Rye Playland’s most famous ride, the Dragon Coaster, turns 95 years old in 2024, and the park is holding several celebratory events throughout the next two weekends as a result.
The roller coaster opened in 1929 and stands at 80 feet tall with 3400 feet of track. “The Dragon Coaster has been such a staple for generations of families, creating 95 years of thrilling memories that we wanted to recognize and celebrate this summer,” Evonne Keeler, CEO of Playland, said in a press release on July 11. “The Dragon Coaster is such an iconic part of Playland’s vibrant history… and we are excited to embrace that history with Playland’s dragon-themed festivities that will delight guests of all ages all weekend long.”
Below is a timeline for all the festivities from today, July 12, through the end of next weekend.
July 12-14, 19: Dragon craft station – young guests welcome to decorate individual art pieces, which will be combined together to form a dragon in preparation for the parades on July 20 and 21.
Saturday, July 20:
2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm: Kiddyland shows featuring Peter Michael Martin
4:00pm: Dragon parade
7:00pm: Summer Sounds Concert Series (Jacknife Lori 90’s Alt Rock Hits) – Main Stage
8:45 and 9:00pm: Happy Birthday song and fireworks
Sunday, July 21:
1:00pm: Playland Art Dragon Contest winner announced
2:00pm: Summer Sounds Concert Series (Rock and Roll Playhouse) – Main Stage
3:00, 4:00, and 5:00pm: Kiddyland is one word shows featuring Ray Grins
3-4:00pm: Boat races
4:00pm: Dragon parade
4-5:00pm: Relay races
7:00pm: Main Stage Variety Show with AJ Silver
Besides the scheduled events, visitors can look out for dragon-themed face painting, air brush tattooing, aerialist performers, bubble carts, and more throughout the final two days of the festivities. The ferry will also operate on Saturday, June 20.
