Kentucky Kingdom Opens May 9, Announces Flying Fox Opening Dats And First Riders Auction

This season is jam packed with new dining, entertainment, and guest experience upgrades, plus a First Riders Auction now open ahead of Flying Fox's May 28 debut

LOUISVILLE, KY (May 7, 2026) – Kentucky Kingdom opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 9, bringing new dining, live entertainment and guest experience upgrades to Kentucky’s largest theme park. Guests can take to the skies on May 28 when Flying Fox, the park’s sixth coaster, makes its public debut. Starting today, guests can bid for a spot to be among the first riders of the new coaster with all proceeds benefiting the Kentucky 4-H Foundation.

The opening of the all-new Flying Fox roller coaster solidifies Kentucky Kingdom’s status as an ultimate coaster destination, as the park now offers the most roller coasters of any theme park in the state. Flying Fox invites riders to step into the daring world of local legend and crop-dusting pilot Jeb Fox, as they soar above a vibrant, farmland-inspired landscape. Flying Fox delivers a one-of-a-kind experience complete with sweeping aerial views of Louisville and a thrilling plunge through an underground tunnel that caps off the ride’s unforgettable journey.

New this year, guests can catch five brand-new live entertainment shows starting May 23 alongside the opening of Hurricane Bay Water Park and continue exploring Discovery Meadow, which made its debut in 2025. This season, Kentucky Kingdom is also raising the bar on the guest experience with cashless payments parkwide and mobile ordering at select dining locations.

"We can't wait to welcome guests to the 2026 season. From five brand-new live shows to the debut of Flying Fox, this is a season built for families to create memories worth repeating,” said Sarah Worrell, General Manager of Kentucky Kingdom. “Flying Fox, of course, will be an exclamation mark but this season has so much to offer, and we are so excited to open the park gates for our guests.”

 Kentucky Kingdom is continuing to take theme park food to a whole new level. All food served at the Bourbon Craft House is handmade to order, giving guests an elevated dining experience. This season, brand-new traditional bone-in chicken wings join the menu alongside crowd favorites like the hand-breaded chicken tenders and Bacon Onion Jam Burger. Starting May 9, the park goes cash-free, accepting cards and mobile payments throughout. Guests who bring cash can easily convert it at one of three on-site kiosks at no charge.  To reduce guests’ time in line even more, the park has introduced mobile food ordering for the first time ever. Ordering will be available at Bloom’s BBQ & Grill, Bluegrass Bakery and Twisted Pretzel beginning on Opening Day. Orders can be easily placed through the Kentucky Kingdom mobile app.

Five new live shows take the stage this season, kicking off with the opening of Hurricane Bay on May 23. Boombox Summer Jam brings a neon-themed 90s dance party, and stunt fans won't want to miss Wheels in the Wild or Thrill Chasers featuring moto riders and parkour athletes bringing the action live. Hurricane Bay opens with even more ways to enjoy the park, including DJ Riptide on weekends with island-themed music sets and King Louie's Bubble Party for the kids. This season's entertainment lineup promises something for every age and interest.

Unlock the full Kentucky Kingdom experience all year long, with summertime rides and slides, plus signature seasonal events like Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom and Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom in the fall and winter with a Season Pass as low as $79.99. To celebrate opening weekend, the park is offering a Park Opening Sale with one-day admission tickets for only $34.99 + tax, valid May 9 through June 15, 2026 — available online only through May 8.

For more information on tickets, event hours, and season passes, visit www.kentuckykingdom.com.

About Kentucky Kingdom 

Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park is Kentucky’s largest amusement and water park in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. Spanning 67 acres, it offers family-friendly entertainment with over 70 rides and attractions – including one of the region's largest selections of children’s rides (King Louie’s Playland), five world-class roller coasters, and two giant wave pools. Learn more at kentuckykingdom.com.  

Kentucky Kingdom is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of more than four dozen properties, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. While each brand is unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Together, we love in all we do, every day—caring for one another, welcoming our guests with warmth, and making a positive difference in our communities. For more information, visit www.herschendenterprises.com. 

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