It's time to start making some summer plans! Whether you're planning a family trip or looking for weekend getaway ideas close to New Jersey or New York, Hersheypark is the best place to be! They just announced their plans to celebrate America’s 250th with events and activations all summer long. The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania will offer multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S, an all-new star-spangled show, limited-time food and drink, select Americana-themed rides and Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best with more summer surprises to come during its 120th operating year. Read on for more info!
Disclosure: the information in this post comes directly from the Hershey Resorts and Entertainment press release.
Don't forget to check out all of my Hershey posts over on my Beyond Hershey page.
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Hersheypark Overlaid with Patriotic Spirit
Guests entering the 121-acre amusement park this summer will immediately notice patriotic decor, photo opportunities and new red, white and blue ride and light packages as they enjoy the 70 rides and attractions at Hersheypark. As the only amusement park in the world where guests can take a selfie with Hershey Characters, Hersheypark will also offer special patriotic costumes for the life-size candy brands. Tickets, Season Passes and Add-Ons can be purchased at https://hersheypark.com/plan-your-visit/summer#america-anniversary
Fireworks Displays to Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend
Daily summer operations at Hersheypark begin May 21st, with the first of several fireworks displays presented by HERSHEY’S on May 23rd. Guests are encouraged to visit on these days to end their evening with fireworks:
Saturday, May 23rd
Friday, July 3rd
Saturday, July 4th
Saturday, August 8th
New In-Park Theatre Show
Hersheypark will debut an unforgettable live music show, Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, in the air-conditioned Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue from May 29 through Labor Day. The only-in-Hershey show will take guests on a journey through the Rock, Pop, Country and Soul anthems that shaped this country’s history.
Limited-Time Food and Beverage
Guest-favorite Hersheypark treats are decked out in red, white and blue this summer. Exclusive food and beverage offerings include:
Star-Spangled King Size Shake at Simply Chocolate dessert shop, only available during July, in celebration of the 10th birthday of the award-winning, iconic treat
Apple pie and red, white and blue donuts at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor
Red, white and blue specialty fudge at The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen
Stars & Stripes Martini Flight and Firecracker Mocktail at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Qualifier
The world’s top hot dog eaters and rising challengers will return to Hersheypark on June 19 to compete in the final qualifying event for the legendary Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July contest. Guests can watch the classic American tradition at 2 p.m. in The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park.
Hersheypark Water Park Enhancements
New for summer 2026, the existing Bayside Pier area in the water park will feature two new water play areas boasting 45 aquatic elements:
A new shade-filled play zone, The Inlet at Bayside Pier, will feature water-spouting dolphins and fish, and whimsical water spray features.
The Island at Bayside Pier will debut towering 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of refreshing water.
Both new areas will feature rubberized decking for additional guest comfort, allowing guests to sit and splash under shaded canopies. The new open design will also allow families to seamlessly flow between other water attractions and cool off faster with access to the abundant water features.
Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark features 17 attractions and one million gallons of water—from thrilling water slides and a water coaster to a lazy river for relaxation seekers and zero-depth entry areas for the youngest water lovers. Designed to honor the iconic boardwalks of the East Coast, The Boardwalk water park is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark, offering three experiences in one for guests of all ages to cool off during the summer. To learn more, visit www.Hersheypark.com/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/bayside-pier-inlet-island.
Live Entertainment in Hershey
Also this summer, Hersheypark Stadium will again host the Summer Concert Series with acts from Guns ‘N Roses and Chris Stapleton to Forrest Frank and Pitbull. New for summer 2026, an additional Premium Viewing Deck (the second for the historic Stadium) will allow guests premium seating, access to exclusive food and beverage options, a dedicated restroom and designated parking and entrance.
Nearby at GIANT Center indoor arena, Meghan Trainor, Khalid, 5 Seconds of Summer, Josh Groban with special guest Jennifer Hudson, and James Taylor will also make tour stops in Hershey this summer. More show announcements will be shared at www.HersheyEntertainment.com.
New Hotel Joins the Official Resorts of Hersheypark
Hershey Inn & Suites, a new select-service hotel, will also open May 1. Hershey Inn & Suites will be the first select-service property as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, joining The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge family resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground as unique lodging options for guests in The Sweetest Place On Earth.
The new four-story property will feature 130 rooms, including seven family suites, and amenities like complimentary hot breakfast, a lobby bar, grab-and-go snacks in the lobby marketplace, an arcade, a fitness center and an indoor pool open year-round. Family suites accommodate a group of six and feature a first-of-its-kind room type for a Hersheypark property with bunk beds, one queen bed, a full sleeper sofa and a separate living space.
Just minutes away from the world-class amusement park, the hotel will feature a modern design for families, couples and business travelers visiting Hershey, Pa., with unique perks exclusive to resort guests. Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive Free Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra morning and evening hours at Hersheypark, front gate shuttle service to an exclusive resort drop-off location, destination activities and more. For more information, visit www.HersheyInnAndSuites.com.
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