Kennywood opens this weekend, and it’s ready for summer.
For the amusement park’s 123rd season, festivities begin on Saturday, May 8, with a ceremonial first ride on the Jack Rabbit.
The iconic ride celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, but the pandemic halted a proper fete. Winners of last year’s 100 Years, 100 Memories contest, where entrants were asked to submit their favorite Jack Rabbit memory, will be the first to experience that double dip this season.
“We can’t wait to begin a new year that brings us closer to the typical Kennywood experience,” says Kennywood General Manager Mark Pauls in a press release. “The 2021 season offers a lot to be excited about, and we’ll keep the safety of our guests and team members as top priority as we welcome everyone back to the park.”
Operating hours
The three parks will open with limited days and hours and add as the summer goes on. Last week’s announcement of hourly pay increases for employees created more job interest.
“We have seen a demonstrable impact of those pay increases,” Paradise said.
Kennywood will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 8-9, 14-16, 21-23 and 28-31 with the exception of May 29, when the park will start staying open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays.
In June and July, the park will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, plus until 9 p.m. on Saturdays. On blackout dates of July 3-4, Aug. 14-15 and 21-22, basic season passes won’t be valid. Starting Aug. 28-29, Kennywood will be open for weekends only through Sept. 18-19, in addition to Labor Day, Monday Sept. 6.