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Grand Carnivale is back at Kings Island starting today, and I am really excited. Grand Carnival is one of my favorite summertime theme park events. I already enjoy visiting Kings Island theme park enough as is, but having Grand Carnival there is even more incentive to visit.
After all, at Grand Carnival you can expect:
- Live music and performances
- Carnivale Street Party & Parade
- Food and drinks from five countries:
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- China
- Spain
- Family-friendly activities
I will go more into detail about this in this 2025 Kings Island Grand Carnival Guide. I will also tell you how to save money on tickets to the event!
Live Music & Performances
- Hot Rhythm Nights: Over at the Plaza Stage is an interactive song-and-dance production with throwback and current party favorites.
- Takes place at 6:30 pm and again at 7:30 pm
Carnivale Street Party & Parade
This parade, highlighted by the King and Queen of the Grand Carnivale, is sure to entertain adults and children.
The parade takes place at 9:00 pm.
After the parade, you can enjoy a royal send-off and a fun street party!
Carnivale Menu
So here are the drinks and food you can get from the different countries:
Germany
- Chicken Schnitzel Slider
- Breaded chicken and sauerkraut with crispy potato pancakes
- Served on a warm bun
- Beer-Brined Pork Chop
- Grilled pork chop, caramelized mustard onions & cheese sauce
- Served on a warm bun
- Pretzel Bites
- Warm Pretzel bites
- Served with Paulaner Beer Cheese for dipping
- Pfeffernüsse Cookies
- German-inspired cookies with cardamom, nutmeg & cinnamon
France
- Croque Monsieur
- Smoky sliced ham, thyme & melted gruyere cheese on sourdough bread with warm béchamel sauce spread on top
- Apricot Baked Brie
- Creamy, warm brie topped with sweet apricot preserves
- Raspberry Beret
- A frozen drink with hints of lemon and lime
- Combined with French Chambord raspberry liqueur & Minute Maid lemonade
- Topped with an edible violet flower
Italy
- Italian Sausage Hoagie
- Grilled sausage topped with onions, peppers, warm marinara & melted cheese
- Pizza Raviolo
- Pasta made with herbed ricotta cheese
- Breaded & lightly fried
- Topped with pepperoni, marinara, & melted provolone
- Lemon Berry Panna Cotta
- Classic Italian custard with berries & lemon
- Peach Bellini Spritzer
- A twist on an Italian classic, this drink consists of Prosecco sparkling wine, citrus & peach puree
China
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Fried chicken skewer, chopped green onions & spiced peanut sauce
- Mongolian Beef Fried Rice
- Tender glazed, Wok-fried beef with rice, egg & vegetables
- Mango Coconut Sticky Rice
- Sweetened rice with mango & coconut
Spain
- Paella
- Traditionally prepared paella
- Made with seafood, chicken, saffron broth & rice
- Basque Cheesecake
- Crispy, creamy cheesecake
- Topped with chocolate & cherries
- Agua de Valencia
- A sparkling & fruity Spanish classic drink
- Made with an orange juice base
- Topped with sparkling wine
Other Drinks
- Carnivale Cocktail
- The event’s signature cocktail
- Tropical flavors paired with passion fruit and cherry
- Combined with white & spiced rum
- Very Berry Party Punch
- The event’s signature mocktail
- A blend of Minute Maid lemonade & summer wild berries
- Topped off with Sprite
- Garnished with a fresh strawberry and raspberries
- Melon Mixer
- A mix of melon liqueur & zesty citrus, with a hint of sweetness
Family-friendly Activities
Family-friendly activities at the event include:
- Passport to Adventure, where you can scan QR codes in each country to learn more about the countries. You can take pictures with all of Mardi P. Gras, the Alligator King. You earn stamps so you can receive a prize.
- Carnival Crafts, where you could make crowns or masks
Discount Kings Island Tickets
Grand Carnivale takes place from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is included in your park admission. Find out how to get a coupon to Kings Island here.