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- Week starting with the 3rd Sunday of June
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National Roller Coaster Week takes thrill-seekers on a wild ride every third week of June. From June 21–27, 2026, it’s a full seven days dedicated to the loops, drops, and exhilarating speeds of these iconic amusement park attractions. Gather your friends and family, visit your nearest park, and experience the pure adrenaline rush that only a roller coaster can offer.
Want to sponsor National Roller Coaster Week? Learn how
Expected National Roller Coaster Week Deals
As National Roller Coaster Week approaches, amusement parks across the country gear up for a surge in visitors. While specific 2027 promotions are still under wraps, history shows parks like Six Flags, Cedar Point, and Busch Gardens often roll out special ticket deals, discounted season passes, or exclusive ride access. Look for family bundles and group rates, and keep an eye on smaller regional parks like Knoebels or Dollywood for unique local offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Roller Coaster Week
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #RollerCoasterWeek. Film your most thrilling ride reactions or share POV footage from your favorite coasters.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalRollerCoasterWeek. Post stunning photos of iconic coasters, park landscapes, or your group having a blast.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CoasterWeek. Share news about new ride announcements, historical facts, or your personal top 5 roller coaster list.
National Roller Coaster Week Hero
LaMarcus Adna Thompson
History of National Roller Coaster Week
Roller coasters date back to the seventeenth century. Russians invented the so-called ‘gravity rides’ more popularly known as ‘Russian Mountains.’ These were man-made hills of ice constructed in St. Petersburg. They were popular with the upper class and elites. Catherine II of Russia requested to have one of these slides built on her property.
The first real roller coaster ride that featured a cart on a slope was built in 1784 by James the third. He raced in the Gardens of Oreinbaum, St. Petersburg. Despite this claim, some historians believe that the first roller coaster ride was built in Paris in 1812. This was ‘Les Montagnes Russes à Belleville’ or ‘The Russian Mountains of Belleville’ — but instead of ice, the French used wooden rollers. The modern roller coaster was developed by La Marcus Thompson in 1884. Widely known as the father of roller coasters, Thompson built a switchback railway in Coney Island. It is the model for roller coasters that we know today. The railway roller coaster became very popular. It was adopted by several amusement parks with bigger and grander designs. To stay competitive, Thompson continued to develop and improve his model from 1884 to 1887.
Designers and engineers began to construct taller and bigger rides, climbing as high as 100 feet. In 1955 when roller coasters gained national attention, Walt Disney founded Disneyland. This was history’s first theme park, featuring roller coaster rides that were popular with kids and adults. The Cedar Point theme park boasts 17 roller coasters.
National Roller Coaster Week timeline
The Russians construct the first gravity ride made of ice hills.
James the third of St. Petersburg develops the first gravity ride that features a cart.
La Marcus Thompson invents the first roller coaster ride on a switchback railway in Coney Island.
Walt Disney pioneers the first roller coaster in theme parks upon the establishment of Disneyland.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Roller Coaster Week
Local businesses can tap into the excitement of National Roller Coaster Week by offering themed promotions. Restaurants near amusement parks could create ‘Coaster Combo’ meals or ‘Thrill Ride’ desserts. Travel agencies might promote packages to top theme park destinations. Even non-related businesses can engage by decorating with roller coaster imagery or running social media contests asking customers to share their favorite ride memories, boosting engagement and community spirit.
National Roller Coaster Week FAQs
When is National Roller Coaster Week?
National Roller Coaster Week 2026 runs from Sunday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, offering a full seven days to enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides.
How many roller coasters are in the US?
The United States boasts the largest number of roller coasters in the world, with approximately 700 operating across various amusement parks. This vast collection includes a diverse range from classic wooden structures to cutting-edge steel giants.
What is the economic impact of the amusement park industry?
The amusement park industry in the U.S. is a significant economic driver, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually and employing hundreds of thousands of people. It contributes to local economies through tourism, retail, and hospitality.
What was the first modern roller coaster?
While earlier gravity rides existed, the first modern roller coaster is generally considered to be LaMarcus Adna Thompson’s Switchback Railway, which opened at Coney Island in 1884. It offered a thrilling, albeit slow, ride.
National Roller Coaster Week Activities
Tag a friend to ride with you
Grab your fearless buddy and experience the fun, thrill, and adrenaline of a roller coaster. There’s no better way to spend this week-long holiday than experiencing the rides yourself.
Take a trip to Disneyland
Take a trip to California or Florida, depending on which coast you're on, and enjoy the happiest place on Earth! Experience the best roller coaster rides in America’s first theme park.
Track the best amusement parks
If you’re up for a road trip, get in your car and track the best amusement parks in your region. Once you find one, post a photo on social media using the hashtag #NationalRollerCoasterWeek.
5 Important Facts About Roller Coasters
There do not have circular loops
To build a centripetal force, engineers do not build perfectly circular loops in roller coasters.
The world’s tallest roller coaster
With a height of 465 feet, the world’s tallest roller coaster is the Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.
The world’s fastest roller coaster
With a speed that goes from 0 to 149mph in four seconds, the world’s fastest roller coaster is the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
The world’s longest roller coaster
With a length of 1.5 miles, the world’s longest roller coaster is the Steel Dragon 2000 at Nagashima Spa Land, Japan.
The first roller coaster carried coal
The first roller coaster was designed to carry coal before people recognized its potential as an amusement park ride.
Why We Love National Roller Coaster Week
We love the adrenaline!
For most people, riding a roller coaster is like an out-of-body experience. There’s simply nothing like the experience of speed, height, and screams from people.
It brings back outdoor fun
In a digital age where kids’ version of fun is playing on their phones, National Roller Coaster Week brings back the idea of outdoor fun. It’s also a great way to spend a day with your family and friends.
We support the amusement park industry
Celebrating the National Roller Coaster Week also boosts the amusement park industry. It’s a great way to support local amusement parks and help their businesses thrive.
National Roller Coaster Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 21–27 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | June 20–26 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | June 18–24 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | June 17–23 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | June 16–22 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for National Roller Coaster Week
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