Playland set to open May 18. What to know about the park's 96th season

Everybody's going down to Playland Park — as an old commercial jingle goes — on Saturday, May 18 for the opening day of its 96th season.

Here's what you need to know.

Playland will open the summer season with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 18 at 12 p.m.

Opening weekend will feature performances from the Lightning Drumline of Yonkers' Barack Obama School for Social Justice, live music, face painters, airbrush tattoo artists and more.

On Sunday, nonprofit cancer support organization Soul Ryeders will host its second annual Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk fundraiser at the park. The event is from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Over 1,400 runners and walkers and more than 150 volunteers are expected at the event, including those who have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer. The route will start at the park and send participants through the streets of Rye and Port Chester, with the final stretch down the Long Island Sound and back to the park. To register, visit the Soul Ryeders website.

A season full of celebrations

This year, visitors can expect over 50 rides and games, including the newest debut, Jack the Puppeteer. The summer season will also feature summer movie nights and, of course, a fireworks show every Saturday night.

2024 is also the 95th anniversary of the iconic Dragon Coaster, which first opened at the park on July 10, 1929. The park will host a special 'birthday bash' for the ride on July 20.

“Since opening in 1928, Playland has been the destination of lifelong memories for generations of families and visitors across the greater New York region," said Evone Keeler, CEO of Playland. "Through our diverse offerings ranging from recreation to leisure, and thrilling entertainment, coupled with our new and robust arts and community programming this year, Playland is committed to not only growing and revitalizing the historic park but to introduce Playland to a new generation of visitors to create lasting memories and traditions for the next one hundred years."

This year, Playland is introducing an All Access season pass for a one-time $150 payment, which includes unlimited admission to all the park's rides and attractions, its pool, beach, and lake paddle boats, and discounts on certain merchandise.

A season parking pass is also included in the package. Those who do not want the full package can pay for a parking pass separately for $45.

The park's pool and beach will open on Memorial Day weekend, with a special opening ceremony on Monday, May 27 at 12 p.m. to honor service members.

The celebration will include evening fireworks and the debut of the Playland Hometown Heroes Banner Program, which will feature personalized banners that will be displayed along the waterfront until Veterans Day. It's intended as "a living tribute" to veterans and active service members.

Playland is also partnering with NY Waterway to launch a summer, roundtrip ferry service from East 34th St. in Manhattan to Playland, with stops at 90th Street and Ferry Point Park in the Bronx on select dates, including May 25, June 22, July 20, August 17 and August 31. Tickets are available for purchase at the Playland website.

More events at Playland

Other events to look forward to this summer at Playland include:

• Stage variety shows every Sunday starting May 25 at 7 p.m. The shows will feature both nationally acclaimed and local entertainers at the park's Main Stage, including a mentalist, yo-yo artist and a "Cowboy from the Bronx."

• A synchronized swimming performance by The Aqualillies, an award-winning group of professional swimmers based in several cities across the U.S., on Saturday, June 22 at Playland Pool.

• Outdoor Movie Nights Under the Stars on the Sound, every Thursday starting June 27 at 8 p.m. Movie nights are free for season pass holders and $10 for those without a season pass, including the parks admission.

• Fireworks shows every Saturday starting June 29 at 9 p.m. at Playland Beach. Holiday fireworks will also take place Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day and July 4th for Independence Day.

For more information on upcoming events at the park, visit the Playland website.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Playland Park in Rye NY is ready to open season May 18