Summer Roundup
Time sure flies when you’re riding roller coasters! Autumn is just around the corner, and we hope you’ve had a great summer. Here’s some highlights of the various SQCC events and Pride festivities from the past few months.
Sunday, June 14: “Queens Slay the Dragon!” at Rye Playland
On June 14, we had a meetup at Rye Playland, just outside of NYC. This was a first visit to this park for many of us, and it was wonderful to see that such a classic park is undergoing updates and investments. Ye Old Mill opened in 1928, and the Dragon Coaster in 1929 - and both are in great shape!
We couldn’t resist the urge to recreate the Mariah Carey “Fantasy” music video on Dragon Coaster.
A group of SoCal Queens had a meetup at Knott’s Berry Farm on June 21. We had been hopeful that MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress might be open… Unfortunately, it wasn’t to open for nearly two more months, but Boysen Bear helped keep our spirits lifted!
Sunday, June 21: “Knott’s Summer Adventure!” at Knott’s Berry Farm
A few of our Queens went to Six Flags New England on June 22, which also happened to be one of the days of Coaster Con for the American Coaster Enthusiasts. We snapped a joined group photo with some ACE members and had a Pride Ride takeover of Scream, the park’s drop tower.
(Also, a huge congratulations goes out to Derek Perry on his recent election victory as the new president of ACE! We look forward to continued collaborations between our vibrant communities.)
Monday, June 22: “Wicked Summer!” at Six Flags New England
June 27 was Shoreline Pride Sandusky, and Scream Queens marched in the parade! It goes without saying that afterwards we headed into Cedar Point for some rides. This day brought together what we’re all about - coasters and queer community!
Saturday, June 27: Shoreline Pride Sandusky
Scream Queens soared into Carowinds on July 24 for a “Carolina Kiki”. It was a day of joy and Fury, taking on some incredible coasters! This weekend was our first official event in this region, so it was great getting to visit a “new” park as a group and meet new Queens in the area.
Friday, July 24: “Carolina Kiki” at Carowinds
The next two days were spent at Dollywood for “A Coaster of Many Scream Queens!” The Smoky Mountains were filled with laughs and screams as we gallivanted from coaster to coaster, and then to some of the various attractions in the Pigeon Forge area.
Sunday, July 26: “A Coaster of Many Scream Queens!” at Dollywood
A gaggle of NYC-area Scream Queens descended on Coney Island on August 1. We just can’t get enough of the Cyclone, what a phenomenal classic coaster! We also watched the Coney Island Circus Sideshow at the Freak Bar, a very unique experience.
Saturday, August 1: “Seaside Screams and Coney Queens!” at Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park
Scream Queen Scott also had the opportunity to interview DJ of Deno’s Wonder Wheel. Be sure to check it out!
On August 8, we set up a booth at King Dominion’s Pride at the Park. We deeply thank Diversity Richmond for the opportunity, it was a thrill-filled day of coasters, community, and drag queens!
August 8, 2026: “Pride at the Park” at Kings Dominion
A Superbly Sweet Anniversary
On August 9th we celebrated our 4th anniversary with an event at Hersheypark. Sweet treats, first class thrills, and smiling faces - we’re so honored and humbled by what this community has become. We met at Six Flags Great Adventure 4 years ago, and can’t believe how much we’ve grown since then. What started as an Instagram group chat has evolved into big events, a Discord server, merchandise, taking part in media events, and becoming a registered non-profit organization. This has all happened organically through community ideas and 100% volunteer work, and by attendees showing up to the parks and making this community happen. You all help to create and uphold a welcoming and safe space for LGBTQIA+ folks to ride coasters together and spread queer joy. Thank you to ALL of you, and we can’t wait to celebrate year 5 in 2027!
Sunday, August 9: SQCC’s 4th Anniversary at Hersheypark
Saying Goodbye to Coaster Icons
August 2 marked two significant losses in the coaster world. On the same day, we said goodbye to Kumba and Arie Force One.
Kumba at Busch Gardens opened in 1993, and proved to be hugely influential to coaster design. While Arrow had previously been the kings of large-scale looping coasters, their designs were done on pencil-and-paper, with already-engineered inversions being copied and pasted from one coaster design to the next. B&M on the other hand, used computers to give Kumba unique, custom, enormous inversions never before seen. The massive loop encircling the lift hill was by far the largest vertical loop built up to that point, and its interlocking corkscrews became instantly iconic. The past few years had seen this coaster suffer a lot of downtime and maintenance issues, and the park suddenly announced its impending closure with less than three weeks notice. We will deeply miss this important, intense, unforgettable ride.
In Memoriam: Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa
That same day also happened to be the final ride on Arie Force One, a fierce and relentless coaster at Fun Spot Atlanta. Having opened only in 2023, this was a shocking loss to coaster enthusiasts, being widely considered one of the best coasters in the world. Sadly, this small little family entertainment center just couldn’t survive its low attendance. The weeks leading up to the park’s closure saw many coaster enthusiasts make last-minute trips to Atlanta to get their final rides on Arie. One group of Scream Queens visited Fun Spot on July 11, while another group got their last rides on August 1.
Saturday, July 11: Saying goodbye to Fun Spot Atlanta
Fun Spot’s final weekend saw the longest lines in Arie’s short life, as enthusiasts flocked to the park to pay their respects to this incredible coaster. Goodbye Arie, and thank you for the thrilling memories!
Saturday, August 1: Getting final rides on Arie Force One
Events and Meetups
Here’s a sampling of upcoming events and meetups. As always, check out Discord for the latest! Discord event threads have been linked below. If you’re attending an event, remember to turn on the event thread’s notifications, so you don’t miss any updates or plans!
Friday, August 21: “Out on the Mountain” Private Event
Six Flags Magic Mountain, CA
Friday, September 11: “Pride Night” presented by Cincinnati Pride
Kings Island
Saturday, September 12: “Out in the Park” presented by Best Gay Chicago
Six Flags Great America
Saturday, September 12: “It’s Giving Thanks!”
Holiday World
Thursday-Friday, September 17-18: “Scream, Queens!” at HalloWeekends
Cedar Point
Saturday, October 17: “Pumpkin Spice Kiki” at Hallo-Fun Weekends
Knoebels
Saturday, October 24: “Possessed by Thrills!” at Halloween Haunt
Dorney Park
May 31, 2026 - “Summer Fling” at Six Flags Great Adventure
Keep spreading that joy, and see you soon in the parks!
With Scream Queens, no one rides alone. ❤ 🏳🌈 ❤