Six Flags Great America celebrates 50 years of thrills this summer

Illinois amusement capital, Six Flags Great America, marks a major milestone this year as the fan favorite theme park hits its 50th anniversary in 2026.

To commemorate the birthday, between Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, Aug. 9, the park will celebrate with a lineup of exclusive events, special experiences, nostalgic touches, and extended hours that are sure to make this summer one of the most memorable in the park's history.

Among the exciting new experiences for the summer, Six Flags will present a new “Nighttime Spectacular,” an unforgettable evening stage show and parade featuring themed floats and mascots offering something to excite guests of all ages, the website confirms. In addition, there will be a mesmerizing drone show available on weekend evenings. 

Special food and beverages will be available during the summer, playing on nostalgic fan favorites from throughout the years with reimagined classics and innovative new creations.

According to the website, there will also be a brand-new legacy museum, featuring a curated collection of historical items and artifacts from the park's half-century journey.

Lastly, Six Flags will also offer exclusive 50th anniversary memorabilia, including a special “Anniversary Brick,” which can be inscribed with a message before being placed in the park's brand new “Legacy Path,” giving guests a chance to leave their own personal stamp on the beloved park. 

Originally opened in 1976 by hospitality giants Marriott as "Marriott's Great America,” the website confirms that the park was sold in 1984 to Six Flags, which kept the Great America name and has owned and expanded the park ever since.

According to the park's website, at the time of opening, the original Great America included just three roller coasters, two of which are still active today, and Gurnee, which was a rural outpost of just 3,300 inhabitants, was chosen as the location because of its equidistance between Chicago and Milwaukee. 

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Six Flags will officially open its doors for the season on Saturday, April 25. As in years past, the park will begin with a truncated, primarily weekend-only schedule before commencing normal summer hours on Memorial Day weekend.

Today, the park welcomes an average of 2.5-3 million visitors a year and frequently ranks among the Top 20 most visited theme parks in North America, according to the Themed Entertainment Association, which tracks key metrics across the amusement park industry.

For more information on Six Flags Great America, tickets, and the 50th anniversary celebrations, visit the park's website.