Knott’s Boysenberry Festival 2017: A Berry Delicious Spring Celebration!

Spring has truly blossomed at Knott’s Berry Farm, bringing with it the much-anticipated Boysenberry Festival! From April 1st to April 23rd, 2017, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant celebration of the humble yet extraordinary berry that started it all: the boysenberry. This year, for the first time ever, the mouthwatering festival has expanded to a magnificent three-week run, promising an even grander array of delectable food, exquisite drinks, and unparalleled entertainment for every member of the family.

With an astounding selection of over 70 one-of-a-kind boysenberry-inspired dishes and an inviting Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden, the 2017 Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm is more than just an event; it’s a sensory journey. Guests will discover an impressive fusion of flavors, from savory to sweet, all infused with the signature tang and sweetness of the boysenberry. This extended festival period ensures ample opportunity for everyone to explore the vast offerings and create unforgettable spring memories in Buena Park, California.

Experience the Flavorful Legacy: The Boysenberry Story

The boysenberry isn’t just a fruit at Knott’s Berry Farm; it’s the very foundation of its legacy. Named after Rudolph Boysen, who cross-bred a loganberry, raspberry, and blackberry, the boysenberry found its true home and fame through Walter Knott. It was in Knott’s Berry Farm’s fertile soil that this magnificent berry was cultivated and introduced to the world, leading to the creation of Mrs. Knott’s famous boysenberry pies and preserves. The Boysenberry Festival proudly honors this heritage, transforming the entire park into a tribute to this iconic fruit.

This annual festival serves as a vibrant reminder of Knott’s roots as a berry farm, evolving into a world-class theme park while never forgetting its flavorful beginnings. It’s a unique opportunity to taste history and tradition in every bite, experiencing innovative culinary creations that push the boundaries of what this versatile berry can achieve. From classic desserts to unexpected savory pairings, the boysenberry takes center stage, inviting guests on a delightful culinary adventure that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Unveiling the 2017 Knott’s Boysenberry Festival: Dates & Extended Hours

Mark your calendars! The 2017 Knott’s Boysenberry Festival runs from April 1st through April 23rd. This expanded three-week timeframe provides an incredible opportunity for guests to plan multiple visits or ensure they catch all the action. To further enhance your festival experience, Knott’s Berry Farm will also feature extended operating hours during this period, opening from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. This generous schedule allows visitors extra time to savor every dish, enjoy every show, and ride every thrilling attraction, maximizing their fun at this limited-time spring event.

Whether you’re a local looking for a recurring spring treat or a visitor planning a destination trip, the extended hours mean less rush and more relaxation. Take your time wandering through Ghost Town, catching a live performance, or simply indulging in another boysenberry delicacy. This thoughtful extension ensures that everyone has the chance to fully immerse themselves in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the perfect blend of culinary exploration and classic theme park adventure.

A Culinary Adventure: Over 70 Boysenberry-Inspired Delights

Prepare your palate for an explosion of flavors! The heart of the Boysenberry Festival lies in its unparalleled culinary offerings. With more than 70 unique boysenberry-inspired dishes and drinks, chefs at Knott’s Berry Farm have truly outdone themselves. From innovative savory concoctions to irresistible sweet treats, there is a boysenberry creation to satisfy every craving. Guests can embark on a gastronomic journey, discovering new favorites and revisiting beloved classics, all enhanced by the distinctive taste of the boysenberry.

Maximize Your Taste Buds: The Boysenberry Festival Tasting Card

To truly unlock the full culinary potential of the festival, purchasing a tasting card is highly recommended. For just $25, available online or at various locations throughout Knott’s Berry Farm, this card offers a convenient and economical way to sample multiple dishes. It allows you to select from a curated menu of boysenberry delights, ensuring you get a comprehensive taste of the festival’s best offerings without committing to full-sized portions of every item. It’s the perfect way to graze your way through the festival and discover your personal boysenberry favorites.

The tasting card not only provides exceptional value but also encourages adventurous eating. With so many unique items on offer, from the familiar to the wonderfully experimental, the card allows you to try a variety of dishes you might otherwise overlook. It’s an essential tool for any food enthusiast attending the festival, transforming your visit into an exciting culinary tour of boysenberry innovation.

