Carowinds announces lineup for 50th anniversary season

Carowinds Carowinds is planning a series of events to celebrate its 50th season. (Provided)

By Patrick Phillips

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Lowcountry Weekend) - Carowinds will celebrate its golden anniversary this year and the park is releasing a series of special events designed to mark its five decades of entertaining kids of all ages.

Park officials say new attractions and returning favorites will give visitors something special to experience nearly every week.

An artists rendering shows the park's all-new Aeronautica Landing, a tribute to the Carolinas’ spirit of invention, exploration, and aviation, which is expected to open in the spring. (Provided)

At the center of the park’s 50th anniversary will be the all-new Aeronautica Landing, a tribute to the Carolinas’ spirit of invention, exploration, and aviation. This area introduces five new themed attractions as well as retheming an existing ride, for a total of six rides, opening in spring 2023.

A release from the park lists the following seasonal events planned for the year:

  • Grand Carnivale (June 24-July 9): This international festival showcases how the world kicks up its heels at the day-to-night, larger-than-life international celebration. Enjoy high-energy live music, delicious international food, lively games, and unique crafts at Grand Carnivale.
  • The Great Pumpkin Fest (Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 16-Oct. 29): The Great Pumpkin Fest offers one-of-a-kind Halloween family-friendly and event-exclusive entertainment throughout the park. During this special event, guests can celebrate the season, with just a speck of spooky, alongside the PEANUTS Gang and discover sweet and savory menu items inspired by fall flavors and the Halloween season.
  • SCarowinds (select nights, Sept. 15-Oct. 29): SCarowinds returns this fall with all-new scares that will bring guests’ worst nightmares and unimaginable horrors to life. Guests will come face to face with their fears and monsters nightly as they brave Carowinds’ tantalizing experiences, including spine-chilling scare zones, mazes, and ominous shows. Specialized foods and themed adult beverages are created to further enhance the already immersive experience. Guests also can revel in select attractions open during SCarowinds and enjoy exclusive photo opportunities.
  • WinterFest (select nights, Nov. 20-Jan. 1): Holiday cheer will fill Carowinds as WinterFest returns. Savor the season with a festive ambience and fun holiday activities at the Carolinas’ most immersive holiday event. Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds with holiday light displays replete with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. The WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade, includes lavishly decorated floats, festive music, and performers.

To learn more about these experiences, visit www.carowinds.com/events.

Carowinds opened its gates for the first time on March 31, 1973. (Provided)

Carowinds continues to hire 2,400 seasonal associates, hourly pay ranges from $15 (for those who are 16 years of age or older) based on experience, prior service, and position, as it prepares for the 2023 operating season. Job opportunities are available in all park operating areas, including in admissions, aquatics (including lifeguards), food and beverage, merchandise and games, ride operations, and security.

To learn more about available positions, please visit Carowinds.jobs.

The 400-acre park stradles the South Carolina-North Carolina line near I-77. It opened its gates for the first time on March 31, 1973.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Patrick Phillips

Patrick joined the Live 5 News team in October 2006.