La historia estará ambientada en el verano de 1987 donde un adolescente recién graduado en la universidad se verá forzado a aceptar un empleo precario en un parque de atracciones local, tras truncarse su sueño de realizar un tour europeo. Esta experiencia le ayudará a madurar y a encontrar nuevos amigos, y por supuesto su primer amor. En definitiva, a enfrentarse al mundo real.

In 1987, James Brennan's dreams of a summer European tour before studying at an Ivy League school in New York City are ruined after his parents have a severe career setback. As a result, James must get a summer job to cover his upcoming expenses at the decrepit local amusement park, Adventureland, where he falls in love with a witty co-worker, Emily Lewin. In that bizarrely shady workplace, the young carnies have unforgettable and painful learning experiences about life, love and trust while James discovers what he truly values.