KennyKon XXXVII

Location

Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Blvd
West Mifflin, PA 15122
When:  Aug 8, 2026
Associated with  Western Pennsylvania Region
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Contact

Bill Linkenheimer

blinkenheimer@aceonline.org

Join ACE Western Pennsylvania for the 37th edition of its annual flagship event - KennyKon! This year, we celebrate the 100th year of Whip and the 25th year of The Phantom's Revenge, both of which will be included in nighttime ERT! Additionally, we celebrate the 90th year of Noah's Ark, which will host a lights-on experience including a close-up look at the attraction's rocking mechanism! Thunderbolt and The Steel Curtain will be featured in the morning ERT, and the 106-year-old Jack Rabbit will be bestowed with ACE's new Centennial Award. Registered attendees will also enjoy a catered all-you-can-eat picnic dinner and other surprises.

Tentative Schedule

  • 8:30 - 9:15 a.m: . Event check-in at the main entrance
  • 9:15 a.m: The gate opens for attendees to enter the park
  • 9:30 - 11 a.m: ERT on Thunderbolt
  • 9:30 - 10:30 a.m:  Behind-the-Scenes lights-on Experience in Noah's Ark, including a rare look at the rocking mechanism
  • 10 - 11 a.m: ERT on The Steel Curtain
  • 11 a.m. - 10 p.m: Kennywood open for ACEers and the public to enjoy
  • TBD:  Presentation of the ACE Centennial Award for Jack Rabbit
  • 4 - 7 p.m: Soft drinks available in picnic pavilion
  • 5 - 6 p.m:  All-you-can-eat picnic dinner featuring penne pasta with marinara and oven-fried chicken. Hamburgers, Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Beans, Fresh Fruit Salad, Assorted Frozen Novelties, and soft drinks
  • TBD: 76th annual Fall Fantasy Parade
  • 10 - 10:30 p.m: ERT on The Whip
  • 10 - 11 p.m: ERT on The Phantom's Revenge

ACE Western Pennsylvania's famous ITOTs (Informal Take-Over Times) of rides will be scheduled throughout the day, and will include Jack Rabbit, Turtle, Merry-Go-Round, and other classic Kennywood rides.

Aside from the event check-in, the schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Additional Information

 

KennyKon takes place during the park's Fall Fantasy, so the usual informal ACE Fall Fantasy event has been rolled into KennyKon! Some lucky attendees will enjoy an opportunity to represent ACE by riding the trolley in the 76th annual Fall Fantasy Parade!
Lodging Information
Holiday Inn Express at The Waterfront

658 East Waterfront Dr.
Munhall, PA 15120
412.205.3904

Located only three miles from Kennywood, this is the closest hotel to the park. The hotel is newly renovated, offers a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary full breakfast, and is located in The Waterfront, a dynamic shopping and entertainment complex. All rooms include complimentary high-speed internet, coffee makers, and 32” televisions.

The rate is $139 per night for one king bed (up to 2 persons per room) or $159 per night for 2 double beds (up to 4 persons per room), plus 14% tax, and includes a full breakfast. Rooms are blocked for the nights of August 7 and 8.

The reservation deadline is July 7, 2026, to guarantee the rate. Rooms are limited and subject to availability.

To reserve, call the hotel at 412.205.3904 and, once you provide your stay dates, identify yourself as part of the group "ACE" to receive the special rate.

Cancellations: Room reservations made at the ACE rate may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date. No deposit is required.

If you encounter any problems making reservations, please contact ACE Western Pennsylvania Regional Representative Bill Linkenheimer at blinkenheimer@aceonline.org

Visiting Pittsburgh from out of town? Check out VisitPittsburgh.com

Park Policies
Height Requirements and Restrictions

Thunderbolt - 52"

The Steel Curtain - 52"

Whip - 46" to ride alone or otherwise must be accompanied by a supervising companion (infants not permitted)

The Phantom's Revenge - 48"

For height requirements for all other rides, click here

Parking Information

Parking is free in designated areas.

