Exciting Weekend at the Shore: Six Flags Great Adventure Opens, Film Festival, Wine Tasting & More

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Six Flags Great Adventure Kicks Off the Season

Looking for fun things to do at the Jersey Shore this weekend? Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, film buff, music lover, or foodie, there’s something for everyone.

Six Flags Great Adventure

Thrill rides are back! Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson reopens this Saturday, and with it comes the debut of The Flash: Vertical Velocity—a cutting-edge steel coaster that launches riders forward and backward at 60 mph, reaching a height of 172 feet. Park officials say it’s the first ride of its kind in North America.

Six Flags will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Season pass holders can reserve an early ride time for The Flash during the first two hours.

📍 Where: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson
🎟 Tickets: $39; season passes from $69 to $195
🔗 sixflags.com/greatadventure

Garden State Film Festival Brings Cinematic Magic

The Garden State Film Festival celebrates its 23rd anniversary this weekend, featuring 205 films from over 14 countries across venues in Asbury Park and Cranford. Expect a diverse lineup, from indie dramas and thrillers to student films and documentaries—including Vienna: Suddenly an Angel, a heartfelt story about a Holmdel family’s search for answers after tragedy.

📍 Where: Various locations in Asbury Park & Cranford
📅 When: Thursday to Sunday
🎟 Tickets: $20 to $105
🔗 gsff.org

The Peking Acrobats Dazzle in Red Bank

For over three decades, the Peking Acrobats have stunned audiences with gravity-defying stunts. Watch them juggle, tumble, and balance atop a pagoda of chairs at the Count Basie Center for the Arts.

📍 Where: Count Basie Center, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
📅 When: 4 p.m. Sunday
🎟 Tickets: $25 to $45
🔗 thebasie.org

Rosé All Day in Point Pleasant Beach

Sip and savor at Rosé All Day, a wine-tasting event featuring rosés from around the world, along with curated meats, cheeses, and chocolates from Molly Boards. Live music adds to the ambiance.

📍 Where: B2 Bistro, 709 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach
📅 When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday
🎟 Tickets: $60
🔗 jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com

Photography Exhibit in Barnegat

You only have a few days left to catch Red Rose Kay Photography & Multimedia: Landscapes and Nature at the Ocean County Library. Artist Kaylee McGrath, a rising social media star, captures breathtaking nature shots.

📍 Where: Ocean County Library, Barnegat branch, 112 Burr St.
📅 When: Through Monday, March 31
🎟 Free

Relive the Beatles at Drew University

Step back into the swinging ‘60s with Re-Live The Beatles: The Tribute. This energetic show at Drew University features costume changes and an immersive backdrop, recreating the Fab Four’s most iconic moments—from The Ed Sullivan Show to Abbey Road.

📍 Where: Concert Hall, Drew University, 36 Madison Ave., Madison
📅 When: 3 p.m. Sunday
🎟 Tickets: $35 to $50

With so much happening at the Shore this weekend, which event will you be attending?

Six Flags Great Adventure is a massive amusement park located in Jackson, New Jersey. It’s one of the largest theme parks in the world and a popular destination for thrill-seekers, families, and fun lovers across the region. Opened in 1974, the park is part of the Six Flags chain and is well-known for its adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, exciting rides, and family-friendly attractions.

🏁 Thrilling Rides and Attractions

Six Flags Great Adventure is home to some of the world’s most intense roller coasters, including:

  • Kingda Ka: The tallest roller coaster in the world and the fastest in North America, launching riders to 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
  • El Toro: A massive wooden roller coaster with extreme drops and speeds, often ranked among the best wooden coasters worldwide.
  • Nitro: A smooth steel hypercoaster offering breathtaking airtime and sharp turns.
  • The Flash: Vertical Velocity (New for 2024): A state-of-the-art super boomerang coaster that launches riders forward and backward at 60 mph with zero-gravity twists.

🦒 Safari Adventure

In addition to the amusement park, Six Flags Great Adventure also features the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, one of the largest drive-thru safaris in the world. Guests can see over 1,200 animals from six continents, including giraffes, elephants, and lions, from the comfort of their own vehicles.

