Business

Carowinds set to open with new attractions. Here’s what to expect at the park

By John Marks

Carowinds opens Saturday, March 14, for a new season that includes a haunted attraction this spring, a new water parade this summer and a Bands in Residence music series.

Known across the region for SCarowinds in the fall, the 400-acre theme park on the North Carolina and South Carolina state line will start with its haunted attraction lineup much earlier this year. The new Spring Break running April 3-12 will have Easter and family activities, but also an addition called Scream Break.

A summer water parade is one of several new features this year at Carowinds, which opens Saturday.
A summer water parade is one of several new features this year at Carowinds, which opens Saturday. Sean Teegarden Carowinds

The Conjuring: Beyond Fear is an interactive “SCREAMium” experience based on the Warner Bros. horror movie franchise. It’s an experience that combines elements of a maze, escape room and horror thriller, for an additional charge after park admission.

A new attraction called Scream Break will bring a frightful option to the spring lineup at Carowinds.
A new attraction called Scream Break will bring a frightful option to the spring lineup at Carowinds. Carowinds

Another new addition this year is the SPLASH! Water Parade this summer with musical performances, floats and water soaking zones.

Special events at Carowinds

Here’s a look at the full special event schedule for 2026, the 53rd season for Carowinds (dates are subject to change):

  • March 13: Season passholder preview night
  • March 14: Opening day
  • April 3-12: Spring Break, including Scream Break with the new The Conjuring: Beyond Fear
  • April 17-May 17: Viva La Fiesta, a festival celebrating Latin culture
  • May 23: Carolina Harbor Waterpark opens
  • June 13-Aug. 9: Bands in Residence, a summer music series of homegrown artists
  • July 3-4: Star-Spangled Nights, celebraing America’s 250th birthday
  • Summer: SPLASH! Water Parade
  • Sept. 11-Nov. 1: SCarowinds, on select dates, brings Halloween scare zones and mazes
  • Sept. 12-Nov. 1: Tricks and Treats, on select dates, adds a family-friendly daytime festival
  • Nov. 7-22: Oktoberfest, on select dates
  • Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 2027: WinterFest
  • Dec. 31: NYE Celebration with a massive fireworks show and countdown to the new year

Carowinds, located in both Fort Mill and Charlotte areas, is a theme park with 60 rides, attractions and stage shows. It also has Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre water park. It’s owned by Charlotte-based Six Flag Entertainment Corp.

The summer lineup at Carowinds will feature a new parade where guests can get wet to cool off.
The summer lineup at Carowinds will feature a new parade where guests can get wet to cool off. Jordan Sternberg Carowinds

This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 9:55 AM.

Related Stories from Rock Hill Herald
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER