Knott's Boysenberry Festival with Kids (2026 Guide)

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Knott's Berry Farm is already a fantastic theme park. Throw in a month-long food festival that features one-of-a-kind boysenberry-inspired dishes and now you have an AMAZING theme park! But it's not all about the food, as there is also special live entertainment, springtime decorations and historical influence. Find out more about the must-do events during the annual food-inspired event, Knott's Boysenberry Festival.

Knott's Boysenberry Festival 2026

With the traditional Knott's Boysenberry Festival returning the park this year, expect to find all the berry-good fun from years' past! Here's what you need to know about attending this popular spring time event in Buena Park.

What's is Knott's Boysenberry Festival?

Knott's Boysenberry Festival is a celebration of all things boysenberry! Highlights include a seasonal menu of unique boysenberry-inspired creations, musical performances, along with fun activities and games.

Where does Knott's Boysenberry Festival take place?

At Knott's Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, California. The festival dining and shows take place at various locations throughout the theme park.

When is Knott's Boysenberry Festival happening this year?

On select days from March 13th - April 12th, 2026. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival operates daily during this time period.

How can you participate in the Knott's Boysenberry Festival?

Knott's Berry Farm theme park admission gives guests access to the event. Shows, live entertainment, and attractions are included in the purchase of theme park tickets. All Knott's Boysenberry Festival dining is a separate purchase outside of the regular park admission.

My family and I were hosted as a guest at the Knott's Boysenberry Festival. We received complimentary park admission. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Knott's Boysenberry Festival - A History

What does Knott's Berry Farm have to do with boysenberries?

The boysenberry is a cross between a loganberry, red raspberry and blackberry. This little berry was named after its originator Rudolf Boysen, then successfully harvested and sold by the Knott family.

Buena Park's Knott's Berry Farm isn't just a name, there is a history behind this unique theme park. It's located on the spot where the Knott family farm used to stand.

My family and I have been going to Knott's Berry Farm for many years, and visiting during the popular Boysenberry Festival is a must! Boysenberries are a favorite fruit and we were so excited to try all the delicious foods during this special event.

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Know Before You Go: Knott's Boysenberry Festival with Kids

Do you need a ticket to attend Knott's Boysenberry Festival?

The Boysenberry Festival is held within Knott's Berry Farm, so a standard theme park ticket is required for entry. Discounted tickets can be purchased ahead at a savings off the gate price.

Buy Knott's Berry Farm tickets and the entertainment of the Knott's Boysenberry Festival is included in admission. There is an additional charge to enjoy drink and food tastings.

Is a Knott's Berry Farm theme park reservation required?

No, theme park reservations are NOT required to visit Knott's Berry Farm.

Is the Boysenberry Festival family-friendly?

Yes, there are kid-friendly foods, beverages and entertainment for the Knott's Boysenberry Festival.

When is the best time to go to Knott's Boysenberry Festival?

Weekdays will generally be less crowded than weekends. Ideally a mid-week visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday will be the least busy. Spring break can definitely affect this however, causing the park to be crowded on these days as well.

Be sure you check the Knott's calendar in the app to verify the times and entertainment schedule.

How to Balance Rides and Food at Knott's Boysenberry Festival

It's very easy to overdo it on the dining during Knott's Boysenberry Festival - everything is sooo good! But a good balance of treats and rides is your best option for visiting Knott's Berry Farm in one day. Here's how to maximize your time!

Can you see and do everything in one day?

Knott's Berry Farm is a full day theme park that includes rides, shows, and live music. With the addition of the Boysenberry Festival, guests may be hard-pressed to do it all in a single day.

To maximize both the festival and the theme park, consider two theme park days. READ MORE for tips on how to do Knott's Berry Farm with Kids.

Plan to Stay at Knott's Berry Farm All Day

Arrive at opening to the theme park and take advantage of lower crowds before it gets "jam-packed". Visit Camp Snoopy and hit a few top roller coasters in the morning hours.

Pick Up Boysenberry Festival Foods Early

Take note of when Knott's Boysenberry Festival marketplace kiosks open for dining. The later you arrive in the afternoon, the longer the lines are to get food. Keep in mind that dining may close 30-60 minutes before park closing.

