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Parking Crisis Strikes Knott’s Berry Farm as Event Draws Record Crowds — Fees Stay in Place

The iconic Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm has officially marked its 10th anniversary, and it’s bringing in some serious crowds this year! What began as a humble springtime event has exploded into a massive annual attraction, drawing more and more visitors to the park each year. With over 80 boysenberry-infused dishes on the menu and new entertainment that ties in with the park’s rich history, Knott’s is clearly ready to celebrate the little berry that could—and the fans are responding in droves.

Entrance to Knott's Berry Farm with bright yellow ticket booths in the foreground. A colorful roller coaster loops in the background against a blue sky with scattered clouds inside this California theme park.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Unprecedented Crowds and Exciting New Features

The festival, which opened this year to throngs of visitors, shows no sign of slowing down. According to reports from the park, on peak days, visitors have been forced to park on the lawn due to the high volume of guests. The demand has skyrocketed, with both locals and out-of-towners flocking to Knott’s Berry Farm to join in the fun.

“It’s like nothing we’ve seen before,” says Jon Storbeck, Knott’s Vice President and General Manager. “The festival has grown from a small event to the highlight of our spring season. People come from all over just for this one-of-a-kind experience.”

Boysenberry Bonanza: Over 80 New Dishes to Try

Knotts Berry Farm
Credit: Knotts Berry Farm

Related: Knott’s Berry Farm Indefinitely Shuts Down Production, “Absolutely Disturbing”

This year’s festival features an incredible 80+ brand-new boysenberry creations that celebrate the fruit in all its glory, from savory dishes to sweet indulgences. Fans will find new offerings like boysenberry-infused short rib lasagna and a special boysenberry-flavored tiramisu. Of course, some beloved dishes like boysenberry honey garlic chicken wings have made a return, but with so many fresh options, guests are spoilt for choice.

“Boysenberry is such a unique fruit,” said Laura Brubaker, Knott’s VP of Food and Beverage. “It can go into anything—from sauces to drinks to desserts—and it’s always a hit.”

The festival’s food is the star of the show, but it’s not the only reason the crowds are flocking. Knott’s has upped the ante with new entertainment offerings, including The Great Bank Robbery comedy show and the fun-filled Boysen Bear’s Pie Kitchen Games. Guests of all ages are lining up for the pie-eating contests and interactive shows that add even more excitement to the event.

Parking Struggles and the Overflowing Crowd

The sheer size of the crowds has led to some logistical challenges, including parking overflow. Guests are sharing their parking struggles online, with one Reddit user noting, “I had to park on the grass because it was so full. Looks like the Boysenberry Festival has reached a whole new level of popularity.”

While some visitors have found the crowds overwhelming, others are happily braving the rush to experience the festival’s unique offerings. “We only stayed for three hours, but it was totally worth it,” said one guest. “The food was amazing, and we’ll definitely come back next year.”

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

With the festival continuing through April 27, there’s no sign of the crowds letting up. The park is buzzing with excitement, and it’s clear that the Boysenberry Festival has become a major draw for fans of all ages.

A Festival for the Ages

As the Boysenberry Festival continues to evolve, it’s clear that Knott’s Berry Farm has created an experience that draws guests back year after year. With its delicious food, exciting entertainment, and historical touches, the festival is a perfect blend of nostalgia and new surprises.

For anyone planning a visit, be prepared for the crowds—and don’t forget to come hungry! Whether you’re a boysenberry fanatic or just looking for something fun to do, Knott’s Berry Farm has something for everyone this festival season. So grab your tickets before it’s too late, and get ready for a berry good time!

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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