Lake Compounce gears up for opening day with several new additions

America’s First Amusement Park introduces new Wildcat ride experience, new food and beverage offerings, an all-new retail store and more in 2024

Wildcat rollercoaster at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut
Image via Lake Compounce

Spring is in the air and that means Opening Day, April 27, at Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park is just over one month away. America’s First Amusement Park is celebrating its 178th season as the longest-running amusement park in the United States as it continues its long-standing legacy, the park has also continued to make park-wide updates and improvements in the off-season while also growing its unique event lineup.  

New for the 2024 season, thrill-seekers are invited to hop on a new ride experience on the nearly 100-year-old Wildcat roller coaster. During the 2023 season and the park’s off-season, Wildcat has gone through the first phase of a two-year wood re-tracking project in partnership with Gravity Group. Throughout this process, more than 800 feet of the coaster’s wood track have been completely replaced with Gravity Group’s signature vertically stacked track, meaning wood pieces have been vertically stacked on top of one another instead of horizontally. This process allows for less bouncing on the track creating an overall smoother and more enjoyable ride.  

“This season, our new park leadership team of industry veterans is focused on enhancing the overall guest experience throughout the park,” said General Manager Doug Hemphill. “We are proud to have restored the Wildcat coaster while also maintaining its integrity as an all-wood roller coaster as the ride celebrates nearly 100 years.”   

1846 Coffee at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut

In addition to upgrades on Wildcat, the park’s award-winning Boulder Dash roller coaster has also gone through a transformation with more than 1,000 feet of steel Titan Track being added to the ride throughout a two-year project. Other new improvements are centered around the park’s food and beverage and retail stores. On Opening Day, guests can grab a pick-me-up at the park’s new 1846 Coffee Co., enjoy a sweet treat with new milkshakes at Johnny Rockets and check out the new retail location, Toy Store 

This year, parkgoers can also expect to be delighted by a full lineup of seasonal events including the re-introduction of Kids Fest every single weekend in June. The young and young at heart are invited for a pint-sized party to meet their favorite characters like Pete the Cat™, enjoy roaming performers and check out kid-friendly shows on the park’s Kiddie Land Stage. Then in July the park’s Summer Concert Series returns headlined by nationally touring acts featuring the sounds of summer guests know and love including Good Vibrations, a celebration of the music of the Beach Boys, Bruno & the Hooligans, a full experience Bruno Mars tribute act and Adventures in Parrotdise, a tribute to Jimmy Buffet. The beach is bouncing all August long as the all-new Beach Bash takes place every Saturday and Sunday. The 2024 season will wrap up with the return of Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights. 

Those interested in joining the fun all summer long can grab a 2024 Season Pass now during the park’s Spring Sale. Right now, future visitors can pay for just one day at $64.99 and get the whole summer season. Season Passholders will enjoy a variety of new perks in 2024 including 50% off cabanas in June and the opportunity to be among the first to ride Wildcat on Opening Day.  

For more information on the 2024 season and to purchase Season Passes, visit: LakeCompounce.com 

Lake Compounce is located at 185 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010 

Click here for more information about Lake Compounce
Click here for the latest news at Lake Compounce
Click here for the available jobs at Lake Compounce
Click here for the upcoming events at Lake Compounce
Click here for the latest news in Bristol
Click here for the coming events in Bristol
Click here for the latest news in Hartford County
Click here for the upcoming events in Hartford County

••••• Message center •••••••

Connecticut business owners: Connecticut with us! Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us! 

Get our news straight into your inbox daily

Stay connected with us on social media FacebookInstagram • Threads • Tiktok Join our Redditcommunity

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Looking for the latest news by region, topic and events

Latest news by region

Fairfield County Hartford County •  Litchfield County •  Middlesex CountyNew Haven County • New London County• Tolland CountyWindham County 

Latest sports news by team

Hartford Wolf PackHartford Yard GoatsConnecticut SunNorwich Sea Unicorns Traveler Championship

2024 schedules

Hartford Wolf Pack Hartford Yard GoatsConnecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns

Events my region

Fairfield CountyHartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven CountyNew London CountyMiddlesex CountyTolland County Windham County

Events by interest

ArtSportsFamily FriendlyHistoryConcertsFarmers’ Markets 

Events by the month

January 2024 • February 2024March 2024 • April 2024May 2024 • June 2024 July 2024August 2024• September 2024October 2024 • November 2024 • December 2024

Events by venue

College Street Music HallSpace Ballroom • Westville Music BowlWall Street TheaterHartford StageThe Bushnell Goodspeed Opera House •  Mohegan Sun