Buy Fast Lane to save time in line at Knott's Berry Farm

Purchase Fast Lane, Knott's Berry Farm's paid line skipping service. The added cost is worth it when the park is busy, especially on weekends or during spring break when kids are out of school.

The purchase of a Fast Lane wristband will offer quicker access, bypassing the regular ride queues. That perk can save a load of time and is highly recommended if you are maximizing time in the park.

Knott's Boysenberry Festival Tasting Card

There are many unique boysenberry foods available during the festival. This includes savory dishes, sweets, drinks, alcoholic beverages, and more - all with a boysenberry twist.

These foods are sold at various locations through the park, with popular options available with the tasting card. There are additional a la carte foods available for purchase as well. The tasting card is a great way to experience new food offerings.

In the following sections I'll outline some of the best choices for kid-friendly snacks and beverages, along with location names

Where can you get festival food at the Boysenberry Festival?

There are 11 locations, with over 80 available choices to purchase with the Boysenberry Festival Tasting Card.

Flip the tasting card over to see a numbered map that shows where each stand is located. Most are in the same area of the amusement park.

How do you redeem festival Tasting Cards?

Knott's Boysenberry Festival tasting cards can be redeemed at individual kiosks. No more tabs to snap off - everything is operated through the QR code on the card. The Knott's employee will scan the code after taking your order, then let you know how many tastings you have left.

If You See a Short Line...Get in It! - Stands are much busier mid-afternoon. Get there early to avoid the crowds!

Can you get alcohol with the Knott's Tasting Card?

Yes, alcohol is included. Unlike some other theme parks food festivals, the Tasting Card at Knott's Boysenberry Festival CAN be used for alcoholic beverages. This includes wine selections, curated cocktails, and draft beers.

Money-Saving Tips for Knott's Boysenberry Festival with Kids

Cost of a Boysenberry Festival Tasting Card (2025)

Purchase the sampler lanyard for $55 and then choose 6 items during the festival. That puts the cost per item just over $9 each.

Tasting Card vs. A La Carte

Knott's Boysenberry Festival offers tasting menu items a la carte. The costs are posted at each booth for purchase. If you plan to eat or drink more than a few items, the value is better with the purchase of a tasting card.

Maximizing the Cost of a Tasting Card

To enhance the value even further, only choose items with a higher price when using the tasting card. For instance, at this booth, the Chili is a better value than the Lettuce Wrap. The Dippin' Dots offers the least value.

Plan to Share

The "tastings" during Knott's Boysenberry Festival are larger in size than some of the other theme park food festivals. Aim to share between several people as you tour the amusement park.

This Mini Funnel Cake with Boysenberry Ice Cream was an ideal sized dessert to share between two people!

How to Save Money on a Tasting Card

Cards can be purchased at the booths or in some shops. I recommend using the Knott's Berry Farm app.

Buy the Boysenberry Festival tasting card using the mobile app, then show the QR code receipt at the booth. They will give you the card and lanyard. The savings (versus purchasing at the booth) is several dollars!

Kid-Friendly Knott's Boysenberry Festival Foods in 2024

This section will highlight the different festival dining locations. I've chosen not to include alcoholic beverages, but will feature the best kid-friendly dishes and drinks. The festival menu offers a good combination of sweets and savory foods.

This menu includes a mix of returning favorites and new boysenberry food item.

Gold Mine Trail Booth

• Boysenberry Layered No-Bake Cheesecake Cup - KID-FRIENDLY
• Chicken Tikka Marsala - with boysenberry curry sauce over steamed white rice - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry BBQ Beef Barbacoa on Mac & Cheese - with green onions - KID-FRIENDLY

• Boysenberry Pulled Pork over Pastel de Elote - KID-FRIENDLY
• Peach and Cheese Burrata Caprese Salad - with a boysenberry dressing
• Cucumber and Boysenberry Lemonade - KID-FRIENDLY

