Chicago's St. Helen Carnival returns September 24–27
The Midway • Sept 24–27, 2026

Carnival Rides and Midway

From a child's very first ride to a 60-foot swinging spinner, the St. Helen Carnival midway lights up Ukrainian Village for four days.

3
Ride tiers
7
Attractions
32"+
Min height
Cliff HangerTilt-A-WhirlFerris WheelEl Paso TrainMini JetMotorcycle RaceVolkswagen CarsCliff HangerTilt-A-WhirlFerris WheelEl Paso TrainMini JetMotorcycle RaceVolkswagen Cars
Big Thrills

Spin. Swing. Scream.

Higher-energy attractions for teenagers and adults ready to spin, swing and soar.

Requested for 2026 · Confirmation pending
Cliff Hanger
Featured

Cliff Hanger

Experience the feeling of hang gliding as riders lie forward and soar through the air.

Minimum 48 inches
Family Favorites

Carnival Classics, Generation After Generation

Carnival classics enjoyed by generations of families across the neighborhood.

Tilt-A-Whirl
01 · Family

Tilt-A-Whirl

A classic spinning Carnival favorite enjoyed by generations of families.

Minimum 46 inches
Ferris Wheel
02 · Family
Confirmation Pending

Ferris Wheel

Take in the lights and surrounding neighborhood from high above the midway.

Height requirements confirmed once the operator provides the 2026 wheel details
Little Riders

Their First Carnival Ride

A dedicated set of rides designed for first-time Carnival riders and younger children.

El Paso Train

El Paso Train

A colorful circus train for young conductors ready to take their first Carnival ride.

Height
  • Minimum 32 inches
  • Riders under 36 inches require an adult
  • Maximum 54 inches
Mini Jet

Mini Jet

Young riders choose a colorful airplane and lift into the air as the ride spins.

Height
  • Minimum 36 inches
  • Maximum 54 inches
Motorcycle Race

Motorcycle Race

Kid-sized motorcycles pop wheelies, travel over small jumps and include motorcycle sound effects.

Height
  • Minimum 36 inches
  • Maximum 54 inches
Volkswagen Cars

Volkswagen Cars

Brightly colored cars give junior drivers their own trip around the midway.

Height
  • Minimum 36 inches
  • Maximum 54 inches
Quick Height Guide

Know Before You Go

Every ride sets its own minimum. Use this as a quick reference — final height requirements are set by the Carnival operator and strictly enforced.

32"+
First rides
36"+
Little Riders
46"+
Family Favorites
48"+
Big Thrills

The final 2026 ride lineup is determined by the Carnival operator and is subject to change. Rides shown are expected, requested or historically featured attractions. Ride photography courtesy of All Around Amusement.

MegaPass

Ride All Four Days

Get unlimited ride access throughout Carnival weekend with a four-day MegaPass.

Get your Mega Pass