210724 Kings Dominion Grand Carnivale Sign

Grand Carnivale, a celebration of cultures around the world, is back for 2023.

This year the event is being held of Carowinds, Kings Dominion and Valleyfair June 24-July 9. The event then moves to Dorney Park, Kings Island and Worlds of Fun July 22-August 6.

This years Grand Carnivale celebrates the cultures of China, Germany, France, India, Italy, and Spain (some of the parks may only have select countries present).

In addition to a parade, live entertainment, tons of decor, games and more, Grand Carnivale also gives guests the chance to try out some specialty menu items from the featured countries.

While access to Grand Carnivale is included with park admission, in order to participate in the menu options, guests can purchase items individually, but the better deal is by purchasing a tasting card. Dining plans do not work on Grand Carnivale menu items.

For guests looking for admission, there is bundle for admission after 4:00pm that includes parking and a 3 item tasting card for $39.99. For guests wanting full day admission with parking and a 3 item tasting card, the price is $59.99.

Standard tasting cards are as follows.

6-item tasting card: $39.99
10-item tasting card: $59.99

230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Tasting Card ©JH

2023 Grand Carnivale Menu

China

– Bang-Bang Chicken: Skewered chicken tossed in a spicy peanut sauce with scallions $9.50
– Mongolian Beef: Double cooked beef in a ginger-soy sauce with carrots and scallions, served over rice $9.50
– Sesame Balls: Dough filled with raspberry preserves, dusted with sesame seeds and lightly fried $7.50

230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Bang Bang Chicken ©JH
Bang Bang Chicken ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Mongolian Beef ©JH
Mongolian Beef ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Sesame Balls ©JH
Sesame Balls ©JH

France

– Crepe Champignon: Thinly griddled crepe filled with a wild mushroom sauce, gruyere cheese, shallots and herbs de Provence $7.50
– Croque Monsieur: Toasted brioche sandwich with hardwood smoked pit ham, bechamel sauce, Brie cheese and fresh thyme $9.50
– Pain au Chocolate: Chocolate wrapped in flaky dough and dusted with powdered sugar $6.50

230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Crepe Champignon ©JH
Crepe Champignon ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Croque Monsieur ©JH
Croque Monsieur ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Pain au Chocolate ©JH
Pain au Chocolate ©JH

Germany

– Sauerbraten Slider: Slow-roasted, marinated beef on buttered slider buns with gingersnap sauce, red cabbage, tomato and pickle $9.50
– Apfelstrudel: Traditional apple dessert in buttery pastry with powdered sugar and whipped cream $6.50
– Pretzel Bites: Baked pretzel bites served with a bock-style beer cheese sauce $7.50

230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Sauerbraten Slider ©JH
Sauerbraten Slider ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Apfelstrudel ©JH
Apfelstrudel ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Pretzel Bites ©JH
Pretzel Bites ©JH

Italy

– Panzerotti: Golden brown dough filled with provolone, ricotta, spinach, tomato and fresh basil served with Marinara $6.50
– Caprese Fresca: Traditional salad from Capri with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze, served with pita chips $7.50
– Krapfen di Carnevale: Berry and cream filled doughnut dusted with powdered sugar $6.50

230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Panzerotti ©JH
Panzerotti ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Caprese Fresca ©JH
Caprese Fresca ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Krapfen di Carnevale ©JH
Krapfen di Carnevale ©JH

Spain

– Paella: Classic saffron rice with shrimp, chicken, sausage, garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes and peas $7.50
– Vegetable Empanada: Potatoes, butternut squash and cheese in fried pastries, served with saffron and garlic mayonnaise $7.50
– Natillas de Leche: Vanilla custard infused with lemon and dusted with cinnamon $6.50

230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Paella ©JH
Paella ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Vegetable Empanadas ©JH
Vegetable Empanadas ©JH
230623 Carowinds Grand Carnival Natillas de Leche ©JH
Natillas de Leche ©JH

Grand Carnivale is also known for the signature cocktails available throughout the event for $14.99.

Carnivale Cocktail – Tropical flavors paired with passion fruit and cherry combined with white wine to create this event’s signature cocktail

Raspberry Beret – Hints of lavender, lemon and lemongrass combined with sweet red wine and Minute Maid® lemonade and topped with an edible violet bloom

Orange Blossom – A thirst-quenching cocktail with an herbal spin featuring white wine paired with flavors of orange, lemon and cherry

Peach Bellini Spritzer – A refreshing take on this Italian classic with Prosecco sparkling wine, peach puree and citrus garnished with a Chianti-soaked peach

Sangria – A Spanish classic, sparkling and refreshingly fruity with a red wine base, infused with seasonal fruit

In addition, guest can also purchase specialty mocktails for $9.99.

Very Berry Party Punch – A refreshing blend of summer wild berries and Minute Maid®lemonade topped off with Sprite®and garnished with a fresh strawberry and raspberries

Triple Glitter Jam – A glistening, shimmering combination of wildberry, blueberry and raspberry flavors with Minute Maid®lemonade and garnished with glittered raspberry jam

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