MASON, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Kings Island will officially open its gates for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 18, headlined by the debut of a highly anticipated interactive dark ride that pays homage to one of the park’s most iconic former attractions.
Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare invites guests into a “haunted” theater where they must help “No Legs Larry” capture mischievous musical spirits known as ghost notes. Riding in enchanted opera boxes and equipped with special flashlights, visitors will navigate dimensional scenes featuring backstage areas, dressing rooms, and a fiery boiler room. The attraction features the return of beloved animatronic characters from the original 1992–2002 ride, including Maestro, Houdelini, and the Great Garbonzo.
“The stage is finally set for another summer of family thrills,” park officials said in a statement Monday. “Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare is a nod to the original that made its home at Kings Island for a decade.”
Season passholders will receive an exclusive first look at the new ride during a preview day on Friday, April 17, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The 2026 season also marks the 100th anniversary of the Grand Carousel. Manufactured in 1926, the hand-carved carousel remains the oldest operating ride in the park.
Other seasonal highlights include:
- Food & Wine Festival: Featuring local music and international cuisine at Tower Gardens, running weekends from May 29 through June 21.
- Illusionist Brad Ross: A live magic and grand illusion show at the Kings Island Theater, running May 30 through June 21.
- Grand Carnivale: The international cultural celebration and Spectacle of Color Parade returns daily from July 18 to Aug. 2.
- Soak City Water Park: Ohio’s dual-racing water coaster, RiverRacers, reopens for the summer on May 23.
Located in Mason, Kings Island features more than 65 rides and attractions, including the world-famous wooden roller coaster, The Beast.