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National Roller Coaster Day

August 16

National Roller Coaster Day

Get your adrenaline pumping and celebrate National Roller Coaster Day with thrilling rides, amazing views, and delicious snacks!

Yearly Date
August 16
Observed in
United States
Category
Fun
Subcategory
Unique Celebrations
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?

Introduction

It's time to get your adventure on and celebrate National Roller Coaster Day on August 16! This day is dedicated to the thrills, chills, and excitement of roller coasters around the world. The first roller coaster was built in Paris back in 1817 as a way for passengers to travel from one hilltop station down another. Today there are numerous theme parks with incredible thrill rides that offer unique experiences for all ages.

National Roller Coaster Day Timeline

1817
Invention of Roller Coasters
The first roller coaster was built in Paris, France, using carriages that traveled from one station to another.
1884
First US Roller Coaster
The first roller coaster in the US, known as the Switchback Railway, was constructed at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.
1959
Disneyland's Monorail System
Disneyland unveils its Monorail System, one of the first daily operating monorail systems in the Western Hemisphere that added thrill to the amusement park.
1975
Invention of Steel Roller Coasters
"Revolution", the first modern, steel roller coaster was opened in Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.
1981
First Inverted Roller Coaster
The first inverted roller coaster, where riders were suspended from the track with their feet dangling, was opened at Kings Island amusement park in Ohio.
2015
World's Tallest Roller Coaster
The "Fury 325" at Carowinds in North Carolina becomes the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster reaching 325 feet at its highest point and speeds of 95mph.

How to Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day

1

Ride your favorite roller coaster

Go to your local theme park and conquer your favorite roller coaster. Make sure to take a photo to capture the experience.

2

Build your own roller coaster

Use recycled materials like boxes, bottles, and cans to construct a makeshift roller coaster. You can also use LEGOs, K'NEX or other building sets.

3

Watch a movie about roller coasters

Stream a movie that has something to do with roller coasters - maybe you know of one already or you could try The Rock 'n Roller Coaster starring Brad Pitt!

4

Read an article about roller coasters

Do some research and read up on some fun facts or recent news stories related to roller coasters.

5

Create an art project

Whether it's painting, sculpture, photography or any other form of art, create something that celebrates the thrill of the ride.

Why We Love National Roller Coaster Day

A

Roller coasters are thrilling

From the moment you set foot in a roller coaster, your heart starts racing. The big drops and tight turns keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire ride. Roller coasters are exciting, intense, and make for an adrenaline rush like no other!

B

Roller coasters bring families together

Taking a ride on a roller coaster is an excellent way to spend quality time with family and friends. Nothing quite compares to sharing that same moment of exhilaration and joy with the people around you! Bonding with loved ones while having fun is what National Roller Coaster Day is all about!

C

roller coasters challenge our comfort level

Riding a roller coaster pushes us out of our comfort zones in the best possible way. You're forced to confront fear head on and experience emotions outside your normal range - but knowing that you've conquered them afterwards is simply priceless!

Holiday Dates

Year Date Day
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2026 Sunday
2027 Monday