National Roller Coaster Day

Scream on National Roller Coaster Day! America has the most roller coasters in the world. Theme parks across the nation offer discounted tickets, celebrating these engineering marvels that thrill millions yearly.

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National Roller Coaster Day - Scream on National Roller Coaster Day! America has the most roller coasters in the world. Theme parks across the nation offer discounted tickets, celebrating these engineering marvels that thrill millions yearly.

About National Roller Coaster Day

History & origins

National Roller Coaster Day falls on August 16 and is an informal observance in the United States. It is commonly linked to the August 16, 1898 patent date for Edwin Prescott’s vertical-loop coaster improvement, though the exact origin of the observance itself is unclear. The day also taps into a much older roller coaster history that began in Europe and later took off in American amusement parks.

Why it matters

National Roller Coaster Day highlights a major part of amusement-park culture and the engineering behind modern thrill rides. It also brings attention to a large entertainment industry that draws families, tourists, and coaster fans to parks each summer, especially when parks promote special deals or ride openings.

How to celebrate

Visit amusement parks. Ride roller coasters. Try new coasters you've never ridden. Share roller coaster videos. Take advantage of park deals.

Facts

America has over 800 roller coasters
Theme park industry worth billions annually
Six Flags, Cedar Fair, and Disney dominate
Americans ride millions of roller coaster rides yearly
August 16 celebrates roller coaster invention in 1878

Upcoming dates

Sunday, August 16, 2026
Monday, August 16, 2027
Wednesday, August 16, 2028
Thursday, August 16, 2029
Friday, August 16, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is National Roller Coaster Day in 2026?

National Roller Coaster Day is on August 16, 2026. It always falls on August 16 each year.

What is National Roller Coaster Day?

National Roller Coaster Day is an informal day that celebrates roller coasters and the thrill of riding them. It is especially popular with amusement-park fans and summer visitors.

Who started National Roller Coaster Day?

The exact founder is unclear. The observance is commonly tied to the August 16, 1898 patent date for Edwin Prescott’s vertical loop, but that connection is a tradition rather than a firmly documented founding story.

How do you celebrate National Roller Coaster Day?

A typical way to celebrate is to ride a roller coaster at an amusement park. People also share coaster videos, try a new ride, or look for park discounts and special events.