🌊 Hurricane Harbor

During the summer months, visitors can cool off at Hurricane Harbor, a massive water park adjacent to the main park. It features water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and interactive splash zones for kids. The water park typically opens in May.

🎟️ Tickets and Passes

  • Single-Day Tickets: Start around $39
  • Season Passes: Range from $69 to $195
  • Discounts are often available online, especially if booked in advance.

📍 Location and Hours

  • Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ
  • Hours: Vary by season, but generally 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends in the spring.
  • Website: sixflags.com/greatadventure

Whether you’re a roller coaster enthusiast or planning a fun family day out, Six Flags Great Adventure has something for everyone!

Six Flags Great Adventure FAQ:
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
1. How much are tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure?

Single-day tickets start at $39 when purchased online in advance.
Season passes range from $69 to $195, depending on perks.
Memberships with monthly payments are also available.

2. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

While you can buy tickets at the gate, purchasing online in advance usually saves money and ensures entry on busy days.

3. Does Six Flags offer discounts?

Yes! Discounts are available for groups, military personnel, and season pass holders. Special promotions also happen throughout the year.

🎢 Rides & Attractions
4. What are the most popular rides?

Kingda Ka (world’s tallest coaster, 128 mph launch)
El Toro (top-rated wooden coaster with steep drops)
Nitro (smooth, high-speed steel coaster)
The Flash: Vertical Velocity (new 2024 ride, high-speed boomerang coaster)

5. Are there height restrictions for rides?

Yes, most thrill rides have minimum height requirements ranging from 42” to 54”. Check the park’s website for specific ride restrictions.

6. Are there kid-friendly rides?

Yes! The park has a Kids’ Section, featuring gentle rides like Bugs Bunny National Park and family-friendly coasters like Harley Quinn Crazy Train.

🦒 Safari & Water Park
7. Is the Wild Safari Drive-Thru included with admission?

No, the Wild Safari Drive-Thru requires a separate ticket unless you have an Ultimate Season Pass.

8. When does Hurricane Harbor open?

The water park opens for the season on May 17, 2024.

🍔 Food & Dining
9. Can I bring my own food?

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed, except for baby food and medically necessary items.
Dining passes are available for unlimited meals throughout the day.

10. Does Six Flags have vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?

Yes! Many food spots offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, including salads, Impossible Burgers, and fruit cups.

🎒 Park Policies
11. What can I bring into the park?

Allowed: Small bags, phones, cameras, empty water bottles, and sunscreen.
Not Allowed: Outside food, large coolers, alcohol, and loose articles on rides.

12. Does Six Flags have a bag policy?

Small bags are allowed, but large backpacks may need to be stored in lockers.
Some rides do not allow any loose items, and lockers are required.

13. Is there a dress code?

Yes, guests must wear shirts, shoes, and appropriate attire at all times. Clothing with offensive language or graphics is not allowed.

🚗 Parking & Transportation
14. How much is parking?

General parking costs $30, and preferred parking is $40+.
Season pass holders may get free parking, depending on their pass level.

15. Is there public transportation to Six Flags?

Yes! NJ Transit and several bus services provide transportation from New York City and Philadelphia directly to the park.

🕒 Hours & Best Times to Visit
16. When is Six Flags Great Adventure open?

The park typically opens in March or April and operates on weekends in spring, then daily in summer.
Closing times vary, but it’s usually open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

17. When is the best time to visit?

Weekdays (especially Tuesdays & Wednesdays) have shorter wait times.
Weekends and holidays tend to be very crowded

📱 Other Questions
18. Is there a Six Flags app?

Yes! The Six Flags app lets you check wait times, park maps, and show schedules.

19. Can I rent a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes! Strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs (electric convenience vehicles) are available for rent near the entrance.

20. Does Six Flags close during bad weather?

The park remains open in light rain, but severe weather (thunderstorms, heavy rain) may cause temporary ride closures.

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