America's 1st Theme Park Hits Parking Limits, Parking Fee's Remain

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival has officially hit its 10th year, and the crowds are pouring in! After a decade of celebrating the berry that helped put the park on the map, this year’s event has reached an all-time high with massive attendance—so much so that parking lots have hit capacity, with cars spilling onto the grass! This is no ordinary festival, and it’s clear that boysenberries are bringing the heat.

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A Record-Breaking Celebration of Boysenberries

The Boysenberry Festival, which kicked off in 2014 as a small spring event, has grown into a major annual celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm, now drawing thousands of guests to the park every year.

This year, things have taken a turn for the bigger and better. With more than 80 boysenberry-infused dishes on the menu—nearly all of which are brand-new for the festival—the festival is becoming a must-see event in Southern California, and it’s drawing record crowds eager to indulge in the berry that started it all.

“It’s become THE event at Knott’s,” says Jon Storbeck, Knott’s VP and General Manager. “Each year, we push the limits with more food, more entertainment, and more fun—and guests are responding by flocking to the park in droves!”

New Flavors, New Experiences, and Major Crowds

Boysenberry fans have long adored the festival’s one-of-a-kind food offerings, and this year is no different. While some popular items have returned, there are more than 70 new creations to sink your teeth into, from savory dishes to sweet treats.

Knott’s Vice President of Food and Beverage, Laura Brubaker, confirms that fans can expect everything from boysenberry short rib lasagna to boysenberry-infused tiramisu, all celebrating the versatility of this special berry.

But the food isn’t the only draw. New entertainment has taken the event to new heights, including a pie-tasting contest and “The Great Bank Robbery” show. The Boysen Bear’s Pie Kitchen Games are already a hit, and the Calico Mine Stage is hosting a pie-eating contest that has families lining up to compete.

“We’ve really brought Knott’s history into this year’s festival,” says Entertainment Producer Christopher Do, referring to the incorporation of classic park themes like Knott’s Bear-y Tales in the Pie Kitchen Games and the The Great Bank Robbery comedy melodrama.

Park’s Parking Reaches Critical Capacity

The combination of new food and engaging experiences has led to a massive surge in attendance. On peak days, the park’s parking lots are filling up so quickly that guests are finding themselves parking on the lawn! A Reddit user recently posted about the overflow, saying, “You know the Sunday crowds are going to be bad when they have you parking way out in the grass. Yep, it’s crowded because of boysenberries again today…”

You know the Sunday crowds are going to be bad when they have you parking way out in the grass
byu/Pippinitis inKnottsBerryFarm

While some guests expressed frustration over the crowds, others found the wait worthwhile, with one commenting, “The food we got to try was pretty tasty though.”

For those heading to the park, be prepared for the rush—around 11 a.m. seems to be when the crowds roll in. If you want to avoid the packed parking lots, arrive early or brace yourself for the mayhem.

The Festival That Keeps Growing

This year’s Boysenberry Festival is not just about food and entertainment; it’s about celebrating Knott’s legacy. Returning shows like Knott’s Preserved: A Musical Celebration tell the story of the park’s founders and its deep-rooted history, while local artists showcase their work at the Tied Up in Knott’s art show. Guests can explore incredible Knott’s-themed art created by 45 Southern California artists.

As the 10th anniversary celebrations continue through April 27, it’s clear the Boysenberry Festival is more than just a theme park event—it’s become a cultural phenomenon, bringing together history, food, and fun in a way that only Knott’s Berry Farm can.

If you’re planning to attend, prepare for big crowds, creative boysenberry dishes, and some serious nostalgia. And if you can’t make it this year, don’t worry—Knott’s Berry Farm is promising that the Boysenberry Festival will only continue to grow and evolve for years to come.