family fun at Knott’s summer nights

Growing up in southern California I spent a lot of time at different theme parks. Knott’s Berry Farm was always a low key favorite. Whether we went at Christmastime for the festivities, got spooked at Halloween, or stopped by the waterpark in the summer heat it was always a fun time. On our recent family road trip we made a stop and put some use to our Cedar Fair Platinum passes. It’s a great time to visit because Knott’s Summer Nights celebration is going on. In addition to that, big (delayed) 100th anniversary is happening right now. Keep reading for more details!

Visiting Knott's Berry Farm with kids during Knott's Summer Nights.

the history of Knott’s Berry farm

In 1923 Walter Knott built his first roadside berry stand on Grand Avenue in Buena Park. Eventually that simple berry stand became a permanent Berry Market. Over time they added to their business venture with a nursery that sold plants and a Tea Room where Walter’s wife, Cordelia, sold homemade treats made from their berries. It wasn’t until 1934 that Walter Knott introduced the boysenberry to his farm and the Tea Room menu which would later become synonymous with Knott’s Berry Farm.

| Read: Boysenberry Festival and Homemade Boysenberry Ice Cream Recipe |

By 1939 the famous chicken dinners being served at the Tea Room were causing so many people to wait that they decided to do something about it. It started with a gift shop, then music being played over loud speakers, and eventually a full-fledged replica ghost town. This is such a condensed version and the ingenuity of the Knott family during the Great Depression years is truly inspirational. Read a post on the Knott’s Berry Farm blog and see pictures here.

Knott’s 100th anniversary

Through September 6, 2021 Knott’s Berry Farm is commemorating their 100th anniversary with special celebrations. Throughout the park you’ll see various photo ops looking back at past rides. If you grew up at the park you might remember the Haunted Shack and the Soapbox Racers. Although neither attraction is still around both have fun photo booths right now that will take you back. Other rides and attractions are featured in different photo booths as well!

You can also experience the new interactive dark ride, “Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair”. This ride is where Voyage to the Iron Reef, and before that, the Kingdom of the Dinosaurs ride, used to be. But originally the ride that was there was Knott’s Bear-y Tales, which opened in 1975 and was designed by Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump. The new ride is a tribute to the original attraction.

Another interesting tribute to the 100th anniversary are the QR codes located around the park. When scanned these QR codes unlock historical facts, trivia, and fun surprises. Just another way to celebrate where Knott’s Berry Farm started 100 years ago.

Knott’s summer nights

During select days you can party with live bands and DJs from 5:00 pm and later. Different areas of the park will feature music. Along with enjoying tunes you can purchase a tasting card to enjoy some of the delicious foods that Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer. Select Days May 26 – September 4, 2023

tasting card

One of the most delicious aspects of Knott’s Summer Nights is the tasting card. Your tasting card includes six unique food samplings of your choosing. You could cool off with a Cucumber Lemonade or enjoy a Mini Fruity Pebbles™ Funnel Cake. This tasting card is a separate purchase from your theme park admission.

Have you ever been to Knott’s Berry Farm? Remember that if you have a Cedar Fair Platinum Pass it gives you admission to any Cedar Fair park with no black out dates–Knott’s Berry Farm included!