Travel News: Behind the Scenes of Knott's Boysenberry Festival

The aroma of delicious boysenberry bites and treats will fill the air as Knott’s celebrates their rich history at their annual Boysenberry Festival. The sixteen day event starting March 19th, features specialty food and drink options, interactive games, contests, live entertainment and special effects light show.  Come see for yourself how Walter Knott’s simple Boysenberry transformed Buena Park into one of Southern California’s premier destinations. 

Birth of the Berry 

The boysenberry was created by Walter Knott in 1926 by crossbreeding a blackberry, loganberry and raspberry. The popular berry was a huge hit at his roadside fruit stand and began attracting visitors from all over.  In 1934, Knott and his wife opened Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, which drew large crowds and long wait times. To entertain the visitors as they waited, Knott built a Ghost Town and later added rides eventually leading to modern day Knott’s Berry Farm.

Berry Bites and Beverages 

The versatile berry is showcased during the festival with over 70 unique eats like the Fun Bun, a cinnamon roll dipped in funnel cake batter and topped with boysenberry frosting. A surprisingly tasty combination is the Boysenberry BBQ sauce which is slathered on pulled pork, chicken wings and ribs. For those more adventurous pallets, the fried alligator with boysenberry aioli and fried cheese curds with spicy berry dipping sauce are a must. Wash it all down with a cold glass of refreshing boysenberry punch, beer or wine.

Bandits, Berries and Bargains, Oh My!

With all the taste tempting food items available it’s easy to miss out on some of the other exciting activities offered but try to brave the bandits and stop by the Ghost Town’s Spring Craft Village. While strolling the bustling streets, guests can capture the moment with boysenberry themed stand-in cutouts, like wanted posters, a boysenberry farming family and more.  

Jam with the Peanut’s Gang

Even Snoopy and the Peanuts gang get in on the action with the Peanuts Party in the Park, a live show that celebrates spring in a big way with infectious music, vibrant set design, and an invitation for the audience to be a part of the show. In Camp Snoopy, Lucy and her pals put on Lucy’s Really Big Show which showcases singing dancing and the celebration of springtime with cheerful tunes. At night, the Boardwalk area comes alive with Jammin’ in the Dark, a nighttime dance party with a DJ spinning tunes the whole family will love on Calico Stage.