Coney Island’s Luna Park is back this weekend, throwing open the gates for the 2026 season with two days of classic rides, boardwalk snacks, and a nod to one of New York’s most beloved coasters. The park reopens Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m., with the weekend wrapping up Sunday in time-honored fashion: the Cyclone’s annual egg-cream christening as the wooden legend edges closer to its 100th birthday. Admission is free and individual rides start at $4, keeping the waterfront playground within reach for families and visitors from across the city.
Opening weekend and Cyclone celebration
The Cyclone takes center stage on Sunday, turning 99 this year and still rattling the boardwalk like it owns the place. The first 99 riders that day will score a free ride and a classic egg cream while supplies last, according to Time Out. Discounted Luna Boardwalk passes will be sold on-site all weekend, and a portion of opening-weekend proceeds is set aside for local charities. Organizers are pitching the festivities as both a love letter to Coney Island history and a family-friendly launch to the spring and summer ride season.
Schedule, tickets and where to go
Luna Park’s official calendar lists opening weekend as March 28 to 29 and shows the park operating daily for spring break in mid-April, per the park’s website. The park advertises All-Day wristbands starting at around $40, along with a pay-per-ride option that begins at $4. Wristbands can be picked up online in advance or bought at the gate. For the latest hours, ticket options, and the park’s live stream, visitors are urged to check the calendar on Luna Park's site before heading out.
Tradition and community impact
Opening weekends at Luna Park have long doubled as Donation Day events, with proceeds supporting neighborhood nonprofits and youth programs. Local reporting has highlighted recent contributions to groups including the Coney Island Sharks and Children of Promise, underscoring the park’s dual role as a major employer and an ongoing community partner. For more local context, see coverage from the Brooklyn Paper and Cyclone anniversary coverage that has tracked the park’s seasonal returns.
Getting there and tips
Luna Park sits at 1000 Surf Avenue in Coney Island and runs on a weather-dependent schedule, so fair skies help. Transit and parking details are listed on the park’s website. If you are angling for a shot at the Cyclone freebie, plan to arrive early on Sunday and bring a cashless payment method for wristbands, games, and food. For tickets, current hours, and live updates, check Luna Park's site before you go.