Savory Sensations: Unexpected Boysenberry Blends

Beyond the traditional desserts, the Boysenberry Festival excels in crafting savory dishes where the boysenberry adds an intriguing and delicious twist. Prepare to be surprised by the versatility of this berry in unexpected pairings:

Boysenberry Pizza: A new for 2017 sensation, this irresistible pizza combines the sweet and tart notes of boysenberry with fresh arugula and creamy goat cheese, creating a uniquely balanced flavor profile that will challenge your perception of fruit on pizza. Find it at Wagon Wheel Pizza.
Boysenberry Ravioli: Another exciting new addition for 2017, this dish packs rich boysenberry flavors into delicate ravioli, offering a gourmet and unforgettable experience at Spurs Chop House.
Deep Fried Alligator & Fries with Boysenberry Aioli: For the adventurous palate, crispy deep-fried alligator bites are perfectly paired with a zesty, farm-made boysenberry aioli. A must-try at Calico Fry that offers a tantalizing blend of textures and tastes.
Boysenberry BBQ Wings: Finger-licking good, these savory wings are coated in a sweet and tangy boysenberry BBQ sauce, available at Sutter’s Grill Stand & Roaster.
Marinated Boysenberry Meatball on a Stick with Boysenberry BBQ Sauce: A convenient and flavorful treat from The Bank of Calico Stand, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
Corn on the Cobb with Boysenberry Butter and Boysenberry Mayonnaise: A classic American side elevated with a creamy, fruity twist at Sutter’s Grill Stand & Roaster.
Boysenberry & Apricot Pulled Pork Sandwich in a Boysenberry Bun Combo: A new for 2017 culinary masterpiece from Fireman’s BBQ, featuring tender pulled pork with a fruity BBQ blend, all nestled in a boysenberry-infused bun.
Boysenberry Corn Dog: Strictly On A Stick introduces this new for 2017 sweet and savory twist on a classic theme park favorite.
Boysenberry Salad: A refreshing and light option available at Ghost Town Grill.
Boysenberry Short Ribs over Rice: A hearty and flavorful dish offered at Spurs Chop House.
Boysenberry Relish & Boysenberry Mayonnaise Toppings: Available at Fireman’s BBQ to enhance any regular menu item.
Choice of Boysenberry BBQ Sauce: Customization is key at Fireman’s BBQ, where you can add boysenberry BBQ sauce to chicken, ribs, or flank steak sandwiches.

Sweet Treats & Refreshing Sips: A Dessert Lover’s Paradise

No festival celebrating the boysenberry would be complete without an abundance of sweet indulgences. From classic pies to innovative new desserts, these treats showcase the berry’s natural sweetness and versatility:

Chocolate Covered Boysenberry Cheesecake on a Stick: A new for 2017 must-try from Spurs Chop House, offering creamy cheesecake with a boysenberry swirl, dipped in rich chocolate.
Boysenberry Nutella Crepes: Also new for 2017 at Spurs Chop House, these delicate crepes are filled with a luscious combination of Nutella and boysenberry.
Boysenberry Fry Bread: A delightful new for 2017 creation from Churro Factory, offering warm, fluffy bread with a sweet boysenberry topping.
Boysenberry Cream Soda: A refreshing new for 2017 beverage from Judge Roy Bean, perfect for quenching your thirst.
Boysenberry Stuffed Churro & Boysenberry Churro Sundae: The Churro Factory delivers these fried dough delights, with the sundae topped with boysenberry ice cream.
Boysenberry Milkshake & Boysenberry Ice Cream: Classic creamy delights available at Ghost Town Grill and Mix-It-Up.
Boysenberry Pie (Slices and Whole Pies): The quintessential Knott’s treat, available at Ghost Town Grill and Ghost Town Bakery.
Boysenberry Cheesecake: Creamy and rich, found at Ghost Town Grill and Ghost Town Bakery.
The “Walter Knott”: A unique and refreshing blend of Ice Tea & Boysenberry Punch from Ghost Town Grill.
Boysenberry Beer & Boysenberry Wine: For adult guests, these spirited beverages are available at Spurs Patio and Ghost Town Grill.
Boysenberry ICEE & Boysenberry ICEE Floats: Cool down with these icy treats from Mix-It-Up.
Boysenberry Cookiewich Sandwich: A delightful combination of boysenberry ice cream between two cookies, also from Mix-It-Up.
Boysenberry Cotton Candy: A light and airy sweet treat from Pemmican Pickle & Popcorn Cart.
Fun Bun – Fried Cinnamon Roll with Boysenberry Cream Cheese Topping: An indulgent treat from Ghost Town Grub.
Fun Stick – Fried Cheesecake on a Stick with Boysenberry Sauce: Another delicious fried dessert from Ghost Town Grub.
Boysenberry Flautas: A crispy, sweet delight from Ghost Town Grub.
Boysenberry Tart & Boysenberry Turnovers: Classic baked goods with a boysenberry twist from Ghost Town Bakery.
Boysenberry Panna Cotta with Almond Crumble & Boysenberry Trifle: Sophisticated desserts available at Ghost Town Bakery.
Build-Your-Own Mini Boysenberry Pies: A fun, interactive experience at Cordelia’s Pie Kitchen.
Boysenberry Latte & Assorted Boysenberry Pastries: Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat at Gourmet Coffee Hut.

