Kentucky Kingdom has announced the final phase of its nearly $50 million theme park transformation, which was kickstarted by Herschend’s acquisition of the park in 2021.
Set to open on opening day in 2027, the park will debut Midnight Showdown, an indoor, family-friendly, horse-racing-themed wooden coaster. The coaster is being billed as “the world’s largest indoor wooden rollercoaster” and will be the headline attraction of Bluegrass Downs, a new land inspired by Kentucky’s horse racing legacy. Another new land, called Happy Valley Farm, which features the new-for-2026 coaster Flying Fox, will celebrate the sunny side of Kentucky farm life.
Midnight Showdown and Bluegrass Downs
Midnight Showdown is an indoor wooden roller coaster built by the Gravity Group of Cincinnati. Built inside the former 5D Cinema building, the coaster rises over three stories tall and features 1,130 feet of track. The coaster will have two trains, each seating 10 riders.
The coaster will be the centerpiece of the new Bluegrass Downs land. According to Kentucky Kingdom, the land will reimagine five existing rides with racing-inspired theming. Guests can expect white fences, grand spires, and jockey-silk colors.
Happy Valley Farm
Home to the Flying Fox suspended roller coaster, Happy Valley Farm will bring the barnyard to life with eight reimagined rides, including Friendly Frogs, Loopy Lambs, and Country Cruisers. A barn in the land’s center will be surrounded by sunflowers and farm outposts.
“We've been building toward this for years, and 2027 is the moment guests will see just how far Kentucky Kingdom has come," said Carly Uglow, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kentucky Kingdom. "From two brand-new roller coasters and reimagined lands to refreshed rides and new theming throughout the park, this is a very different Kentucky Kingdom than guests may remember from years past. We encourage everyone to come out and visit the all-new Kentucky Kingdom.”
More Details
Visit Kentucky Kingdom’s website for more info on the new attractions and for park tickets.
