PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Kennywood kicks off its 126th season on April 20, and you can celebrate by having a pint with an old mascot.

In partnership with Penn Brewery, Jeeters’ Pub will have a dozen beers (including an exclusive strawberry funnel cake shandy), spiked frozen beverages, hard seltzer and wine, charcuterie boards, wings and other munchies. The menu gives new meaning to the yinzer phrase “jeet jet?”

During the ‘70s and ‘80s, cutouts of Jeeters were placed outside of several rides to display height requirements. Now the pink character will check IDs. The bar, located near the Kennyville Stage, is decorated with a colorful mural that commemorates rides, events and relics from the park’s past.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

“Both entities have a really rich history here in Pittsburgh,” says Stefan Nitsch, who purchased the North Side brewery in 2022. “It’s a really cool collab that we’re putting together.”

Related: 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Next Trip to Kennywood

On a stormy day that was better suited for a stroll through Noah’s Ark, crews were busy making repairs to the Turtle, the last operating ride of its kind in the world. Manufactured in Beaver Falls and introduced in 1927, the iconic turtle cars have new shells and seats.

Assistant General Manager Ricky Spicuzza says the mild ride is a family favorite because the dipping track provides a thrill for both kids and adults.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

After taking a spin on a terrapin, it’s a tradition for Pittsburghers to stop at the neighboring Potato Patch for fries. In 2024, the iconic food stand will get its own attraction.

The Grand Prix is getting a Potato Smash makeover. The 20 bumper cars will look like baskets of fresh-cut, cheese-covered spuds, complete with an oversized fork sticking out of the top. The height requirement has been lowered from 48 to 42 inches to accommodate more thrill-seeking foodies.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

If you’re a burger lover, the former merry-go-round pavilion now houses Carousel Burger Co., a restaurant serving all-American eats and milkshakes that defy dietary logic and gravity. Tongues will be wagging about the Whimsical Strawberry Swirl, which is topped with icing, rainbow jimmies, a glazed donut and donut holes. (Speaking of tongues, the Noah’s Ark whale received a new one, although it’s not as squishy as the original).

Kennywood continues its tradition of drool-worthy events with the return of the Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival. It starts on Memorial Day weekend and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout June.

On Saturdays and Sundays in July, yinz can Celebrate Pittsburgh. Kennywood will highlight the city’s arts, culture, sports, food and beer. Dance parties will be held at the Lagoon each night of the event. As an added bonus, the park will stage its first-ever drone show on July 20.

Celebrate America features fun and fireworks on July 4 and the summer festivities wrap up with Fall Fantasy Parades.

Kennywood, which begins daily operations on Memorial Day, is on USA Today’s list of 10 Best Theme Parks.