Kennywood to celebrate 125 years with park improvements, special events

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WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — Kennywood will celebrate its 125th season in 2023, so the amusement park is gearing up for the milestone with a two-year celebration and a multi-million dollar improvement project.

The announcement was made Thursday that the party will start in 2022 with upgrades, an expanded season, longer hours and more.

>>PHOTOS: Kennywood making updates as part of 125th celebration

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It was previously announced that the beloved Kangaroo ride will return to the park and that both the Phantom’s Revenge and Thunderbolt roller coasters were being repainted.

On top of those changes, the park will get makeovers throughout.

Some of the areas that will get a facelift include Kennywood’s entrance plaza and main gate, as well as the Old Mill and Jack Rabbit queue line areas. Food and beverage areas will also be enhanced, and that will include a redesigned Beer Garden.

The public will be able to play a role in park enhancements through a series of online votes on the styles and themes for parts of Kennywood. Right now until Dec. 24, people can vote on the transformation of a wall bordering the Jack Rabbit’s queue line (CLICK HERE).

Opening Day for 2022 will be April 23. A special lineup of events is planned throughout the year. Here’s a list from a Kennywood news release of what’s on tap:

  • April 23 – May 22: The 2022 Season begins with a locally inspired springtime food and music festival that will run Saturdays and Sundays through May 22.
  • May 26 – June 26: May 26 marks the start of Kennywood’s daily operating schedule and the beginning of the second annual Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival. Menus featuring some of 2021′s most popular offerings with new lineups inspired by different ethnic cuisines. Bites and Pints will also expand from three days a week to four, running from Thursday – Sunday with live entertainment daily.
  • July 1 – 4: Longtime favorite Celebrate America explodes onto the scene with the return of nightly fireworks, the Weiner 100 dachshund races, and more patriotic performances.
  • July 5 – 31: An all-new summertime event will provide extra activities for kids and families, plus showcase the unique magic of Kennywood Park after dark with special evening entertainment and high-energy music under the lights (stay tuned!).
  • August 6 – 21: The 72nd annual Fall Fantasy Parades march back into Kennywood, with nearly 200 high school and college bands performing each night.
  • September 23 – October 30: Phantom Fall Fest returns for a second season, with the ability to Play All Day, Fright All Night more than ever before.
  • November 18 – January 1: More than one million lights sparkle and shine at Holiday Lights – Pittsburgh’s Home for the Holidays – with expanded hours and entertainment on the way.

In honor of the 125th celebration, 2022 Gold Season Passes have been discounted to $125 for a limited time (CLICK HERE). They include admission for the remaining nights of Kennywood’s 2021 Holiday Lights, which continues until Jan. 2.

CLICK HERE for more information on Kennywood’s 125th celebration.

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