What’s New at Cedar Point in 2026: Highlights from Winter Chill Out

Curious what's happening at Cedar Point in 2026? Learn about these highlights from our Winter Chill Out preview event, including park upgrades, seasonal celebrations, exciting events, and more!

Cedar Point's front gate during its Winter Chill Out preview event, photographed from a wide-shot angle

It’s winter. Sure, we might be dealing with the off-season blues (as we’re sure you are, too). But here are some signs that will get you excited for the 2026 season at Cedar Point. We recently hosted our annual Winter Chill Out preview event, where we often share additional park news for the upcoming season.

Winter Chill Out 2026: Event Overview & Charity Impact

This year at Winter Chill Out, we opened the park for more than 1,000 of our closest fans! This was an exclusive behind-the-scenes walking tour and fundraiser.

We take pride in sharing this with you — since fundraising at Winter Chill Out began in 2012, we’ve helped raise almost $1 million for various family-focused charities. For the past several years, we’ve partnered with A Kid Again – Northern Ohio. They’re an organization that fosters hope, happiness and healing for families raising kids with life-threatening illnesses. Funds raised from Winter Chill Out help provide amazing Adventures for these families so they can give illness a time out.

What’s Happening at Cedar Point This Year?

Aside from touring the park’s maintenance, landscaping and sign shops, Winter Chill Out attendees were also the first to learn about new experiences and offerings coming to Cedar Point in 2026, and we know you’ll want to check them out this summer.

Read on to get a sneak peek at some of the things we’re most excited about for the upcoming season at Cedar Point!

Top 8 Reasons to Visit Cedar Point in 2026

1. Star-Spangled Celebration: Spectacular Summer Fun

We're commemorating 250 years of the United States with a patriotic event that’s bursting with energy and excitement. Visit us June 29 – July 4 to enjoy:

Breathtaking skydiving demonstrations
Specialty food and beverage offerings
Interactive contests
Performances from the Ohio National Guard’s 122nd Army Band
What’s a patriotic celebration without fireworks? We’ve prepared one of the largest fireworks displays the Great Lakes has to offer! Check them out on Independence Day.

Nighttime fireworks over Cedar Point Beach and illuminated rides.

2. Veterans VIP Parking: Honoring Service Members

You may already know that we offer discounted admission tickets for first responders and members of the military. But, this year, we’re honoring those who have served our country with the addition of veterans-only VIP parking.

This exclusive area, located at the front of the main parking lot near the Main Gate, will be reserved for our nation’s bravest who have devoted their lives to defending the nation’s freedom.

3. Starbucks Renovations: A Fresh New Look

The Starbucks® locations at the park will debut refreshed looks for the 2026 season. When you visit, you’ll see updated seating, new color palettes, fresh décor with historical park photos and new layouts. Step inside for a refreshing hot or cold beverage while at the park.

Our two Starbucks locations are just inside the Main Gate and in the historic Hotel Breakers Rotunda along the Cedar Point Beach.

4. Regional Gold Pass: More Parks, More Fun

Guests looking to complete the ultimate summer road trip to enjoy Cedar Point’s sister parks within the Midwest can purchase the new Regional Gold Pass (cue the oooooohs and aaaaaaaaahs here).

Yes, the 2026 Gold Pass still includes season-long admission, parking, discounts and HalloWeekends®. Now, in addition, the new Regional Gold Pass includes access to these Six Flags parks:

Kings Island
Canada’s Wonderland
La Ronde
Michigan’s Adventure
Worlds of Fun
Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor Chicago
Hurricane Harbor Rockford
Six Flags St. Louis
Valleyfair
Six Flags Darien Lake

With the new Gold Pass regional access, it’s more fun, more parks! For park-specific details and help planning your next road trip, check out each park’s website to learn more.

Okay, that was a lot. But wait, there’s more – popular signature events and attractions in 2026 include:

5. Boardwalk Nights: Classic Cedar Point Fun

Back by popular demand for its third year, Boardwalk Nights runs evenings July 17 – Aug. 16. When the sun goes down, we’re celebrating Cedar Point’s rich history as a mile-long beach and boardwalk.

Visit the Cedar Point Beach and The Boardwalk section of the park for larger-than-life entertainment, over-the-top food and drink, games for the entire family, live music, dancing and more.

Performers on a themed float entertaining a crowd during Cedar Point’s Boardwalk Nights event.

6. HalloWeekends: Your Favorite Spooky Event

This family-friendly fall event returns for not-so-scary fun by day and frights by night. The spooktacular fun returns Sept. 17 – Nov. 1.

Yes, rides and attractions will always be our thing. But, HalloWeekends® adds fun fall flare to the mix, like:

Indoor Haunted Mazes
Immersive outdoor Scare Zones
Event-themed foods
Live shows
Millions of cornstalks, pumpkins, straw bales and décor that transform the park for spooky season

We’ll share more details about HalloWeekends later this year, so keep an eye out!

7. Happy Friar’s Fresh-Cut Fries Fest: A Tribute to an Icon

We, too, get a case of the midway munchies. We’re happy to share that Happy Friar’s Fresh-Cut Fries Fest will be back Sept. 11 – 13.

Our savory spuds have been a staple since 1942. This weekend event will offer a limited-time menu of specialty fresh-cut fries and toppings that’ll be available at both in-park locations.

Four servings of loaded fries on wooden boards, each topped with different ingredients and sauces.

Pictured are limited-time-only festival options from the 2025 event — we change the menu annually!

8. Siren’s Curse: & Top Thrill 2: Record-Setting Thrills Return

They don’t call us The Roller Coaster Capital of the World® for nothing. Another season means another chance to ride our newest roller coasters:

Siren’s Curse® - Climb 160 feet above the park and tilt precariously over the edge on North America’s tallest, fastest and longest tilt coaster. On-board audio and LED lighting included!
Top Thrill 2® - Speed and height are king on the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch “strata” coaster. Guests experience three incredible bursts of speed, including the world’s fastest reverse launch at 101 mph and the 420-foot-tall top hat!

And if you’re curious to learn even more about roller coasters, check out our recent post about the different types of roller coasters — or see them in person at the park!

Prepare For a Great Season at Cedar Point

Phew. That was a lot. As you can see, Cedar Point has a lot planned for this upcoming year. With brand-new additions plus returning classics you know and love, it’s bound to be a year of thrills, fun and splashes. We open for the 2026 summer season on Saturday, May 9, and we can’t wait to see you!