The last week of August - Private Event?

[MasterRyu]

Hello All,

First time poster.

I will be visiting Chicago during the last week of august, and I have been very excited to be able to visit Six Flags Great America for the very first time...until I noticed that the park is closed Tuesday through Friday. This is pretty much the only time frame I will be in Chicago. Does the park always shut down the last four weekdays of August? Six Flags New England (my home park) operates everyday of the summer all through Labor day.

Additionally, the reason for the closure for Friday is that they are holding a private event according to the Six Flags calendar. Does anyone know what event that is and if it's related to some kind of coaster club? I've tried calling SFGA many times this morning only and I have yet been able to reach a phone rep (busy?).

Worst case scenario, I may be able to arrive Monday (8/26) and visit the park that day. It will open until 6 PM. Would the Flash Pass be needed, since it's a weekday.

Thank you.

[Ilovthevu']

They have been doing that for a couple / few years already that they aren't having those days open. The reason is because when I went those days awhile ago, the park was completely dead. There are a number of schools that just aren't going back to Labor Day anymore. They are going earlier than that. Next week, the waterpark isn't even open during the week. The high school by me is going back to school this week.

One of the times either last year or the year before, the park had a private event in August, and the private event people were Target. As for the coaster club private event theory, I really, really, really doubt that they would shut down the park just for them. It has to be some big time corporation renting the entire park for them not to open to any of the general public. Another time I remember CDW having an event - a computer place. I know earlier in the season, they have some car companies - either Chrysler or I think Chevrolet.

[UWW-10]

If you do happen to go on that Monday (8/26)...I'm pretty sure you won't need any flashpass. The only problem you'll run into is what rides will be open if they lack staffing. I'm sure the coasters and major flats (i.e. Giant Drop, Revolution, King Chaos) will be open but other attractions could be questionable.

[onyxhotel08]

Is Labor Day even crowded? I think most people end up grilling or going somewhere close to home on that weekend.

[tribar]

^I think Memorial Day is typically worse

[Johnny.Ink]

Thanks everyone for responding. I called Six Flags, and it turns out that the private event is a company outing for some firm.

Either way, I will be heading to the park on Monday August 26th.

My itinerary:

1) Arrive at Chicago Midway at 7:45 AM
2) Grab rental car at 8:30 AM
3) Drive up to Six Flags

According to Google, it's about a 50 min ride. Is there anything I have to watch out for (traffic?). I would like to get there by 10 AM and be the first in line lol. I'm still debating whether I should get a Flash Pass (Platinum even). I know it's a Monday and most likely the crowd will be light---but it does close at 6 PM that day. I want to make sure I get to go on everything at least twice and not have to rush through the park.

my feeling is that if you are travelling here specifically for the amusement park - pay for the Platinum flashpass.

My son and I did so when we went to Dorney Park, Great Adventure and SF New England. If you don't come here that much, pay the extra and enjoy the park. We abused the flash pass a ton and rode all the rides alot.

It's worth it if you don't come back here all that much...

[scott2608]

I was at the park Monday 8-19 and it was really busy most rides had 75 min wait times

[Ilovthevu']

^Blame that on free for a friend week, and for the people going back to school - at least some of them, this could be there last week. On top of that, no waterpark. High school by me went back last week, but grammar school is going back today - actually. Just picking a random grammar school, Schaumburg is going back tomorrow. I really wonder about Wisconsin schools. Maybe, they go back to school later than IL schools do.

I think with too many coupons for Bring a Friend for.... hurts the season pass sales / tickets to the park. I can easily be cheap, and for a family of 4,just buy 2 season passes. Than let the other 2 people be free / $10 (for whenever those days are), and go about 2 or 3 times to the park a year. Of course, this for a non-enthusiast family that only goes 2 or 3 times a year which I would say is mostly everyone but enthusiasts... In my opinion, I think they should have 3 weeks for 1/2 price for a friend, and one week for free for a friend. They should put the Funnel Cake thing back in the book too.

[BURTONxBLUNT]

^Blame that on free for a friend week, and for the people going back to school - at least some of them, this could be there last week. On top of that, no waterpark. High school by me went back last week, but grammar school is going back today - actually. Just picking a random grammar school, Schaumburg is going back tomorrow. I really wonder about Wisconsin schools. Maybe, they go back to school later than IL schools do.

I think with too many coupons for Bring a Friend for.... hurts the season pass sales / tickets to the park. I can easily be cheap, and for a family of 4,just buy 2 season passes. Than let the other 2 people be free / $10 (for whenever those days are), and go about 2 or 3 times to the park a year. Of course, this for a non-enthusiast family that only goes 2 or 3 times a year which I would say is mostly everyone but enthusiasts... In my opinion, I think they should have 3 weeks for 1/2 price for a friend, and one week for free for a friend. They should put the Funnel Cake thing back in the book too.

All Wisconsin schools(besides year round schools) go back after labor day! Illinois schools as i believe now are all back in school accept for some which are going tomorrow! so guessing lines now should start calming down.

[tribar]

^Chicago schools don't go back until the 26th

[FParker185]

Most suburban schools are back in session already.