finalized but the event will not be held at Eldridge Park. “Unfortunately, as the fireworks grew and our crowds increased, we could […]
Six Flags Great Adventure goes big for fall with four new haunted mazes, family Halloween fun and more ways to play
JACKSON, N.J. — This fall, one day at Six Flags Great Adventure can go from candy to coasters to creatures after dark. The Northeast’s premier theme park destination is going big for fall in 2026, delivering a full day-to-night lineup packed with family-friendly Halloween experiences, seasonal food and entertainment, world-class thrill rides and one of the park’s […]
Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest presented by Snickers raises the fear factor this fall with new haunted attractions and the return of blockbuster horror franchises The Conjuring universe and Saw
MABLETON, Ga. — This fall, Six Flags Over Georgia transforms into a world of haunted mazes, roaming monsters and pulse-pounding scares as Fright Fest returns, select nights, Sept. 12 through Nov. 1. The park today announced an expansive event lineup of 13 haunted experiences, including two new premium haunted mazes, two new immersive scare zones, a new live show […]
Carowinds reaches major construction milestone with topping of record-breaking tower on Rip Roarin’ Falls
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carowinds has reached a major construction milestone on its new record-breaking water ride, Rip Roarin’ Falls. The ride’s 100-foot tower is now topped off and will soon be home to the world’s tallest flume drop. The ride’s second tower, which is 42-feet and will feature the world’s tallest reverse drop and reverse […]
Legoland California Resort reveals all-new Lego Halloween spaceship elements for Galacticoaster
CARLSBAD, Calif. — The stratosphere is getting a Halloween makeover just in time for Brick or Treat! LEGOLAND California Resort is taking its new roller coaster, Galacticoaster, to new heights with all-new Halloween-themed custom spaceship elements bringing out-of-this-world fun to the Resort’s newest land, LEGO Galaxy. Available throughout the fall season from Sept. 19 through Nov. 1, […]
KMI International awarded Owner’s Representative Services contract for Cruise Terminal 10 landside improvements at Port Canaveral
MAITLAND, Fla. — KMI International has been awarded the Owner’s Representative Services contract by Canaveral Port Authority for the Cruise Terminal 10 (CT10) Landside Improvements project at Port Canaveral. The CT10 Landside Improvements project will support the expansion and renovation of the reimagined facility which is located within one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. Planned […]
It’s a boy! — the Fort Wayne Zoo welcomes baby reticulated giraffe
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo is happy to announce the birth of a male reticulated giraffe born the morning of August 10 to 12-year-old giraffe Faye and 16-year-old Ezeji. The baby giraffe currently stands 6’ tall and weighs 196 lbs. His name will be unveiled at a later date. The Fort Wayne […]
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Wild Safari celebrates unlikely friendship between bison calf and kangaroo
JACKSON, N.J. — An unlikely friendship is capturing hearts behind the scenes at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Wild Safari, where a young American bison calf and a kangaroo have become best buddies. Two-month-old bison calf Gertie has found a best friend in Penny, a hand-raised kangaroo just over a year old. The pair are currently spending […]
Rescued manatee returns home
SeaWorld Orlando recently returned rescued manatee Ralston to his natural habitat following months of rehabilitation. Ralston was severely injured in a crab-trap-line entanglement that required the amputation of his left pectoral flipper… but that didn’t stop him from making an incredible recovery and returning home!
Family Entertainment Group LLC celebrates 100th location milestone with landmark partnership aboard Margaritaville at Sea
ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group LLC (FEG), one of the nation’s premier operators of family entertainment centers, today announced a landmark partnership with Margaritaville at Sea, the fast-growing cruise line inspired by the legendary lifestyle brand. Under the agreement, FEG will manage the onboard family entertainment centers across the Margaritaville at Sea fleet, a […]
Bier Fest Brews & BBQ, Tampa’s best Oktoberfest-inspired festival, returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with an all-new global-inspired menu
TAMPA, Fla. — Visitors can toast to craft brews, barbecue dishes and world-class thrills with the return of Bier Fest Brews & BBQ at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This Oktoberfest-inspired festival runs every Saturday and Sunday plus Labor Day through Sept. 7 and is included with park admission. Guests can experience mouthwatering barbeque offerings and refreshing beers, while also enjoying tunes at Helga’s Bier Garten or playing Oktoberfest-inspired games. Extended due to popular demand, visitors can also enjoy the Wild […]