Wilderness Dance Hall

• Cucumber and Boysenberry Lemonade - KID-FRIENDLY
• Charcuterie Board - Goat cheese, salami, pepperoni, crackers, boysenberry apricot jam,
  and boysenberry mustard - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry Cobbler - KID-FRIENDLY

• Blackened Shrimp Stir Fry - with lemon rice and a boysenberry teriyaki sauce
• Boysenberry BBQ Chicken Wings - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry and Parmesan Polenta with Roasted Veggies

Wilderness Dance Hall Patio Booth

• Pork Loin Slices over Mashed Potatoes with a Creamy Boysenberry Mustard Sauce
• Boysenberry BBQ Beef Barbacoa on Mac & Cheese - with green onions - KID-FRIENDLY

Chow House

• Boysenberry Lemonade with Mint - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry Gourmet Cookie A la Mode - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry ICEE Float with Boysenberry Soft Serve - KID-FRIENDLY

Chow House Booth

• Elote or Esquites - with boysenberry butter, boysenberry mayo, and cotija cheese - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry Pulled Pork over Pastel de Elote - KID-FRIENDLY

More Knott's Boysenberry Festival Foods

Ghost Town Bakery

• Cucumber and Boysenberry Lemonade - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry Bundt Cake - KID-FRIENDLY
• Lemon Bar - with a boysenberry compote - KID-FRIENDLY
• Lemon and Boysenberry Gourmet Cookie - KID-FRIENDLY

• Vegan Boysenberry Chia Parfait
• Boysenberry and Chocolate Stuffed Cookie - KID-FRIENDLY
• Warm Spam Musubi - with a boysenberry soy sauce

Wilderness Dogs & Drinks

• Boysenberry Sausage on a Hoagie - with a boysenberry and sauerkraut slaw - KID-FRIENDLY
• Plant Based Frank - with a boysenberry mustard on a vegan or gluten free bun - KID-FRIENDLY
• Beef and Chorizo Boysenberry Chili Poutine - with cheese curds
• Boysenberry and Chocolate Stuffed Cookie - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry Lemonade with Mint - KID-FRIENDLY

Miner's Mac and Spuds

• Berry Mango Smoothie - KID-FRIENDLY
• Double Stuffed Baked Potato - with boysenberry BBQ pulled pork and green onions
• Potato and Corn Chowder - with boysenberry crostini and boysenberry drizzle
• Brownie and Boysenberry Parfait - KID-FRIENDLY

Calico Railroad Bar Booth

Only offers alcoholic beverages.

Silver Bullet Booth

• Roasted Vegetable Lettuce Wrap - with a boysenberry tahini sauce
• Beef and Chorizo Boysenberry Chili over Boysenberry Mashers
• Boysenberry BBQ Beef Barbacoa on Mac & Cheese - with green onions - KID-FRIENDLY
• Boysenberry Dippin’ Dots - KID-FRIENDLY

Pro Shop Pizzeria

• Boysenberry Sausage and Hot Honey Pizza - with ricotta and basil - KID-FRIENDLY
• Caprese Stuffed Portobello - with a boysenberry balsamic drizzle
• Boysenberry Layered No-Bake Cheesecake Cup - KID-FRIENDLY

Ghost Town Grub

• Mini Funnel Cake - with boysenberry ice cream and powdered sugar - KID-FRIENDLY
• Brownie Bite and Boysenberry Parfait - KID-FRIENDLY

Character Greetings & Boysenberry Decor

There are so many pretty places at Knott's Berry Farm to take photos. There are spring flowers everywhere, including right at the front entrance. Characters, including the Peanuts characters and Snoopy, greet guests for photos.

Drinks at Knott's Boysenberry Festival

Getting thirsty after all that rich food? You can grab non-alcoholic beverage drinks including classic boysenberry punch, Calico Soda, Boysenberry Soda, Cream Soda, Mint Soda, and Ginger Ale.

Step inside the Calico Saloon for boysenberry beer, boysenberry cider, and boysenberry wine.

