Carowinds photos through the years: From $5 tickets in 1973 to swim-up bars of today
🎢 It’s not officially summer until Carowinds opens its water park for the season — and that day has finally arrived.
Ahead of Carolina Harbor opening Saturday, May 23, complete with water slides, splash pools and a swim-up bar, we’re taking a look back at more than 50 years of memories at Carowinds.
Carowinds by the numbers
⏳ Carowinds opened in 1973 and welcomed 1.2 million visitors in its first season.
🎟️ 💸 Tickets were just $5 in 1973, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Today, prices start at $39.
50+ years of Carowinds fun
🥳 In 2023, Carowinds celebrated turning 50 years old. A lot has changed in that time:
- The popular Thunder Road roller coaster was torn down in 2015. Did you ever ride it backward?
- Carolina Harbor, the theme park’s water park, doubled in size in 2016.
- Roller coaster Copperhead Strike debuted in 2019.
- Paul Metto’s swim-up bar opened in 2025.
- Camp Snoopy expanded in 2026 with two new rides.
Carowinds in 2026
📆 Mark your calendar for these events happening at Carowinds in 2026:
☀️ Summer events
- Bands in Residence (June 13-Aug. 9) – Regional artists take the stage during Carowinds’ summer music series.
- Star-Spangled Nights (July 3-4) – Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with fireworks.
- Splash! Water Parade – A new event with music, colorful floats and water-soaking zones.
🍁 Fall events
- SCarowinds (Select dates, Sept. 11–Nov. 1) – Expect scare zones, monsters, spooky food and mazes at the Halloween event.
- Tricks and Treats (Select dates, Sept. 12–Nov. 1) – A family-friendly daytime festival with not-so-spooky fun for all ages.
- Oktoberfest (Select dates, Nov. 7–22) - Celebrate with German food, craft beer and entertainment for all ages.
☃️ Winter events
- WinterFest (Select dates, Nov. 27–Jan. 3) - The holiday celebration brings larger-than-life decor, live performances and seasonal treats.
- NYE Celebration (Dec. 31) – Ring in the New Year with fireworks, live entertainment and family-friendly countdowns throughout the park.
Anna Douglas contributed reporting.
Melissa Oyler
The Charlotte Observer