Carowinds Launches Monthlong Latin American Festival Starting Friday

Carowinds will open Viva La Fiesta on Friday. This monthlong celebration honors Latin American traditions with food, music, and shows. It runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April 17 through May 17 at Thunder Striker Event Plaza.

"Viva La Fiesta gives us the opportunity to bring the sights, sounds, and flavors of Latin America to the state line for guests of all ages," said Matt Riggle, entertainment manager at the park, according to Amusement Today. "The event brings incredible energy to the park and allows us to engage guests with new experiences and elevated entertainment."

The Charlotte amusement park held this festival last season for the first time. Riggle said his team looks forward to watching Viva La Fiesta grow and attract different audiences.

Cooks will serve dishes from Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. You'll find bistec a la Mexicana, pollo guisado, bondi-pan, empanadas, and yuca frita. Food booths sit across the festival grounds, offering authentic meals, sweets, and drinks.

Shows happen throughout each festival day. Mariachi, baile folklórico, tango, and salsa acts take the stage with performances like ¡FUEGO!, Baila Conmigo, and Wepa. Visitors can dance with performers as live music fills the air into the evening.

Street performers, games, and crafts round out the festivities. Thunder Striker Event Plaza has been redesigned to host everything.

Viva La Fiesta is one part of the theme park's seasonal schedule. Gold Season Passholders get unlimited visits through 2026 to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark. They receive free parking, special perks and discounts, plus entry to other Six Flags locations like Kings Dominion, Six Flags Over Georgia, and Six Flags White Water.

Passholders can check out SPLASH! Water Parade and old favorites like SCarowinds and WinterFest. This festival lets families discover Latin American traditions right at the state line.