The Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm is absolutely blowing up this year, with record-breaking crowds flocking to the park in droves! What started as a small event to celebrate the park’s signature berry is now a full-blown phenomenon, and Knott’s is cashing in big time.
The Crowds are Wild—And Parking is a Nightmare
Let’s talk about the lines and parking, because things are getting out of hand. We’re talking overflow parking on the lawn, people. Yep, you read that right. Knott’s Berry Farm is officially at capacity during the Boysenberry Festival, and we aren’t talking just the park. The parking lots? Full. Overflowing. The grass? Yeah, that’s where some guests are being sent to park now. That’s how massive the turnout is.
One guest vented online: “Had to park on the grass. Guess the Boysenberry Festival is a little too popular now. Not complaining though, the food was bomb!”
You know the Sunday crowds are going to be bad when they have you parking way out in the grass
byu/Pippinitis inKnottsBerryFarm
As the festival continues through April 27, there’s no sign of this massive surge in guests slowing down anytime soon. Word on the street is that locals and out-of-towners alike are pouring into the park, eager to get a taste of the juicy berry magic. And the crowds? They’re only growing.
Over 80 New Boysenberry Dishes—And People Can’t Get Enough
Related: Knott’s Berry Farm Indefinitely Shuts Down Production, “Absolutely Disturbing”
The hype? Totally justified. This year, Knott’s has rolled out over 80 brand-new boysenberry dishes, and let’s just say—people are losing their minds. From boysenberry-infused short rib lasagna to the wild new boysenberry tiramisu, the culinary creations are getting rave reviews. In fact, some of the “classics” from years past have returned, like the legendary boysenberry honey garlic chicken wings, but it’s the new stuff that’s really turning heads.
Laura Brubaker, the VP of Food and Beverage at Knott’s, told us, “People love experimenting with boysenberry. It’s such a versatile berry, and we get to push the boundaries with it every year. This festival, it’s all about pushing the envelope.”
So what’s the craziest dish this year? Boysenberry chile verde. Yes, you read that right. The savory Mexican dish gets a twist with a boysenberry sauce that’s got everyone talking. “The purple sauce is a little out there, but people are loving it,” Brubaker said. No wonder the crowds just keep coming back for more.
Entertainment That’s Too Good to Miss
It’s not just the food that’s pulling people in. The festival’s entertainment lineup this year is seriously next level. In case you haven’t heard, there’s now the hilarious “Great Bank Robbery” show and the new interactive Boysen Bear’s Pie Kitchen Games—you know, the one where kids help Boysen Bear put together ingredients for stolen pies. Because why not throw in some chaos for the little ones?
Of course, Knott’s hasn’t forgotten its rich history. They’re also bringing back fan-favorite shows like “Knott’s Preserved: A Musical Celebration,” which tells the story of the park’s founders. And let’s not forget about the 45+ artists featured at the Tied Up in Knott’s art show. It’s a festival for the eyes, ears, AND the taste buds.
Is It All Worth the Wait?
With the crowds so big, is it really worth it? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. The food, the entertainment, and the pure nostalgia that comes with the festival make it a must-do for any theme park fan. But fair warning: If you’re planning to hit up Knott’s this spring, be prepared to fight for that parking spot and elbow your way through the masses.
So, what’s the takeaway? The Boysenberry Festival is clearly here to stay—and it’s getting bigger, more outrageous, and more packed every year. If you haven’t been yet, better get there soon, or you might just find yourself parking in a patch of grass.
