Nothing says “Cedar Point” quite like a basket of fresh-cut fries, and this September the park is bringing back their special event, Fresh Cut Fries Fest! Fresh-Cut Fries Fest runs September 5 – 7, 2025, and it’s all about celebrating the salty, golden-brown snack that’s been a park favorite since 1942.
This year’s festival has a big upgrade: the newly renovated Happy Friar near Gemini. If you haven’t seen it yet, the remodel makes the back of the park feel fresh and inviting, and it’s the perfect place to grab a plate of loaded fries before heading to Gemini, Magnum, or even Frontier Town.
What’s New at the Happy Friar
Photos Courtesy of Cedar Point
At the Happy Friar, two limited-time recipes take center stage:
- Chipotle Chicken Fresh-Cut Fries – shredded smoked chipotle chicken, chipotle seasoning, white queso, and jalapeños.
- Smokehouse Fresh-Cut Fries – smoked pulled pork, house-made BBQ sauce, and green onions.
The chipotle chicken packs a little heat, while the smokehouse brings that sweet-and-savory BBQ comfort. Both are hearty enough to be a meal on their own.
Hot Potato’s Lineup
Photos Courtesy of Cedar Point.
If you’re up near Raptor, Hot Potato has two different festival exclusives:
- Supreme Pizza Fresh-Cut Fries – diced pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
- Cheeseburger Fresh-Cut Fries – sloppy joe-style ground beef, cheddar cheese sauce, diced pickles, red onion, and tomato.
Both feel like mash-ups straight out of a food truck festival—and they’re perfect for sharing.
What’s Missing This Year
Last year, our favorite was the Pierogi Fries, which combined fries, potato-filled pierogis, cheese, and sour cream into one unforgettable carb-lover’s dream. Sadly, they didn’t make the cut this year. While we’re a little bummed, the new lineup still offers plenty of unique flavors to try.
All-Season Favorites Still Here
Don’t worry if you just want the classics—you can still find favorites like:
- Buffalo
- Garlic Parmesan
- Original
- Chili & Cheese
Sometimes simple really is best, and Cedar Point’s classic fresh-cuts never disappoint.
Meet the Happy Friar
For a fun photo op, Happy Friar himself will be out near his namesake stand (by Gemini) from 12–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. each day of the festival. It’s a quirky Cedar Point tradition worth stopping for, especially if you’re making family memories.