Last Sunday, April 9th, my family and I went to Knott’s Boysenberry Festival as special guests of the park. The Boysenberry Festival is my favorite season at Knott’s Berry Farm, because it’s when Ghost Town really comes alive. There are pop-up food kiosks, music, shows, animals, and more! Here is what we enjoyed the most:

Boysenberry-inspired Food Tasting

Food tasting is one of my favorite things to do in general, so it was an extra special treat to do it at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. The name of the festival says it all – it’s a celebration of the berry that started it all!  Tasting cards are available for purchase and the pop-up stands are located throughout Ghost Town. A wonderful thing about these cards is you don’t have to use them all in one visit. If you choose to return, it’s still valid until the last day of Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (April 23rd).

[food offerings list here]

We used our complimentary tasting cards (provided by Knott’s) to try the following –

Boysenberry Buffalo Wings

The Boysenberry Buffalo Wings is the first tasting stand you will find upon entering Ghost Town. It’s located behind Pemmican Pickle restaurant and had a really long line when we arrived (which was around 12:30pm, lunchtime). The wait is worth it, because these wings are so good. Now usually, I would say these tastings are perfect to eat while walking around the park, but these wings require sitting down at a table and lots of napkins! (Tip: The open picnic seating area near Fireman’s BBQ has a wash station!). The amount of wings shown in the photo above are two tastings’ worth. We asked to combine them on one tray because that made them easier to carry.

Boysenberry BBQ Meatballs

I tried these boysenberry BBQ Meatballs last year, when I attended Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, and can attest they still have the same great, solid flavor. These meatballs are sure to please everyone, even the pickiest palates. My kid loved these, and almost ate my entire tasting as well! (photo above is a two tasting’s worth).

Boysenberry Ravioli

Oh my goodness, was this good! The boysenberry is infused inside the ravioli, mixed with cheeses. The sauce was cream-based, and topped with tomatoes. A very sophisticated flavor, which was quite a delight. My 4-year old loved this as well. Each tasting comes with two raviolis.

Boysenberry Pizza

When I saw “boysenberry pizza” on the tasting card, I assumed it was a dessert pizza. To my surprise, it was a sweet and savory pizza, containing chicken, goat cheese, caramelized onions, and topped with arugula. It was a delightful combination. I can’t pinpoint the cheeses, but mixed with the boysenberry and topped with a boysenberry sauce, this pizza is something I’d love to order on the regular.

Boysenberry Panna Cotta (with almond crumble)

Ok remember when I talked about my kid eating all my food? If I blinked, she would have taken my panna cotta too! This is seriously good stuff. This Italian dessert, traditionally made with of heavy cream, takes on a beautiful hue, with bursts of boysenberry flavor throughout. Topped with a dollop of boysenberry jam and cream, this rich dessert is something I want to try to make at home!

Boysenberry Fry Bread

We saved our last punch for the boysenberry fry bread, which we enjoyed while watching a show. This was like a cross between a jelly-filled donut and a churro. It was the perfect early evening snack, which would have been even tastier with a coffee (next time…). My daughter was too busy watching the show, she didn’t want to eat hers there, so we brought it home. (Tip: if you want to reheat it the next day, throw it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then in the toaster oven for 5 mins. Delicious!)

Camp Snoopy’s Easter Beagle

We love the Easter Beagle! We also met Sally, and took more pictures in the newly revamped Camp Snoopy area. Even when the characters aren’t present, there are some cool props (Lucy’s 5-cent Psychiatrist stand; a big armchair) which make for great photo-ops or selfies.

Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree

If you like choreographed dance numbers and singing along to familiar songs, you’ll love Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree. It’s a musical revue featuring some of the Peanuts Gang during the interludes. Near the end, the dancers interact with the audience and have a fun dance party!

Wine and Craft Brew Tasting

My husband and I did some wine tasting during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. The wine tasting room is set up beautifully, and each card gets you a plate of snacks and six tastings. As a parent of a small child, it’s not often I have the opportunity to go wine tasting, so this family-friendly wine tasting room was a nice break for us parents! I tasted a wine that I really like and hope to buy this weekend (Tip: they don’t sell wine bottles but you can take a photo of the label you like to find later). Yes, I tried to boysenberry wine, and you should too. It’s very sweet, so I chose to taste it last.

Bonus: you can walk around the park with your adult beverages!

Ghost Town – sights, sounds, and festival entertainment

As I mentioned, Ghost Town comes alive during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. Other shows and activities offered include:

Calico Park Fun, Music, and Games

Picnic games, pie walk, pie eating, music, and more!

Old MacDonald’s Farm

Located at Ghost Town Livery Barn, you can meat real farm animals. All the animals are in pens, so it’s not a petting farm, per se, but guests are allowed to pet the animals if within arms reach. Guides are present to answer any questions. My daughter asked the names of the sheep.

Old Time Melodrama

Located at the Bird Cage Theatre, this is a fun show for all ages

History of Boysenberry Presentation

Located at Ghost Town Hall, learn the history about Walter & Cordelia Knott and the Boysenberry in a documentary

Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies

Fiddle and classic country music fill the air and create an authentic ambiance

Other shows include:

• Cloud 9 Ballroom & Studio K Classic Dance Party
• Fiesta with DJ Cruz
• Calico Saloon Show
• Ghost Town Miners
• Frontier Feats of Wonder Stunt Show
• Indian Trails Show
• Mystery Lodge Show

Shop

Yes, I had to leave there with something! We picked up a bottle of their Boysenberry BBQ sauce at the Berry Market outside of the park so we can try to recreate those boysenberry wings at home. Also bought some other boysenberry treats as gifts. Good to know these boysenberry items are available online as well at the Berry Market online!

We had so much fun at Knott’s, and look forward to visiting again!

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is from April 1st – April 23rd

Knott’s Berry Farm is located at:
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park CA 90620

Check the Website for hours, pricing, and more information:

www.knotts.com

Disclaimer: My family and I were invited to Knott’s Berry Farm as a member of the media and received complimentary admission and tasting cards to experience the Boysenberry Festival. Westside Mommy was not monetarily compensated for this post. All opinions, as always, are 100% my own.