National Roller Coaster Week

National Roller Coaster Week highlights the thrill of sharp turns, steep drops, and fast rides. Parks stay packed as people chase that quick burst of fear and fun.

Some come for their first ride, others for their hundredth. Either way, they’re there for the same reason—to feel something real for a few loud, shaky minutes.

The week helps parks draw crowds and keep workers busy. More people means more shifts, more tickets, and more small wins for local spots nearby. But it’s not just about numbers.

It’s about people laughing, yelling, and walking off a ride with shaky legs and wide eyes. That moment sticks—and keeps them coming back.

How to Celebrate National Roller Coaster Week

Let the fun begin: here are smart ways to mark the week with real thrills, community vibes, and a bit of playful flair.

Ride a Local Roller Coaster

Hit the nearest amusement park and board a coaster you’ve never tried. Going for a first experience sparks fresh energy.

Picking a new track adds excitement for anyone—from first timers to seasoned fans.

Share a Ride with a Friend

Grab someone who shares your love for coasters. A shared scream or laugh makes the ride sharper. Tagging pals or asking them along doubles the fun.

Plan a Road‑Trip to Multiple Parks

Drive around to try different parks in one stretch. Exploring several coasters across areas adds variety and a mini adventure.

That tour‑style plan keeps the pace high and the smiles big.

Use Special Deals or Flash Discounts

Look for coaster promos during the celebration week. Sometimes, parks run ticket price drops or ride promos like dollar rides at select spots. Those deals add value to your thrill‑hunt.

Visit a Coaster Museum or Exhibit

Seek out a museum dedicated to roller coaster history or memorabilia. A few places collect ride models, parts, and signage.

That view connects the fun with the craft and story behind the rides.

History of National Roller Coaster Week

National Roller Coaster Week began in 1996, declared by the U.S. Congress to celebrate one of the most thrilling ride types ever built.

The week honors both the joy of riding and the engineering behind these massive machines. It connects the fun we feel today with key moments from the past.

The chosen week lines up with an important date in coaster history. On that day in 1898, inventor Edwin Prescott filed a patent for a looping roller coaster.

His design featured a vertical loop—something that helped shape how modern coasters work. That loop became a major step forward for ride builders.

No single person or group pushed for the week’s creation. Instead, Congress made the official call to set aside time each year for the event.

Since then, parks have used the week to highlight their biggest rides, offer special deals, and draw in fans.

People celebrate the week by riding coasters, planning trips to parks, or sharing ride stories online. Some fans even travel across states to visit new tracks.

What started as a nod to engineering now brings people together for one simple reason: the love of a fast, heart-pounding ride that lifts you off your seat—just for a second.