There are SO many reasons to visit Holiday World & Splashin' Safari this season. From the brand new Nerveless Nocks aquatic acrobatic show to the revamped and pyro-loaded drone extravaganza, to your favorite themed rides and water park staples.

Holiday World Friday Night Live Returns

Southern Indiana's crown jewel has the slogan, "#1 for family fun" for a reason. I'm personally super stoked for the return of Friday Night Live. From August 22nd to October 24th, you can visit the park at night! From 5 PM to 10 PM, you can experience the park in a whole new way.

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Trust me, the thrill of riding the Thunderbird or The Voyage in the dark is unmatched. I have never felt that kind of adrenaline before. (OK, to be honest, I was TERRIFIED and scared every bird away from the park with my blood-curdling screams.)  It was a BLAST, though. They also offer up drink specials, and there is live music from Happy New Month.

Pour Some Gravy On Me

I bet they'll perform their new hit, Pour Some Gravy on Me.

Some of the daily perks of visiting Holiday World are the freebies. Free parking, free sunscreen, and free soft drinks really come in handy on these hot summer days. I saw a comment the other day from a guy who lived in a cooler climate. He visited the park and raved about how awesome it was that he could easily stay hydrated, as he isn't used to the humidity here.

Holiday World Celebrates 25 Years of Free Soft Drinks

Lord, I've lived here all my life, and I'm not used to the humidity. Anyway, this is something that makes Holiday World really special, and they've been doing it for 25 years now. Other theme parks definitely don't offer free drinks, and some even overprice refreshments out the wazoo. Plus, it's SO convenient to just hop over to a Pepsi Oasis, fill up a cup, and continue on to the next ride.

One would say, Holiday World has spoiled us. Why isn't the rest of the world like this? I'd love to be able to grab a quick, free sip of lemonade in the middle of my grocery shopping or at the car repair shop, or downtown during Friday After 5. Owensboro actor and comedian, Timmy Barron, stars in the newest park commercial, and he portrays this struggle SO well.

When I say he had me cackling! Hilarious! 10 out of 10 performance! Also, where can I get one of those belt holsters? Now THAT is taking 25 years of free soft drinks seriously.

Win Free Holiday World Tickets

Here is a sneak peek of 60 seconds of the 2025 Holiday World Drone Show. There is a surprise at the end! Fill out the form here for a chance to snag some free tickets!

Friday After 5 - 2025 Season Lineup

Friday After 5 is Owensboro’s award-winning, FREE summer-long concert series that transforms the downtown riverfront into a vibrant hub of live music, family fun, and community is set to celebrate its 29th season. Join us every Friday night from May 16 through August 1, 2025.

With performances across multiple stages, the series features a star-studded lineup of national touring acts, regional favorites, and up-and-coming artists spanning rock, country, pop, funk, and more.

Each evening kicks off with the Kroger Street Fair at 5:00 PM, featuring food trucks, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities, followed by live music on the Overlook Stage from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Main Stage headliners from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.

Friday After 5 is the ultimate summer party. It's open to all and always free to attend.

Gallery Credit: ASHLEY SOLLARS

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