Carowinds 2026 special events calendar brings back The Conjuring for spring break, plus a new summer parade

The “Place Where the Carolinas Come Together” is getting more exciting in 2026. Carowinds has revealed its 2026 season, which kicks off March 14, and includes the newly expanded Camp Snoopy featuring two new family rides.

In addition, Carolina Harbor Waterpark opens May 23, and new to the park’s special events calendar this year is a terrifying “Scream Break” and a new water parade.

“Our special events continue to grow in popularity, because they create so much value for our guests,” said Brian Oerding, park manager at Carowinds. “Guests want more opportunities to visit throughout the year, more reasons to return, and this year’s lineup is a direct result of that feedback. We’re adding enhanced experiences across every season.”

From Easter to Eerie

The park’s season starts on March 14, but the real surprises begin in April. Carowinds is introducing an all-new Spring Break celebration (April 3–12) that serves two very different audiences. While families can enjoy traditional Easter festivities, horror fans are getting an unexpected gift: Scream Break.

For the first time ever, guests can experience the park’s newest haunted attraction, The Conjuring: Beyond Fear, six months before the Halloween season begins. This interactive SCREAMium experience invites guests to navigate scenes from the Warner Bros. horror franchise as they work to lock away cursed artifacts before supernatural chaos is unleashed.

Following the spring chills, Viva La Fiesta returns from April 17 to May 17, bringing the flavors and sounds of Latin culture back to the state line for its second year.

A Summer of Music and Water

As the temperatures rise, so will the energy, according to Carowinds. This summer introduces Bands in Residence (June 13 – Aug. 9), a new music series highlighting local homegrown talent.

Perhaps the most-anticipated addition is SPLASH! Water Parade. Details are still surfacing, but the park promises an interactive experience featuring colorful floats and “water-soaking zones” specifically designed to help guests beat the Carolina heat.

The new parade joins the Star-Spangled Nights celebration on July 3 and 4, which will honor America’s 250th anniversary with a premier fireworks display.

More Carowinds 2026 Special Events

The latter half of the Carowinds 2026 Special Events calendar remains anchored by fan favorites. SCarowinds returns on select evening from Sept. 11 through Nov. 1, while the daytime Tricks and Treats festival (select days from Sept. 12 through Nov. 1) offers families a non-scary way to celebrate the season.

Oktoberfest also returns on select dates from Nov. 7 – 22, with its signature blend of authentic German cuisine and craft beer. Finally, the year wraps up with the immersive WinterFest (select dates Nov. 27 – Jan. 3), including a New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring a park-wide countdown and fireworks.

Planning Your Visit for Carowinds 2026 Special Events

The best way to catch all these events is with a 2026 Gold Season Pass, currently available for $89. In addition to Carowinds, the pass offers access to other Six Flags parks, such as Kings Dominion and Six Flags Over Georgia.

Carowinds will share additional event details at Carowinds.com/events. Please note that all dates and availability are subject to change. The park encourages guests to check the official website for the most up-to-date information regarding special events and park hours.