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Carousel Day

Step right up and join the fun on Carousel Day! Enjoy a whirlwind of nostalgia, music, and laughter as you ride these timeless attractions.

Saturday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 25

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYUnique

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to take a spin on National Carousel Day on July 25! This whimsical holiday celebrates the beloved amusement park ride that has been around since the early 1800s. Originally, carousels were powered by horses and were used for training purposes for knights, but over time they evolved into a fun form of entertainment for people of all ages. Today, carousels can be found in many different forms and styles, from classic wooden horses to modern themed designs. So gather your friends and family and enjoy a day filled with laughter and nostalgia as you relive childhood memories on this special day!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

4 brands have run a deal

Carousel Park & Hampton Carousel

Minnesota Zoo

The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Balboa Park

See past offers

TIMELINE

Carousel Day Timeline

Carousel Inception

Carousels originated in the early 1800s, originally used for training purposes for knights, and then evolved into a form of entertainment.

First Steam-Powered Carousel

The first steam-powered carousel emerged, making it possible to create larger rides with more elaborately decorated animals.

Carousel Patent

The first patent for a carousel was issued to Wilhelm Schneider of Davenport, Iowa.

Golden Age of Carousels

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the golden age of carousels, where they became a staple in amusement parks across the US and Europe.

Carousel Preservation Movement

The 1970s saw the rise of a carousel preservation movement, aiming to restore and protect historical carousels.

National Carousel Day

National Carousel Day is now celebrated annually on July 25, highlighting the magical role carousels play in our collective cultural history.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Carousel Day

Ride a carousel

What better way to celebrate Carousel Day than by actually riding a carousel? Find a local amusement park or fair and take a spin on one of these classic rides.

HOST

Host a carnival-themed party

Invite your friends over for a carnival-themed party! Decorate with colorful streamers and serve classic carnival treats like cotton candy, popcorn, and funnel cakes. And of course, don't forget to have a carousel-inspired centerpiece.

CREATE

Create your own carousel art

Get creative and make your own carousel-inspired art! You can paint a picture, make a collage, or even create a miniature carousel using recycled materials. Let your imagination run wild!

VISIT

Visit a carousel museum

Do some research and see if there are any carousel museums in your area. Take a trip and learn more about the history and craftsmanship behind these beautiful rides.

Share carousel memories

Gather your family and friends and share your favorite memories of riding carousels. It's a great way to celebrate the day and create new memories together.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Carousel Day

It's a fun activity for all ages

Not only are carousels nostalgic for adults, they also bring joy to children. Taking a ride on a carousel is a simple yet enjoyable activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages on Carousel Day.

It's a day to relive childhood memories

Carousel Day is a perfect excuse to let your inner child come out and play. Many adults have fond memories of riding carousels as children, so take this opportunity to ride one again and reminisce about simpler times.

Carousels are beautiful works of art

From the intricate details on the horses to the vibrant colors and lights, carousels are truly breathtaking pieces of art. On Carousel Day, take some time to admire the craftsmanship of these iconic carnival rides.

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