National Roller Coaster Day

Next celebratedSunday, August 16, 2026

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

See how to celebrate

Countdown to the day

--DAYS

--HRS

--MIN

--SEC

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEAugust 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYUnique

INTRO

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.

DEALS & OFFERS

Brands celebrating with you

21 active offers from 11 brands — limited time.

View all 21 deals

DEAL

Free Poster & Button at Nickelodeon Universe

On National Roller Coaster Day, Sunday, August 16 at 1:30 p.m., ride Back at the Barnyard coaster and receive an exclusive National Roller Coaster Day poster and commemorative button while supplies last.

Offer from

Nickelodeon Universe

DEAL

Exclusive Coaster Hour for Passholders

On National Roller Coaster Day (Sunday, August 16, 10-11 AM), all 2026 and 2027 Kennywood Passholders get exclusive ride time on every coaster at the park, including Steel Curtain, Phantom's Revenge, Jack Rabbit, Racer, Thunderbolt, Sky Rocket, Exterminator, and Lil' Phantom.

Offer from

Kennywood

$60 OFF

Save Up to $60 on 2027 Passholders

Purchase a 2027 Gold or Platinum Passholder and enjoy the rest of 2026 free, including Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights, saving up to $60. Valid for National Roller Coaster Day and beyond.

Offer from

Kennywood

DEAL

Free Souvenir Cup for First 100 Giant Dipper Riders

On Sunday, August 16, the first 100 riders on the Giant Dipper receive a free Boardwalk souvenir cup. Rides open at 11 AM. Normal ride pricing and restrictions apply.

Offer from

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

BOGO

Buy-One-Get-One Free Single-Day Ticket

On National Roller Coaster Day (August 16, 2026), guests who purchase one single-day ticket online receive a second ticket free as part of the End of Summer Sale. Offer available online only for a limited time.

Offer from

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

DEAL

Exclusive Morning Ride Time & Discounts

On August 16, season passholders get exclusive morning ride time on The Bobcat from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by early splash time on Raging River from 11:00 a.m.–noon. All guests receive one-day discounts on ride photos and collectible nano coaster models.

Offer from

Great Escape

TIMELINE

National Roller Coaster Day Timeline

Invention of Roller Coasters

The first roller coaster was built in Paris, France, using carriages that traveled from one station to another.

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.

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.

Invention of Steel Roller Coasters

"Revolution", the first modern, steel roller coaster was opened in Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.

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.

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day

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.

BUILD

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.

WATCH

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!

READ

Read an article about roller coasters

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

CREATE

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Roller Coaster Day

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!

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!

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!