The next Knott’s Berry Farm food festival opens more of the park, but not the rides

Knott’s Berry Farm will expand its weekend food festival offerings next month even as the theme park’s rides and attractions remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Taste of Calico event that began earlier this month has been a success, as Knott’s quickly extended it from two weekends to four. Starting Aug. 21, the park will move the Taste of Knott’s event — another hard-ticket food festival, but stretching beyond the borders of Ghost Town.

“Taste of Knott’s will celebrate classic flavors from around the park including new and one-of-a-kind food, drink and merchandise offerings throughout Ghost Town, Fiesta Village and Boardwalk,” the park said in a press release. “With over 35 food and drink items to choose from, the Taste of Knott’s event will offer more food variety with the addition of Mexican-inspired cuisine, Knott’s famous BBQ offerings and classic Knott’s dishes pulled from the pages of the celebrated Knott’s Berry Farm Cookbook.”

14 craft booths and shops will also be open during the event, which will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday from Aug. 21 through Sept. 13. Hours will be 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Higher ticket prices are coming along with the expanded offerings. Entry to the Taste of Knott’s requires buying a “tasting card” in advance, which will now cost $30 for adults for five “tastings” (up from $25 for Taste of Calico). Kids card will remain $15 for three “tastings,” with children two and under admitted for free.

Like Taste of Calico, reservations are required to manage Knott’s limited capacity. Guests will also need to undergo a temperature screening and wear a face mask except when seated at a table or bench to eat.

No reopening date has been announced for Knott’s to return as a full-fledged theme park. Parks throughout California have remained closed since mid-March.

Knott’s home of Orange County reported Wednesday that while it is beginning to see some signs of improvement locally, COVID-19 hospitalizations are still up 30 percent over the past month. Overall, the county has reported 35,272 cases of COVID-19. 21,926 county residents have recovered while 587 have died to date due to the disease.

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