Knott's Craft Beer Tasting

If you want a more beverage choices, check out the Craft Beer Tasting Garden at the Wilderness Dance Hall. Choose from a variety of craft brews including some drinks with a boysenberry twist (naturally!) Kids are welcome inside.

Boot Stompin' Entertainment at Knott's Boysenberry Festival

There's special entertainment taking place during the Boysenberry Festival, along with Knott's favorite musical stage shows.

• Knott's Preserved: A Musical Celebration happens on the Calico Mine Stage.
• Inside the legendary Bird Cage Theater, The Great Bank Robbery is a comedy melodrama.
• Don't miss fan favorites, Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies on the Wagon Camp stage.

Knott's Boysenberry Festival Tip: Check out the art show at the Factory Store. "Tied Up in Knott's!" celebrates the history through original art work.

In addition, check out these kid-friendly shows and attractions:

• At Old MacDonald's Barn, kids can get up close to horses, sheep, goats and other animals.
• Families can enjoy decorating cookies in Ghost Town for an additional fee.
• Join the Pie Eating Contest at the Calico Mine Stage for a taste of the famous boysenberry pies!

Knott's Boysenberry Delights

Didn't get enough boysenberry with your tasting card? There are so many MORE treats and boysenberry-inspired dishes to try.

• Boysenberry Fun Bun - This is a must-do! A cinnamon roll slathered with boysenberry frosting.
• Beignets with raspberry and a boysenberry sugar.
• Blackened Salmon Bowl with a boysenberry sour cream.
• Chicken Greek Salad with a boysenberry Thai basil dressing.
• Boysenberry Latte
• Boysenberry Pie Milkshake - Literally a slice of boysenberry pie blended with vanilla ice cream, wow!!

• Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant - Highly recommended to schedule reservations ahead of time on the website for this popular restaurant.
• Mrs. Knott's Cookie Decorating- Cordelia Knott's kitchen helped make Knott's Berry Farm what it is today. Guests can step inside a replica of Cordelia Knott's first kitchen and decorate their own treats.
• Country Festival Fun in the center of Ghost Town - Games and fun every hour, where guests can compete in a Pie Eating Contest.

Knott's Boysenberry Festival Tip: There are so many boysenberry foods! Be sure to look at the guide map to the Boysenberry Festival so you can track down your favorites.

Craft Fair & Boysenberry Festival Merchandise

Local artisans are offer unique products at the Craft Fair during Knott's Boysenberry Festival. These handmade items from local craft vendors include bath products, candles and candy and other take-home souvenirs. Some shops will have demonstrations like live glass blowing and chainsaw wood art carving. 

My daughter fell in love with the handmade boysenberry pie hat and just had to have it! Can't make it to the Boysenberry Festival? MissDooLittles makes the boysenberry pie hats to sell at Knott's and has them in her Etsy shop as well.

A limited supply of boysenberry plants will be offered at the Festival and it's recommended to purchase early. The official Boysenberry Festival T-Shirt comes with a limited edition festival pin. Purchase festival shirts at the merchandise booth across from the GhostRider entrance.

Where to Stay Near Knott's Berry Farm

There are several hotels in the Buena Park area in which to stay overnight. For additional accommodations, including 4-star hotels, consider the surrounding area.

Knott's Berry Farm Hotel - This newly remodeled location can't be beat. The hotel is within a short walking distance of the front gates.

DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park - Great budget-friendly choice, with a pool, shuttle service and a kids-eat-free promotion.

Courtyard by Marriott Buena Park - Larger rooms are ideal for big families. Hotel is within walking distance to other area attractions including the Medieval Times and Pirates Adventure Dinner Theater.

Visiting both Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland? Anaheim-area hotels are only about 15 minutes driving distance, which is convenient if you're visiting both theme parks on the same trip.

Save Money on Your Knott's Berry Farm Vacation!

Buy Knott's Berry Farm tickets at a discount ahead of your trip!

Purchase discounted tickets and vacation packages from my affiliate Get Away Today. Use the Promo Code REWRITTEN and receive an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Southern California package. (Hotel and 2 ticket minimum purchase to qualify for the discount).

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This article originally published March 20, 2018 and has been updated and republished with a new date.