What’s New at Carowinds for 2023

Carowinds, a thrilling amusement park situated on the border of North and South Carolina, is celebrating 50 years of fun in 2023. In addition to the park’s usual heart-pounding roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and a splashing-good water park, Carowinds is upping the ante this year with a flurry of new park additions and a calendar packed full of celebratory events.

As a member of the media, my experiences at Carowinds were generously hosted, but this post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

Just like last year, I’m exploring the park all year long (and truly all year long, as Carowinds is now operating year-round!) to bring you the latest in the park offerings. Whether you’re a fan of adrenaline-pumping rides, live entertainment, or delectable dining options, this premier amusement park has something to offer everyone.

Let’s step through the gates and see what’s new for 2023:

NEW PARK EXPERIENCES

I can only imagine how logistically difficult it is to expand the experiences in a theme park, but Carowinds is going big for 2023.

Aeronautica Landing

The Air Racers ride at Carowinds — Aeronautica Landing embraces the spirit of aviation, launched right here in the Carolinas

Alyssa stands in front of the Airwalker ride — Four rides are currently operating, with plans for two more to be added this season

Carowinds kicked off its 50th year in the biggest way possible: by adding a brand new section to the park. Aeronautica Landing opened with great fanfare in April, complete with a ribbon cutting by the park’s very first guest.

This new addition celebrates all things aviation with rides that fly high, games to test your sense of gravity, and plenty of food and drink for the journey (but more on that in a moment!). Aeronautica Landing opened with four rides in operation: Air Racers, Gear Spin, Hover and Dodge, and The Airwalker. Newly added to the flight plan are Gyro Force and Windstar, which launched in mid-June.

The Game Zone at Aeronautica Landing makes for a fun challenge. Balancing, basketball, and beanbags are all tasks guests can complete to win prizes – and in a kind gesture, several of the games in this section allow you to play until you win (thank goodness – I mean, have you seen me in action?).

As a frequent flyer who now calls the state that was First in Flight home, it’s safe to say I’m pretty smitten with this section of the park.

NEW FOOD + DRINK OPTIONS AT CAROWINDS

I always say that Carowinds has some of the very best theme park food, and these new additions only make me hungry for more.

Terminal A

Pink planes fly over Aeronautica Landing — You know you’re close to Terminal A when you see the bright pink planes

A beer on the patio at Terminal A, and some snacks — Carowinds is offering a selection of special menu items across the park to honor the 50th anniversary

Terminal A just might be Carowinds’ swankiest dining option.

With a menu of elevated small plates, table service, and a great selection of local beer and wine, it’s hard to believe you’re in a theme park and not some new spot in Charlotte’s South End. I haven’t had the chance to try the full menu, but the selection of small bites I sampled at the media preview day impressed me greatly.

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Leonardo’s Hometown Italian Food

Also, new this season (and located adjacent to Terminal A) is Leonardo’s Hometown Italian Food. This Italian restaurant is part of Carowinds’ Dining Plan and offers guests a taste of Italy without a passport.

I haven’t had the chance to try Leonardo’s yet, but I promise to let you know how it is once I do!

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Sycamore Celebration IPA

A can of Sycamore beer at Carowinds — The limited edition IPA from Sycamore is a party of hops

One of my favorite Charlotte breweries has been tapped to create a special beer to commemorate the park’s 50th year. For a limited time, find Sycamore’s Celebration IPA at various bar locations throughout the park.

2023 EVENTS + PERFORMANCES AT CAROWINDS

The park's festivals and performances are always a treat - and if you have the flexibility in the dates of your visit this year, try to time it with any of these that catch your eye. As always, check the digital calendar and daily schedule in the app to plan your day in the park.

The 325s

Select Dates, May 27 - August 13

The 90s are back, baby, and so are The 325s. If you missed your favorite boy bands the first time around now’s your chance. As a Millennial, this is probably where you’ll find me, singing along and knowing every word.

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The Music Goes ‘Round & ‘Round

Select Dates, May 27 - August 13

Beat the heat and head to Harmony Hall with the little ones for The Music Goes ‘Round & ‘Round. The Peanuts Gang is all here, along with a musical score spanning three decades.

