Six Flags Great America in Gurnee has announced plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.

In honor of five decades of thrills and family memories, the park will host a special 50th Anniversary Celebration, running June 20 through Aug. 9, featuring new entertainment, limited‑time offerings and guest experiences.

Since first welcoming guests in 1976, the park has hosted generations of families to experience its thrilling lineup of attractions, from the timeless Columbia Carousel to the record‑breaking Wrath of Rakshasa. Together, they built the park’s path from its “Marriott’s Great America” beginnings to the premier entertainment destination it is today.

“Fifty years of Six Flags Great America is a celebration of the millions of memories made in our park,” said Hardeep Lall, park manager of Six Flags Great America. “This anniversary season is designed to honor our history while offering new ways for guests to experience the park they’ve loved for decades.”

Running June 20 through Aug. 9, the celebration will feature:

Nighttime spectacular: Debuting exclusively for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, the park will launch its most ambitious nighttime entertainment experience yet. Each night will feature a high-energy stage show and parade, complete with brand-new parade floats. The spectacular will also include a dazzling drone show Friday through Sunday nights, illuminating the night sky in honor of the park’s 50-year history.

Legacy museum: Guests can step back in time inside the new Legacy Museum, located in Emporium, featuring artifacts, archival photography, retired signage, memorabilia from park employees and fans, and displays celebrating key moments from every decade.

Anniversary brick program: Guests can leave their mark on park history through the Anniversary Brick Program, featuring personalized bricks installed along the Great America Legacy Path in Carousel Plaza. Designs include nods to favorite attractions, family traditions, and personal milestones, offering a unique way to leave a lasting mark. Anniversary Bricks can be purchased by visiting the Anniversary Brick website.

Anniversary merchandise: Guests can take home a piece of history with limited‑edition anniversary merchandise, available only at Emporium, a retail location exclusively for the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Items will include apparel, collectibles, souvenirs and nostalgic throwbacks.

Return of the Ice Cream Parlor: A fan‑favorite from the park’s opening year in 1976 makes a return with a reimagined Ice Cream Parlor in Hometown Square. Guests can enjoy classic scoops, nostalgic flavors, and sweet treats that honor the park’s earliest summers.

Entertainment offerings through the decades: Live entertainment offerings throughout the park will pay tribute to each of Great America’s five decades, blending music, costumes, and performances inspired by the 1970s through today. These nostalgic touches bring the park’s history to life in fun, high-energy ways for longtime fans and new visitors.

Specialty food and beverage offerings: In celebration of its history, the park will introduce a variety of nostalgic food and beverage items, including classic root beer inspired by offerings from opening year in 1976, and limited-time treats and savory dishes available only during the anniversary celebration.

Themed photo opportunities: Throughout the park, guests will experience themed photo displays inspired by eras from Great America’s history. These nostalgic photo opportunities are designed for families to re-create memories, celebrate return visits, and capture new moments that honor 50 years of thrills.

Throughout the celebration, guests will also experience anniversary‑themed décor throughout the park, including special touches honoring the original attractions turning 50 this season.

Six Flags Great America opens for the season on April 25, 2026. For more information on this season and the 50th Anniversary Celebration, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Season pass spring sale: Now through April 26, guests can purchase a 2026 Gold Pass for the price of a Silver Pass and enjoy access to all parks in the region, including Cedar Point, Kings Island, Canada’s Wonderland and more.

For information, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.