Kennywood to celebrate July 4 with fireworks, free concerts, extended hours

By: Mark Frazee | Content Manager - Pittsburgh HUB

Can it be? The rainy weather is finally moving out just in time for the Fourth of July! Here at Kennywood, we're celebrating the holiday with a bunch of special activities and special offers. Here's a quick rundown of what's going on - plus a few tips and tricks to make the most of your day!

Zambelli Fireworks - The Main Attraction!

At Kennywood, Independence Day is headlined by an epic Zambelli fireworks show. We'll light up the night sky above the Racer at approximately 9:30PM. For the best fireworks experience... 

• Look toward the Racer for the best view.
• Keep in mind the area near the Merry-Go-Round and the Lagoon Bridge are the most popular spots in the park - they fill up quick and provide the clearest view from the midway.
• Reserve the best spot in the park - your very own paddle boat! You and a guest can enjoy the show on your own boat on the Laggon from 9-10PM. Spots are extremely limited, with reservations opening on a first come, first served basis starting at 3PM. Cost: $30/boat.
• My personal favorite place to watch the fireworks show: from a coaster! If you time things just right, you'll get to watch the show as you climb the lift hill of the Phantom's Revenge or the Thunderbolt. It'll be a ride you never forget!

Bonus Bites (and Pints)

Bites and Pints, Pittsburgh's Most Thrilling Food Festival, will open at 1PM Tuesday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday! Mix and match any of our delicious dishes at our nine international tasting booths around the Lagoon.

Pro tip: for the best bargain, buy a Bite Card ahead of time! It's a super affordable way to stay nice and full all day long. And if you don't use all your samples tomorrow, they're still valid every Friday night, Saturday and Sunday through the end of July.

FREE Country Concerts

We're excited to welcome the Nathan King Country Band to the Garden Stage for live country concerts! Rock out to country hits at 1PM, 3PM, 6PM and 8PM. All concerts are included FREE with your ticket or Season Pass!

Extended Hours - Open Until 10PM

With epic Fourth of July fireworks in the works, Kennywood will be open until 10PM tomorrow, July 4. Get here early and stay late for fireworks and night rides!

Pro tip: on a beautiful holiday day, planning your riding route can save lots of time. Rides on the far side of the park like Phantom's Revenge, Spinvasion and Exterminator will have shorter lines right at opening! To reduce time spent in line all day long, check out Speedy Pass.

FREE Admission for Military Members

Kennywood salutes those who serve our country! All military members (active duty, retired, and veterans with valid ID) receive FREE admission and can purchase up to 4 discounted tickets for only $34.99 each at the gate on Tuesday, July 4.

Save 40% on 2+ Tickets NOW

With all of these special activities planned, plus your favorite rides and attractions, it's slated to be a fantastic holiday at Kennywood! To make it even better, tickets are 40% off when you buy two or more online during our July 4 Super Sale. That's only $39.99 a ticket for eleven hours of coasters, fireworks, a food & drink festival and live concerts! Grab your tickets now before the sale ends tomorrow night.

Pro tip: if you can't make it tomorrow, don't sweat it. July 4 Super Sale tickets are valid any operating day through August 27 - so it pays to plan ahead! Weekdays right after the Fourth of July are often great days to visit with slightly lighter crowds expected.

BONUS: Christmas in July Sale!

Ho, ho, holy cow! 2023 Platinum Passes are on sale for only $199.99. There are still six months left to enjoy everything here at Kennywood - Bites and Pints, Fall Fantasy, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights - with plenty of time to play at Sandcastle, Idlewild and SoakZone and all our sister parks! Plus, for the Platinum Pass ONLY, 6 Pay is back! Buy now for 6 easy payments of only $33.33 each.

RECAP: July 4 Schedule of Activities

• 11AM: Park opens
• 1PM: Bites and Pints opens, Nathan King Country Band Concert #1
• 3PM: Paddle Boat reservations open, Nathan King Country Band Concert #2
• 6PM: Nathan King Country Band Concert #3
• 8PM: Nathan King Country Band Concert #4
• 9:30PM: Fireworks begin
• 10PM: Park closes

On behalf of all of us at Kennywood, Happy Independence Day!