National Carousel Day

Enjoy free rides on the historic Hampton Carousel 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, July 25, with rides just $1 after 1 p.m.!

Step back in time and enjoy a spin on one of America’s last remaining antique wooden carousels as we celebrate National Carousel Day — also known as National Merry-Go-Round Day — at the 105-year-old Hampton Carousel!

This annual celebration honors the 1871 patent awarded to William Schneider, considered the inventor of the modern carousel. Join us at Carousel Park for a day of free rides on Hampton’s beautifully restored 1920 carousel, plus face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and more.

Stick around for the 11:30 a.m. unveiling of a bejeweled carousel horse made entirely out of semi-precious stones by members of the community during the Hampton Mosaic Festival in April. Led by Hampton artist Msesippi and dozens of volunteers with countless stones from U-Rock, this beautiful work of art will now be part of the joy of the Hampton Carousel experience.

Operated by the Hampton History Museum, the historic carousel was originally part of the Buckroe Beach Amusement Park and remains one of the city’s most cherished landmarks. Come relive the joy and pass it on to a new generation!