Adventureland kicks off its 52nd season May 16, bringing a slate of new shows and events.
Here’s what’s new at the Altoona-based amusement park and when Adventureland opens in 2026.
When does Adventureland open in 2026?
Adventureland opens for the 2026 season at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16.
The park will be open Thursday-Mondays only until June 1. The park closes during the week again starting Aug. 24.
When does Adventure Bay open for 2026?
Adventure Bay Water Park will open the following weekend, with its first day on Saturday, May 23, and its last day of the year will be Monday, Sept. 7.
What new entertainment is coming to Adventureland in 2026?
June 1–14, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show will bring a team of “larger-than-life lumberjacks to the park, bringing ‘big laughs and even bigger skills to the park,” according to the amusement park. Shows take place at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily in the midway.
From June 17 through June 30, the park’s midway stage is taken over by the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show.
“Alongside their world-class trainers, these four-legged performers wow guests with jaw-dropping tricks, high-energy stunts and plenty of tail-wagging moments,” a description of the show reads on Adventureland’s website.
Shows will also take place at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily. All shows are free with park admission.
What new food is coming to Adventureland?
Sam’s Saloon is introducing an all-new menu featuring healthy options, including sub sandwiches and fresh wraps.
Pretzels with beer cheese have been added at several spots, and patrons can now order food on their mobile devices, making it quicker to grab food at places like Potato Patch Fries and Alpine Foods.
Events honoring the military and America’s 250th at Adventureland
Adventureland is highlighting its 2026 season with a series of events honoring the military and the U.S.’s 250th birthday, including a new “Heroes Corner” near the Giant Sky Wheel, where patrons can “honor the brave men and women of our armed forces,” according to the park.
Adventureland’s Season of Salutes begins May 30 with a ceremony featuring the Iowa National Guard’s presentation of colors and the playing of the national anthem by the 34th Army Band.
All Iowa National Guard members and military veterans will receive free admission to the park on May 30. Adventureland’s Season of Salutes will continue on July 4 with a fireworks show.
Adventureland adds Neon Nights event
Also new to the park this year is “Neon Nights,” which transforms Adventure Bay into a family-friendly nighttime party with music, LED lighting and special effects “in the middle of your favorite pool,” according to Adventureland. The event runs every Friday and Saturday from July 10 through Aug. 15.
Admission to Neon Nights starts at $19.99 for the evening-only experience. Guests can also add access to Neon Nights for roughly $15 when purchasing a regular single-day park ticket, which starts around $44.99.
How to get Adventureland tickets
Tickets are available at adventurelandpark.com.
One-day pass tickets to Adventureland are typically $69.99, but the park is offering limited-time deals to kick off the summer season, allowing guests to get a one-day pass starting at $39.99. The passes are valid any day until June 30. Children ages 3 and under get in free.
Military members can get discounted tickets, and all current and former service members receive free admission during Memorial Day weekend.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Adventureland returns for 2026. Here’s what’s new this year.
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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