The popular Grand Carnivale celebration returns to several Cedar Fair parks in 2021, after first debuting back in 2019. Carowinds, Kings Dominion and Kings Island host Grand Carnivale July 17 – August 1, 2021. Dorney Park, Valleyfair and Worlds of Fun offer Grand Carnivale July 24-August 8.
The Grand Carnivale event is packed full of live entertainment centered around a beautiful parade. In addition to celebration several cultures from around the world, Grand Carnivale gives guests to sample world cuisine from the six celebrated nations.
During the 2019 Grand Carnivale at Dorney Park, we had the distinct honor of being chosen to ride in a parade float as the Party Squad. Guests only job is to have FUN and throw out beads to the guests. The priviledge to apply is reserved only for season passholders, and spots can be reserved starting July 16 at 7:00 pm by visiting the Dorney Park website.
For a full review of the Carowinds Grand Carnivale, check out Coaster101.
The Flavors of Carnivale International Cuisine is available by purchasing Tasting Cards. The parks will offer two price points for the 2021 Grand Carnivale Tasting Cards. Guests can purchase a six item tasting card for $35 ($30 online). Season passholders have the option to purchase nine item tasting cards for $50 ($45 online). Tasting cards do not need to be used in the same visit.
Tastes of China
Chicken Fried Rice – Wok fried rice tossed in a flavorful sauce with Chinese vegetables– $6.99
Steamed Pork Dumplings with Ponzu – Tender pork with scallions served with ginger soy garlic sauce– $6.99
General Tso Egg Rolls – Filled with sweet and spicy braised chicken and Asian vegetables with a side of General Tso dipping sauce– $6.99
Almond Cookies & Fortune Cookies – A tasting portion of these famous cookies– $6.99
Tastes of France
Summer Berry & Lemon Crêpe – Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries with lemon curd– $6.99
Jambon–Beurre – Traditional ham and herb butter sandwich served on a French baguette– $6.99
Hamburger Sliders – Served on brioche buns with gruyere cheese and pommes frites– $6.99
French Macaroon Trio – Chef’s selection of French macaroons– $6.99
Tastes of Germany
Wiener Schnitzel with Kraut & Bratkartoffeln – Hand-breaded pork tenderloin, house-made kraut with traditional German potatoes– $6.99
Pretzel Bites – Served with house-made beer cheese and mustard– $6.99
German Sausage & Kraut Balls – Breaded and fried to a golden brown and served with stout mustard– $6.99
German Chocolate Cake – Dark chocolate cake with coconut and pecans– $6.99
Tastes of India
Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice – Traditionally made with tandoori spice and tomato gravy– $6.99
Vegetable Pakora Fritter with Creamy Cilantro Sauce – Sweet potatoes and vegetables mixed in chickpea flour and fried golden brown– $6.99
Naan Dippers – Naan bread served with raita and tomato kasundi dip– $6.99
Laddu – Festive Indian cookies with cardamom, chopped almonds and a honey glaze– $6.99
Tastes of Italy
Fried Ravioli – Ricotta stuffed and served with traditional tomato sauce– $6.99
Piadina – Italian flatbread filled with Italian meats, cheese and sweet pepper spread– $6.99
Cavatelli Cone – Fresh pasta tossed with homemade marinara and meatballs served in a bread cone– $6.99
Cassata Cake – Citrus soaked sponge cake layered with fresh strawberries– $6.99
Tastes of Spain
Potatoes Bravas – Fried potatoes seasoned with fire roasted red pepper sauce and garlic aioli dipping sauce– $6.99
Pollo al Ajillo – Garlic seasoned chicken with traditional tomato gazpacho– $6.99
Chicken, Shrimp & Sausage Paella – Slow cooked in a traditional paella pan with saffron rice, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions– $6.99
Dulce de Leche Churros – Tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with caramel sauce– $6.99
Signature Cocktails
Cocktails are $13.99 each.
Cocktail Carnivale – A tropically inspired cocktail with vodka, blue curacao and melon midori
Chambord Spritz – A French style cocktail with black raspberry liqueur, semi-dry white wine and hints of citrus
Rossini – Strawberry puree with Italian prosecco wine and a lemon lime twist
Sangria – A Spanish classic, sparkling and refreshingly fruity with a red wine base, infused with seasonal fruit
In addition to event drinks, each country will also offer specific beverages.
China Tent- Hitachino Nest Anbai, Hitachino Nest White Ale, Hitachino Nest Dai Dai Indigenous Pale Ale
France Tent- Drouin Poire Pear Cider or Bouche Brut e Dupont
Germany Tent- Reissdorf Koelsch German Slider or Plank Hefeweizen Unfiltered
India Tent- Hitachino Nest Real Ginger Brew or Sugoi
Italy Tent- Peroni or Grand Carnivale IPA (Carowinds exclusive)
Spain Tent- Gurutzeta Sagardoa Basque Cider or Euskal Sagardoa Basque Cider
Carowinds has also announced a limited time partnership with local Sycamore Brewing, brewing Grand Carnivale IPA. The new beer is infused with citrus and mango to help pair with a wide variety of the Carnivale menu items. Grand Carnivale IPA is available at Harmony Hall, Blue Ridge Country Kitchen Patio, Schooner’s, and Carnivale Concoctions.
Signature Mocktails
Cocktails are $8.99 each.
Celebration Citrus Twist – A refreshing blend of orange, pineapple and lemon lime sparkling soda
Green Tea Cooler – Basil and lemon infused Chinese green tea sweetened and topped with fresh raspberries
Mango Lassi – A popular Indian blend of sweet mango puree, yogurt and coconut milk, flavored with cinnamon and cardamom
While going around the event, be sure to check out the Grand Carnivale Alligator King Mardi P. Gras’s International QR Invitational, and collect free character buttons from around the world.
* If you liked this post, join other readers who have signed up to for our free Newsletter…because then you will never miss another update!
