If you’ve visited Kings Island for years as a guest or as a season pass holder, you might feel like you know every inch of the park and have seen it all… until now!
Kings Island Grand Carnivale is transforming the park with a fresh, immersive event you don’t want to miss!
What is Kings Island Grand Carnivale?
Grand Carnivale is an immersive festival celebrating the cultures of China, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain with a larger-than-life party.
The event features special-themed food and drinks, activities, music, games, entertainment, and an extravagant evening parade.
International Street is transformed into a festive colorful celebration with family-friendly Mardi Gras vibes.
When is Grand Carnivale at Kings Island?
The Grand Carnival Celebration event is for a limited time, from July 19 – August 3, 2025, from 5 PM to 10 PM daily.
International Themed Activities at Grand Carnivale for Kids
There are international-themed activities for kids at Grand Carnivale.
Carnival Crafts are centralized in one craft area near Graeter’s ice cream where kids can make a crown, Carnival mask, or noise maker to bring to the Spectacle of Color parade.
Passport to Adventure
Grab your Passport to Adventure and join our Alligator King, Mardi P. Gras, for a journey around the world.
This is a fun way for kids to learn more about other countries and cultures with hands-on experiences.
Pick up a Passport to Adventure at Carnivale Central to the right of the entrance on International Street and start your journey!
Scan QR codes in each country and take photos with all of Mardi’s friends to learn about their countries, earn stamps, and receive a grand prize!
Grand Carnivale Schedule of Events
Check out the schedule and plan accordingly so you don’t miss any fun during Grand Carnivale!
(Note that the Parade route is different this year from previous years)
Nightly Schedule for Grand Carnivale 2025:
- 5 PM Grand Carnivale starts (Food Locations Open)
- 6PM The Royal Opening Ceremony
- 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM Hot Rhythm Nights- Interactive song and dance production
- 9 PM Spectacle of Color Parade begins
- 10 PM Fireworks Show
Watch the Entertainment on the Main Stage
Check the Kings Island app for the evening live entertainment schedule.
Sample Themed Menu Items From Around the World
Food is always one of the BEST parts of a celebration, and Grand Carnivale does not disappoint!
The special food booths open at 5pm each evening and feature themed menu items from each International country.
FYI -Season pass holders get a 10% discount on all Grand Carnivale food items.
Grand Carnivale Food Guide
If you’ve previously attended Grand Carnivale, you’ll find new menu items to experience this year.
*Food Offerings Begin at 5:00 PM.
CHINA
- Mongolian Beef Fried Rice
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Mango Coconut Sticky Rice
FRANCE
- Croque Monsieur
- Apricot Baked Brie
GERMANY
- Pretzel Bites
- Beer-Brined Pork Chops
- Chicken Schnitzel Slider
- Pfeffernusse Cookies
ITALY
- Pizza Raviolo
- Italian Sausage Hoagie
- Lemon Berry Panna Cotta
SPAIN
- Paella
- Basque Cheesecake
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
*Must be 21+ with valid ID for cocktails.
- Carnivale Cocktail
- Peach Bellini Spritzer
- Raspberry Beret
- Melon Mixer
- Agua de Valencia
SIGNATURE MOCKTAILS
Very Berry Party Punch
Don’t Forget to Save Room for Dessert!
Every country has a dessert option on the menu for enjoyment.
Save on Tickets to Kings Island
The Kings Island Gold Season Pass is your best value and savings for multiple visits, including free parking at Kings Island.
You can purchase tickets online at a lower price than at the gate. There are Grand Carnivale Bundles available for additional savings.
The Grand Carnivale Celebration is a great event for families. It can also make a nice date night if your teenagers want to eat and then go on rides instead.
More Kings Island Related Articles
- How to Visit Kings Island with a Special Needs Guest
- 10 Fun Things for Non-Riders to Do at Kings Island
- Everything You Need to Know About Dining at Kings Island
- Why I Bought the All-Season Dining Plan at Kings Island
- Non-Scary Adventures for Families at Kings Island in the Fall
- What You Need to Know About Winterfest at Kings Island
This looks like such a fun time!!
This would be such an awesome trip, we haven’t been able to make it to Kings Island for several years and I would police to go again before my son is too old to want to hang out with mom and dad!
My kids have not been to Kings Island in FOREVER!!
I would love to take my kids for one last trip before the end of summer! We haven’t had a chance to go at all this year!
This sounds like a blast!
Sounds like fun…I want to try all those delicious foods!
This is the coolest event. My sons favorite thing last year was visiting all the cutouts and getting the pins at the end.
Would love to go with my kids! Sounds like a great time!
My daughter is just starting to get into Kings Island. I would love to take her again and she can experience the carnival and see all the different countries!
I’d love to win because I’ve never been! (My kids have, just not me)
I would love to win the Kings Island tickets because my boyfriend’s two daughters are old enough (and tall enough) now to enjoy the big rides, but taking 4 people to KI nearly breaks the bank anymore.
I didn’t even know King’s Island did this. It sounds so fun and my kids would love it.
This would be a great treat for my family. We have been so busy with work and our kids social lives. This would be amazing for my family and I to attend and just have fun together.
We are going this weekend for my husband’s 40th birthday. We have a lot of kiddos — number 9 joined us in February! We are so excited and cannot wait for this adventure! The younger kids think the Carnivale party and parade are for daddy’s big day lol. I’d love to win some tickets to help with the cost of getting this crazy big family inside. ?
I’d love to take the kids there! Sounds great!
I am all about trying the food especially the Sauerbraten Slider and the pretzel bites!
I would like to take additional family members to enjoy Kings Island.
I love KI is upping their game w festivals and a parade!
This sounds so fun! What a great way to explore kings island!
My kiddos love kings island and would absolutely enjoy seeing the grand carnival
Wow this looks like an amazing event! Would love the opportunity to experience this.
Would love to win these tickets to share the Kings Island Carnivale experience with my my friend’s family!!
I totally want to experience this and try the different foods!