Knott’s Boysenberry Festival 2026: The Berry Best Guide

Boysenberry Festival Dates and What to Expect

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is back for 2026, and it’s bigger, brighter, and berry-er than ever. This year’s festival returns daily March 13–April 12, filling the park with over 100 boysenberry festival food and beverage creations, live entertainment, artisan shopping, and family fun.

If you're planning a visit to this So Cal spring event, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan the berry best trip, including what to eat, what to see, and how to make the most of every moment.

Knott's Boysenberry Food Guide: Over 100 Tasty Creations

The headline of any visit during this time of year is the Boysenberry Festival menu, a parkwide lineup of sweet, savory and sippable creations crafted just for spring. If you’re wondering about the best food at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, start here.

New Boysenberry Dishes for 2026

This year’s menu debuts a collection of new boysenberry dishes that blend bold flavors with the berry’s natural sweetness.

All-new must try Boysenberry Festival foods include:

• Spicy boysenberry bulgogi over steamed rice
• Reuben ball with spicy boysenberry Thousand Island dressing
• Boysenberry and pineapple upside down cake
• Boysenberry meringue tart

And when you’re feeling thirsty? You’re covered with a whole lineup of Boysenberry Festival beverages. Sip on a boysenberry paloma, boysenberry & kiwi lemonade, boysenberry tequila sunrise or several other berry-infused drinks.

The Best Way to Taste It All: Tasting Cards

One of the best ways to sample the festival is with a tasting card, which includes six tastings selected from dozens of food and drink options across the park. Tasting cards can be purchased online or onsite at the park.

If you love trying as many new festival foods as possible (and want the best value), a tasting card is a must.

Pro tip: Study the Boysenberry Festival event guide early, map a route and mix shared samples with personal favorites to maximize value.

Boysenberry Festival Live Entertainment

From interactive fun to musical throwbacks, Boysenberry Festival entertainment fills the day with showtimes and surprises across Ghost Town and beyond.

Boysen Bear’s Pie Kitchen Games

Bring the family to Calico Park for Boysen Bear activities. Help thwart those sneaky coyote pups, Moxie and Brawny, in the Boysen Bear’s Pie Kitchen Games.

Boysen Bear’s Pie Eating Contest

After you outsmart the pups, join Master Piemaker Boysen Bear on the Calico Mine Stage for the annual Knott’s Pie Eating Contest! We’re counting on you!

The Great Bank Robbery at Birdcage Theatre

Trouble is brewing as the evil Bells Colton has plans to rob the gold from the Bank of Calico! It's up to reluctant hero Ernie Evergood to foil the robbery, save Gertie Goodwill and restore order to the town of Calico! Don't miss a thrilling moment of the comedy action at Bird Cage Theatre!

Knott’s Preserved Musical Journey

Knott's Preserved is back as guests are taken on a musical journey from the little ghost town of Calico to the Seaside Boardwalk of the Roaring '20s to commemorate the park's heritage. The show is a love letter to Knott’s history and a highlight of Boysenberry Festival shows.

Pro tip: Download the Six Flags Mobile App for the most up to date show times and more.

Family-Friendly Activities and Hands-On Fun

Planning a Boysenberry Festival for the whole family? You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly stops to balance the foodie itinerary.

Old MacDonald’s Barn

Say hello to horses, goats and other furry friends at Old MacDonald’s Barn, a tribute to one of the farm's original attractions.

History of the Boysenberry Museum

Curious how a berry built a theme park? Pop into Town Hall’s History of the Boysenberry Museum to explore the boysenberry history and Knott family story that shaped Southern California.

Shopping and Unique Festival Finds

Round out your visit with Boysenberry Festival shopping. From artisan goods to park-inspired art, there is something for everyone, ideal for souvenirs or gifts.

Boysenberry Festival Crafts Fair

In the heart of Ghost Town, dozens of local makers showcase one-of-a-kind handmade goods, many inspired by the iconic berry. From home décor to wearable art to specialty foods, it’s the perfect place to pick up a gift (or treat yourself).

“Tied Up in Knott’s” Art Show

Held at The Factory Store, this fan-favorite gallery returns with original pieces from the Knott’s artist community. If you love learning about or collecting theme park-inspired art, this is your spot.

Stay Where the Berry Magic Happens

Turn your festival day into a full getaway with the Knott’s Hotel Boysenberry Festival package. The hotel is just steps away from the park, making it easy to roll right into the fun and relax afterward.

Stay Close to the Fun: Knott’s Hotel Festival Packages

The 2026 package includes:

• Overnight accommodations
• One day admission per registered guest
• One boysenberry tasting card per registered guest
• One single use Fast Lane per registered guest
• Hotel parking

It’s the most convenient way to squeeze every drop of fun from your visit.

Your Perfect Boysenberry Day Awaits

Boysenberry Festival Tips

To help you make the most of your visit, here are a few helpful festival day pointers:

1. Arrive Early

Food and entertainment offerings pop up all over the park. Arriving early helps you pace your tastings and fit in the shows and Boysenberry Festival activities you’re excited about.

2. Plan Your Tasting Card Strategy

Check the tasting card and à la carte menu so you can map out a food path that avoids unnecessary backtracking across the park.

3. Catch a Show Between Tastings

Shows like Knott’s Preserved are the perfect palate cleanser between culinary adventures.

4. Stay for the Evening Atmosphere

As the sun sets, the park takes on a warm, lively nighttime vibe that’s totally worth experiencing. The spring lighting and festival décor shine after sunset.

5. Upgrade to a 2026 Season Pass

The best way to experience Boysenberry Festival is with a season pass. You can come back to try the whole limited-time menu for Knott’s Boysenberry Festival as well as receive access to special food, merchandise and hotel discounts, plus so much more.

Start planning your visit, grab a tasting card and get ready for a berry sweet spring at Knott’s Berry Farm.