Preferred parking is available for an additional fee to those with appropriate season passes.

Camera Policy

Cameras are not permitted on rides at any time.

KennyKon takes place during the park's Fall Fantasy, so the usual informal ACE Fall Fantasy event has been rolled into KennyKon! Some lucky attendees will enjoy an opportunity to represent ACE by riding the trolley in the 76th annual Fall Fantasy Parade!

Receive Facebook notifications for event updates and other information by indicating "Going" or "Interested" on the KennyKon XXXVII Facebook event page.

Registration Information
Registration Deadline:

Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Late registration and on-site registration are not available.

Pricing
  • ACE Member*: $65.00
  • Child Member* (3-11): $59.00
  • Non-member*: $75.00
  • ACE Member with Season Pass: $34.00
  • Non-member with Season Pass: $44.00
  • *Registration includes an admission ticket.

Registration Requirements and Notes:

Event registration is available exclusively online. Mail-in registration is not available.

All memberships are verified as current by event organizers. Each person registered as a member must include their unique membership number; otherwise, the registration will be rejected.

Non-members may attend only if registered with and accompanied by a member.

Payment accepted only from current ACE members. Guests must be registered as ACE members and pay with the member.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be issued less a $10/person cancellation fee if notice is given by Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Cancellations must be made by phone to Elena Marziale at 412.337.3813.

Universe, ACE Western Pennsylvania's third-party event registration provider, offers an "Event Protection" insurance option during registration. This feature is NOT endorsed or recommended by ACE Western Pennsylvania.

You do NOT need to print tickets or have mobile tickets available when you check in on the day of the event.

Season Pass Discount: Please note that if you register as a season pass holder, you are responsible for bringing your valid season pass with you to the event and using it to get your all-day ride wristband when you check in for the event, as otherwise none will be provided.

Registrations are non-transferable. Should you be unable to make it and wish to transfer your registration to another person, please contact ACE Western Pennsylvania Regional Representative Bill Linkenheimer at blinkenheimer@aceonline.org.

No materials will be provided in advance. All registration materials (ride wristband, etc.) will be provided at the event check-in


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ACE Western Pennsylvania

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SCHEDULE ADVISORY

Inclement weather, equipment problems or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the published schedule. The park will do its best to provide ride times and rides as listed; however, the schedule of events remains tentative and is subject to change based on the park's operational status and local health restrictions at the time of the event.

ACCESSIBILITY

Should you need special accommodations such as a wheelchair, speech/hearing, etc., refer to the participating parks policy prior to the event date. Most parks offer a complete guide for guests with a disability.

REFUNDS AND REGISTRATION FEES

Refunds will not be given. Registration fees will not be prorated for partial attendance and tickets are nontransferable. Event attendee substitutions are at ACE’s discretion. Permission must be obtained prior to the event, in writing, from the event contact.

The payment of registration fees by, for, or on behalf of participants releases and holds harmless the American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. and its Officers, Directors, Executive Committee Members and representatives from any and all liabilities related to those activities. Returned checks and chargeback disputes will be treated as uncollected debt. ACE reserves the right to execute debt collection following the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

COVID-19 SAFETY INFORMATION

Although our host parks are making every effort to keep you as healthy and safe as possible, there remains an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place and place where people are present. Refer to park policies for additional information, requirements and latest updates.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Members and their guests should be especially aware that their behavior affects ACE’s reputation, and they are expected to abide by ACE’s Code of Conduct at all times during the event and follow all host park policies, including, but not limited to, alcohol consumption. Members are responsible for the conduct of their nonmember guests. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for supervising minor event attendees. Members found to be in violation of the code are subject to ACE's disciplinary procedures, which may be in the form of, but not limited to, verbal or written warning, membership suspension or involuntary termination.

Any violations of park policies, including underage alcohol consumption are a violation of section C.1 of ACE’s Code of Conduct and could result in suspension of the member’s ACE membership as well as action by the park.

NAME BADGES

You must be registered and your official event name badge must be visible to participate in scheduled event activities.