Kennywood Kicks Off 71st Edition of Fall Fantasy Parades

Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s Premier Destination for Thrills and Entertainment, will celebrate 71 years of Fall Fantasy Parades one of the park’s grandest traditions beginning Saturday, August 7. More than 125 marching bands from high schools and colleges throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio will fill Kennywood’s midways with live music during parades on select dates through August 29. 

Presented this year by NJM Insurance, Fall Fantasy began at Kennywood in 1950 to celebrate the season before classes resumed for students. Over the past seven decades, the parades have grown into an exciting spectacle. Today, with eight to twelve bands and their fans visiting each of the event’s 14 nights, Fall Fantasy is among Kennywood’s most anticipated events of the summer. 

“We are excited to welcome back Fall Fantasy in 2021,” says Mark Pauls, General Manager. “The parades serve as the traditional way to enjoy summer before the school year begins; all while our region’s talented young people take center stage in our beautiful park.”

Visitors to Fall Fantasy in 2021 will enjoy a year’s worth of celebrations in one evening. This year’s theme, “Let’s Celebrate!” is a fitting way to mark the return of the treasured August tradition. Floats designed in-house by Kennywood’s Art Department will depict holidays from Groundhog Day to Christmas, mixed in with each night’s performing bands.

Kennywood’s Fall Fantasy Parades, presented by NJM Insurance, begin at 6 p.m. on select evenings throughout the month. To see the complete list of Fall Fantasy dates and marching bands, visit www.kennywood.com/events.  

To celebrate 71 years of parades, save big during a 71-hour Flash Sale August 5 – 7, featuring a limited-time return of Night Rider tickets (valid after 4 p.m.) for as low as $29.99 each. For more information, visit www.kennywood.com or call 412-461-0500.