Six Flags America Cancels Fright Fest in Preparation for Park’s Permanent Closure

Kids Boo Fest, the event catered to younger children, will be held on weekend Sept. 13 through Nov. 2

NEED TO KNOW

  • Six Flags America in Bowie, Md., has canceled its fall Fright Fest, a spokesperson for the park confirmed to PEOPLE
  • Kids Boo Fest, the event catered for younger kids, will still operate on weekends Sept. 13 to Nov. 2
  • The news follows Six Flags Entertainment Corporation's announcement to close the 500-acre park in May

Six Flags America fans looking for one last scare may have to go elsewhere.

Spokespeople for the Bowie, Md., amusement park confirmed to PEOPLE that its annual Fright Fest will not be returning for the park’s final season.

“Our goal is to provide a family-friendly and memorable final fall season of operation,” the park shared in its statement to PEOPLE. “We’ve made the strategic decision to focus on daytime activities that the whole family can enjoy.”

According to WUSA9, this is the first time since 1999 that the Six Flags park will not host Fright Fest. The event, typically held in September and October, features haunted rides and themed Halloween activities. 

However, Kids Boo Fest will still go on. The daytime event, catered for younger children, has been held annually since 2022. This year, it will be held on weekends from Sept. 13 to Nov. 2 and feature Halloween-themed entertainment and rides.

“We understand that change can sometimes be challenging, and we deeply appreciate the support and enthusiasm of our guests,” the statement continued.

Season passholders were notified of the decision and were offered a ticket to Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, the closest company park. 

Earlier this year, the park’s parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced plans to shut down Six Flags America and its water park Hurricane Harbor at the end of the 2025 season. 

“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Six Flags President & CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in a press release issued on May 1. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment.”

The 500-acre property employs about 70 full-time associates and they will be provided severance and other benefits leading up to the final operating day on Sunday, Nov. 2.

“This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests,” Zimmerman added. “We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests, and Six Flags is committed to supporting all impacted associates through the closure process at the end of this year.”

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At the time, the company told PEOPLE, “We have not yet determined what will happen to each ride or attraction after the park is closed but relocation to other Six Flag parks or selling to other amusement park operators are options that may be considered.”

Six Flags America first opened in 1974 as a drive-thru safari experience called The Largo Wildlife Preserve but was reimagined as Six Flags America in 1999.

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