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The Swell Tones

Select Dates, May 27 - August 13

Visiting with family across multiple generations? The Swell Tones has something for everyone, with top radio hits spanning the decades over in the Crossroads Gazebo.

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Carowinds Street Party

Select Dates, June 10 - August 13

Carowinds Street Party is all new for the 50th anniversary, celebrating the milestone with, well, a party in the street of County Fair. Join a talented crew of singers and dancers and party on – I hope you’ve brushed up on your hula hoop skills!

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RetroSpect

Select Dates, June 10 - August 13

The party continues with RetroSpect on the Plaza Stage. Think, a rousing performance of a medley of your favorite pop songs from past decades, right on the state line. There’s even a mini dance lesson, so you can be TikTok ready.

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50 Nights of Fire

Nightly, June 17 - August 6

Carowinds isn’t ending the summer nights with fireworks alone – a highly technical drone show is on the agenda as well for 50 Nights of Fire. Make sure to look up as you conclude your time in the park to catch the impressive display (note: Copperhead Strike, Carolina Skytower, and Nighthawk will close early on these evenings).

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Brad Ross: International Star Illusionist

Select Dates, June 17 - August 6

Brad Ross holds a rack of fire during his magic show — Yes, audience participation is encouraged (no, I will not be signing up)

Seeing isn’t always believing. Award-winning illusionist Brad Ross brings a family-friendly mesmerizing magic show to the Carowinds Theatre this summer. We caught a sneak peek of the show, and left wondering, “How’d he do that?”

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World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

June 22, 8 a.m.

Across the U.S., aquatic centers are teaming up to host the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, and Carowinds is joining in, too. This event is being offered free to participants, and discounted admission is provided for one parent or guardian. Registration required.

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Grand Carnivale

Select Nights, June 24 - July 9

Four images of food at Grand Carnivale — A taste of Grand Carnivale (clockwise, top left): Pretzel Bites and Apfelstrudel (Germany) | Bang-Bang Chicken (China) | Sesame Balls (China)

As a travel blogger, Grand Carnivale is easily my favorite event on the Carowinds calendar. Travel without a passport to five countries, and experience live music, local crafts, and specialty dishes. Buy a tasting card to save, and bring a few friends to share in the generous portions (or, you know, don’t!).

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July 4th Fireworks

July 4, 10:30 p.m.

Close down the park on Independence Day with Carowinds’ famous July 4th Fireworks show. This pyrotechnic display engages all the senses, with a booming soundtrack accompanying the crackling display of color in the sky. The Thrill Zone rides will close early to prepare for the show. Expect some delays in exiting the park due to high attendance (and maybe make one more pit stop before you leave?).

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SCarowinds

Select Nights, September 15 - October 29

The stuff of nightmares, SCarowinds is back for 2023. From the grotesque to the downright creepy, the park’s actors know just how to make your pulse quicken (don’t believe me? Here’s a recap on TikTok). Not into being scared? Pick up a “No Boo” necklace like me, and you’ll be left alone.

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The Great Pumpkin Fest

Select Dates, September 16 - October 29

I’m going to be honest, although I’m not the target age group, The Great Pumpkin Fest is really more my speed. More of a Fall festival than a Halloween horror fest, this event takes place in Camp Snoopy with costume contests, dance parties, and fall flavors.

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WinterFest

Select Nights, November 20, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Local favorite WinterFest is returning this year, and it’s just the sweetest celebration of the season. Millions of twinkling lights create holiday magic throughout the park, and all things winter are embraced through ice skating, cozy food and beverages, and a dazzling holiday parade. If you’re a fellow Charlottean, I’m sure you’ll agree that it doesn’t really feel like the winter holiday season until you’ve experienced WinterFest.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING CAROWINDS IN 2023

Whether your motivation to visit is heart-pounding thrills, family-friendly entertainment, or a vibrant atmosphere that fosters connection and joy, a visit to Carowinds in 2023 is the perfect way to create cherished memories and indulge in pure amusement. This year is a monumental one for the theme park, and I’m excited to keep up with everything that’s on the calendar. Be sure to bookmark this post – I’ll continue to update it throughout the year with reflections and personal experiences.

*Some photos in this post were taken by Sam of Comma Photography