National Roller Coaster Day

Celebrate the exhilarating world of roller coasters with a day dedicated to fun and excitement.

AUG16

Monday, August 16Every year on August 16

days to go

Roots: First celebrated in 1986
Vibe: Thrilling, exhilarating, and nostalgic
Also on Aug 16: Airborne Day · Bratwurst Day · Rum Day
Hashtag: #NationalRollerCoasterDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Watch POV rides

Queue up coaster POV videos for thrills at home.

WITH FRIENDS

Hit the park

Spend the day riding every coaster you can.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Rank the coasters

Debate the best coasters over lunch.

Plan ahead

National Roller Coaster Day is observed on August 16 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sun, Aug 16this year

2027Mon, Aug 16

2028Wed, Aug 16

2029Thu, Aug 16

2030Fri, Aug 16

2031Sat, Aug 16

2032Mon, Aug 16

2033Tue, Aug 16

2034Wed, Aug 16

2035Thu, Aug 16

2036Sat, Aug 16

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

The first roller coaster in America was the Switchback Railway, built in 1884.

Cedar Point in Ohio is home to 18 roller coasters, one of the largest collections in the world.

The story

National Roller Coaster Day originated in 1986, an initiative to recognize the thrill and engineering behind these iconic rides. It is celebrated on August 16, marking the anniversary of the opening of the Switchback Railway, the first roller coaster in America. Since then, roller coasters have evolved into intricate designs that attract millions of visitors to amusement parks each year.

Read the full story

Across the United States, parks like Cedar Point in Ohio and Six Flags Magic Mountain in California have become synonymous with roller coaster culture. Cedar Point boasts 18 coasters, earning it the title of 'Roller Coaster Capital of the World.' Meanwhile, Six Flags features record-breaking rides like the Twisted Colossus, which offers a unique experience with its hybrid design.

The thrill of roller coasters is not limited to the U.S.; countries around the world have embraced these rides. From Japan's Fuji-Q Highland with its towering Fujiyama coaster to the famous Nemesis in the UK, the excitement of roller coasters transcends borders, bringing joy to millions globally.

Celebrating National Roller Coaster Day can be as simple as visiting a local amusement park, sharing memories on social media, or even learning about the engineering marvels that make these rides possible. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a first-time rider, this day is a reminder of the joy and adrenaline that roller coasters bring to our lives.