Knott's Berry Farm Announces Theme Park Reopening

Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA

The first to reopen in any capacity with its limited-capacity and limited-time seasonal food festivals and the last to reopen back to normal operation, Knott’s Berry Farm finally announced its theme park return yesterday, pegging Friday, May 21st as its public reopening.

Though Knott’s has had some great success with its “Taste Of…” series, the theme park side of the property has remained closed since last March. While other local parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain and Legoland and Sea World and Universal Studios and Disneyland were able to pounce more quickly on California’s theme park reopening policies, Knott’s had elected to wait until May, letting its Taste of Boysenberry Festival event run through its full conclusion.

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Well, come May 21st, the rides and shows will be back—with some limitations still in place—but restoring Knott’s to much of its normal self again. This summer will also allow Knott’s to finally celebrate its 100th Anniversary, which was supposed to be a 2020 festivity. Shortened to a summer “family reunion,” Knott’s will see the debut of the brand-new Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, a makeover of the former Voyage to the Iron Reef attraction that harkens back to the original, classic Bear-y Tales attraction that originated in this attraction space.

Elsewhere, Knott’s Summer Nights will also make its return, with live entertainment and additional food choices available. There was no announcement about Ghost Town Alive!, but given the event’s intrinsic close, face-to-face, interactive nature, it was unlikely that this could function in its normal capacity with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing—even if things have been improving. There will also be special photo ops celebrating iconic elements of Knott’s past and nightly lighting moments, including a specially illuminated Sky Cabin tower!

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Knott’s season passholders—who have patiently waited since last year as their passes were first extended through all of 2021 and now through effectively May of 2022 (Knott’s promised to extend to one year after park reopening)—will get first dibs into the park starting Thursday, May 6th. It’s a similar arrangement to what Legoland California is doing and what Six Flags Magic Mountain did for a limited number of days for their passholders.

State of California health regulations will still apply, which means only California residents can visit Knott’s at this time, and all tickets must be purchased online, with specific date reservations. The park will also be at 25% capacity while Orange County remains in the orange tier—rising up to only 35% if the OC makes it into the lowest yellow tier in the state’s Coronavirus spread categorization.

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

it’s not a complete return to normal, but it’s a big step. And it’s promising for what our favorite fall and winter park events hold as we move into the back half of the year!

From the press release:

Knott’s Berry Farm Announces Grand Reopening for May 21 

Knott’s Releases Details on the Anticipated 100th Anniversary Celebration and the Debut of “Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair” with Tickets and Reservations Available April 26

Buena Park, Calif. – It’s official: Knott's Berry Farm is reopening its gates next month as the theme park safely resumes regular operations with limited capacity and new reservation requirements. The park will reopen to season passholders May 6, with plans for a grand reopening to the general public on May 21 for a summer-long, Knott’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. "The Knott's Family Reunion" looks to reunite family and friends in a safe and fun environment after a year-long closure due to COVID-19.

(Image courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

New and unforgettable experiences await in honor of the park's 100 years of history and family fun for all. During the 100th anniversary celebration, guests can experience the brand-new Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, a 4-D interactive dark ride that pays tribute to the classic attraction from 35 years ago. Guests also will have the opportunity to meet Knott's all-new lovable costumed characters and enjoy special evening entertainment as Knott's Summer Nights returns with live music, DJs and one-of-a-kind food and drink specialties. In addition, the theme park is planning a nightly ceremony featuring multiple attractions lighting up the evening and culminating in a special moment with the redesigned illuminated K-tower. Guests also will find festive new park décor, including special photo settings that pay homage to favorite attractions from the past and commemorative merchandise celebrating the park's vast history. These are just a few of the many special surprises that can only come from your friends at Knott's. 

(Image courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

(Image courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

The anniversary celebration runs through September 6, 2021. In accordance with current state guidelines, capacity will be limited and available to California residents only with reservations required for both single-day visits and Season Passholders. Ticket sales and reservations will be available starting April 26. 

All 2020 and 2021 season passes purchased through May 5, 2021, will be valid through May 5, 2022. Knott's Season Passes are now available starting at $101 or six easy payments of $13.50 after an initial payment. Gold Passes are $135 or six easy payments of just $17.00 after an initial payment. Information regarding Soak City Waterpark will be coming soon. These offers end on June 20, 2021. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

The safety and health of our guests remain our top priority. Knott's Berry Farm continues to follow state, county and local health guidelines. There are several continued safety measures and operational changes established to ensure guests' safety. Our current approach is listed on our park website. For more information on the park's latest updates, please visit knotts.com.

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

For more information about this year's milestone celebration, reopening, "Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair," and Knott's Season Passes, please visit knotts.com. Join the conversation at Knott's this year using #Knotts100 #KnottsGrandReopening or #KnottsFamilyReunion.