The Wine & Craft Brew Tasting Garden: An Adult Escape

For adult guests, the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden offers a sophisticated respite amidst the festivities. Here, you can sample a selection of local wines and craft beers, many of which are infused with the distinctive boysenberry flavor. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a finely crafted beverage, and appreciate the creative artistry behind each unique boysenberry-inspired drink. This area provides a more mature ambiance, allowing adults to unwind and savor the tastes of California in a relaxed setting.

Live Entertainment: Fun for the Whole Family

Beyond the incredible food and drink, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a robust lineup of live entertainment, all included with your park admission. From dazzling stage shows to interactive experiences, there’s something to keep every age group enchanted and entertained throughout the day and into the evening.

Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree!

Join Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the beloved Peanuts gang as they present an all-new, interactive musical revue titled “Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree!” at the Calico Mine Stage. This high-energy show is designed to have families singing, dancing, and playing along with the talented performers and iconic characters. It’s a whimsical, spirited celebration of springtime that perfectly captures the joy and wonder of the season.

This dynamic performance provides a fantastic opportunity for children and adults alike to interact with their favorite Peanuts characters in a lively, engaging setting. The Calico Mine Stage comes alive with colorful costumes, catchy tunes, and heartwarming storytelling, making it a must-see highlight of the festival’s entertainment schedule.

Dance Parties & Ghost Town Festivities

As the sun begins to set, the festival truly comes alive with a lively nighttime dance party, inviting everyone to show off their moves. Throughout Ghost Town, you’ll also find a variety of country fair festivities, including hilarious pie-eating contests, spirited line dancing, and engaging interactions with the charming Ghost Town townsfolk. These activities create a truly immersive and festive atmosphere, embodying the spirit of a classic country fair with a unique boysenberry twist.

From toe-tapping music to friendly competitions, these events encourage participation and laughter, adding layers of fun to your festival visit. Don’t miss the chance to experience the lively traditions and unique charm that fill the streets of Ghost Town during this special event.

Meet the Easter Beagle & Friends at Camp Snoopy

During this limited-time spring event, families can also delight in meeting the Easter Beagle and his pals at Camp Snoopy. Our favorite, Snoopy, along with other Peanuts characters, will be greeting guests and making special appearances. The Camp Snoopy Theatre will showcase the PEANUTS gang singing, dancing, and sharing delightful stories. Everyone in the family is encouraged to join in the various Camp Snoopy activities, ensuring smiles and cherished photo opportunities with these beloved characters.

Camp Snoopy transforms into an even more vibrant hub of activity, offering younger guests a chance to engage directly with their cartoon heroes. It’s an ideal spot for families with little ones, combining the magic of character encounters with fun, age-appropriate entertainment.

Take Home the Boysenberry Magic: Souvenirs & Gifts

The Boysenberry Festival isn’t just about experiencing the flavors and fun; it’s also about taking a piece of that magic home with you. An extensive array of boysenberry-inspired products is available for purchase, allowing you to extend the festival spirit long after your visit. This year’s delightful selection includes unique items like fragrant boysenberry soap, moisturizing boysenberry lip balm, and the devilishly good boysenberry rock candy. These make perfect souvenirs, thoughtful gifts for loved ones, or simply a treat for yourself.

Beyond these, you can often find a variety of boysenberry jams, syrups, and other culinary products, perfect for adding a touch of Knott’s Berry Farm flavor to your home cooking. These take-home treasures ensure that the sweet memories of the festival linger on, providing a tangible link to your unforgettable experience.

Plan Your Unforgettable Visit to Knott’s Boysenberry Festival

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers an unparalleled blend of culinary delights, captivating entertainment, and classic theme park thrills. Best of all, access to the festival’s entertainment and general atmosphere is included with your admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. While the delicious food tasting experiences within the event may incur additional costs, the overall value and enjoyment are immense. With extended hours during the festival (10 AM to 10 PM from April 1st to April 23rd), guests have ample time to explore every corner and savor every moment of this truly unique spring celebration.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the legendary boysenberry and create lasting memories with family and friends. Plan your visit today to immerse yourself in the vibrant tastes, sounds, and sights of Knott’s Berry Farm’s most flavorful festival.

Essential Information for Your Visit:

Festival Dates: April 1 – April 23, 2017
Location: Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Extended Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (during festival dates)
Admission: Festival access is included with regular park admission. Tasting card for food samples is an additional cost.
Website & Mobile App: For detailed information about your planned visit and available discounts, be sure to visit www.knotts.com or download the newly updated Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone.
Social Media: Join the conversation and share your day of boysenberry fun! Use #BoysenberryFestival on Twitter and Instagram to connect with other festival-goers and share your favorite moments.

Stay connected with Knott’s Berry Farm on social media for more exciting updates and boysenberry fun! Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Please note: This post was facilitated by an invitation to a special Boysenberry Festival family media event.