Don’t miss these exciting new events at Kings Island in 2017!

Tonight is Gold Pass Preview Night at Kings Island. While I was renewing our passes and add-ons this morning (I’m nothing if not punctual…), I noticed several really fun things happening this season.

(PS – this isn’t a sponsored post, though I’ve worked with Kings Island in the past. I’m just continuing to fall in love with the park all over again, after a decade or two of noncommittal. :))

Some of the events are brand new (and dare I say a little like some things offered by Disney Parks), others announce the return of beloved events that lifelong Cincinnatians will be excited to experience once again.

Here’s what we’re most looking forward to for the 2017 Kings Island season —

New Roller Coasters

Ok, just one new roller coaster. Mystic Timbers was announced with much fanfare last fall, and the time has come to finally find out what’s in the shed!

Extra Hours events

Midnight Closings | Saturdays, June 24-July 29

On select Saturdays, the park will stay open until midnight. Guests can also see fireworks displays three times larger than the usual nightly display. If you’ve ever been to evening Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World, you know that experiencing a theme park at night can be a whole different experience!

S’more Soak City | June 17

Gold and Platinum passholders can enjoy 2 extra hours of Soak City after the park closes in the evening! No word on whether or not there will be S’mores, but I think that seems like a natural fit. Don’t you?

Exclusive Night Rides | May 18, June 15, July 13, August 3

Gold and Platinum passholders can enjoy exclusive, late-night rides on some of your favorite roller coasters throughout the park. Everyone knows that coasters are better in the dark, right?

New (and old, familiar!) Events for Families

Race for your Life, Charlie Brown 1-Mile Family Fun Run | October 1

Kings Island has been adding great running events the past few years, but this one has us super excited! A family-friendly 1-mile, at-your-own-pace event takes runners “through the legs of coasters” and around the Planet Snoopy. There are even hints of characters running and visiting along the course!

Food Truck Fridays | May 5, 12, 19, 26

Who doesn’t love a good food truck? This year, different local offerings roll into Kings Island every Friday in May. Come hungry!

Lunch with the Peanuts Gang

At first I thought this was another character dining experience, but it’s something I think sounds even more fun. “Grab your lunch and join Snoopy and the Gang for this mealtime musical treat!”

We’re looking forward to checking out this new live stage show, presented in semi-picnic fashion! Sounds like fun.

The much-anticipated return of Winterfest | November & December

I’ll admit, I teared up a little when I heard Winterfest was coming back to the park. In the early 1990s, some of my fondest memories of winter were ice skating at Kings Island, and seeing the park lit up for the holidays. I truly cannot wait to experience Winterfest with my kids this year! I mean, except for the whole cold weather stuff. I can absolutely wait for that. Take your time, Winter…

I’m looking forward to hearing what is in store for Winter visitors, but so far they’re announcing “lavish holiday decor” (including the world’s largest Christmas Tree display), carolers throughout the park, homemade hot chocolate and special holiday menus, and ice skating on the park’s Royal Fountain. Count us in!

Also back for this year are dive-in movies at Soak City, the Great Pumpkin Fest, great running events, Spirit Song, and so much more. Check out the events page for more details and to mark your calendars!

For more Kings Island fun, including tips for your next visit, check out our these posts:

14 Important Tips for your First Visit to Kings Island

Kings Island Kicks Cancer (and other must-see fall events)