New in 2023: Aeronautica Landing. Photo | Carowinds

March 31. Carowinds marks its 50th anniversary today and will celebrate the milestone with new attractions and entertainment, décor, specialty treats and more throughout the year, with the festivities beginning this weekend.

On March 31, 1973, Carowinds officially opened to 6,000 guests. The grand opening marked the culmination of years of formulation, planning and development by founder E. Pat Hall, a Charlotte businessman.

Built at an estimated cost of $70 million, Carowinds was named for a combination of the surrounding Carolinas and the winds that blew across the two states.

The park included original attractions such as Carolina Goldrusher, Carolina Skytower, Snoopy’s Junction and The Scrambler – all still in operation today.

Five decades later, guests will experience the iconic border between North Carolina and South Carolina anew when Carowinds celebrates this year.

As the park celebrates “50 years of Carolina fun” in 2023, guests will find plenty of new rides and attractions with the opening of Aeronautica Landing on Friday, April 7. Guests will always find something fun going on at Carowinds during its year-round operation with a lineup of special seasonal events including Grand Carnivale, The Great Pumpkin Fest, SCarowinds and WinterFest.

Anniversary activities

Friday, March 31: Ticket Plaza and Celebration Plaza debut special 50th anniversary décor, Midway Memories (Stateline Designs), a retail location, and Peanuts Gallery (located in Camp Theater) open.

Saturday, April 1: Midway Memory Makers pop-up appearances, Bands In Residence Performances at Harmony Hall Patio from Blaze The City and at Blue Ridge Junction Stage from Hot Sauce, and at 9:30 pm. ET Celebration Fireworks, a 10-minute firework show.

Sunday, April 2: A Kid Again, Central Carolinas Chapter, Birthday Bash.