# European amusement park Roller Coaster Day celebrations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-amusement-park-roller-coaster-day-celebrations
> Updated: 2026-08-13T08:07:11.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Major European amusement parks are preparing to celebrate Roller Coaster Day on August 16, an international event commemorating the 1898 patent of the first modern roller coaster structure.

In Italy, Gardaland is highlighting its Dragon Rush attraction, a Family Spinning Wild Mouse coaster. Since 2016, the ride has carried five million passengers and covered a total distance of over 266,000 kilometers, which is equivalent to nearly seven trips around the Earth. Park Operations Director Alessandra Zanoni noted the appeal of coasters as a ‘safe thrill’ that offers intense emotions in a controlled setting. Mirabilandia is also marking the day by showcasing its 5 kilometers of track, including the iSpeed magnetic launch coaster.

Additional celebrations in Italy include MagicLand, which is featuring two notable experiences: Shock – The Steam Machine and Cagliostro. Shock is described as one of the highest and fastest X-Car Coasters in Europe, utilizing a magnetic launch to reach 100 km/h and featuring a unique non-inverted loop. Cagliostro is noted as Italy’s only indoor spinning coaster, offering an unpredictable experience through darkness and rotating cars.

In Germany, Europa-Park is hosting various activities to mark the occasion, including contests for VIP access to the Voltron Nevera coaster. The park, which features 14 different coasters, is owned by the Mack family, whose business history includes Mack Rides, one of the world’s largest roller coaster manufacturers.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Italian theme parks celebrate Roller Coaster Day

Italian theme parks MagicLand and Gardaland are celebrating Roller Coaster Day by highlighting record-breaking attractions, including high-speed magnetic launches and milestone passenger counts.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-theme-parks-celebrate-roller-coaster-day

### 2026-08-11: Europa-Park celebrates Roller Coaster Day with 14 attractions

Germany's Europa-Park is celebrating Roller Coaster Day on August 16 with special contests and VIP access to its 14 roller coasters, highlighting its connection to manufacturer Mack Rides.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/europa-park-celebrates-roller-coaster-day-with-14-attractions

### 2026-08-10: Roller Coaster Day celebrated by major Italian theme parks

Theme parks Gardaland and Mirabilandia are celebrating Roller Coaster Day on August 16, with Gardaland marking a milestone of 5 million passengers on its Dragon Rush attraction.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mirabilandia-celebrates-roller-coaster-day

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Cite as: European amusement park Roller Coaster Day celebrations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-amusement-park-roller-coaster-day-celebrations