Knott’s Berry Farm has announced a summer lineup which includes a new attraction, a new festival, and the return of some great summer favorites. Let’s take a look at Calico River Rapids, Ghost Town Alive, “Knott’s Summer Nights” festival and the rest of the summer round up.
Calico River Rapids
Knott’s is transforming Bigfoot Rapids into Calico River Rapids, a new experience with an original story. Calico River Rapids tells the tale of the early days of Calico with pioneers pushing into the Western frontier.
The attraction follows the expedition of Potts and Colter, named after the real-life John Potts and John Colter who were part of the Luis and Clark Expedition. As you’re exploring the new frontier, you may come face to face with the myth himself, Bigfoot!
Knott’s has announced that there will be 20 animatronic figures developed by our friends at Garner Holt Productions. Many of the show scenes are inspired by the style of famed Disney Imagineer Marc Davis. They’re designed to be funny and a quick “read” as you glide by on your raft. There also may be a few Marc Davis nods placed throughout the ride.
As a reminder, you will get wet, you may get soaked…but you will still have to survive a face-to-face encounter with Bigfoot! No opening date has been announced yet, but we are definitely looking forward to the expedition.
Knott’s Summer Nights
Knott’s new nighttime entertainment this year is called Knott’s Summer Nights. Running evenings from June 7th-August 11th, Summer Nights will feature three different band experiences. Calico Park Stage will host a rotation of musical groups, the Calico Mine Stage will feature a top 40’s band, while the Charleston Circle Fountain will feature a “Boardwalk DJ” playing a variety of music.
Knott’s will also be placing food booths around the festival featuring twists on Summer food offerings like build-your-own S’mores, nacho boats, grilled peach cobbler, and handcrafted ice cream flavors. The ambiance will have guests wanting to linger to eat food and play oversized yard games beneath festival lights.
All three stages are a straight shot down the walkway from each other, which means that bouncing from party to party will be as easy as a summer breeze. A new Knott’s festival! Let’s us know what you think in the comments below.
Ghost Town Alive
Returning this year is the fan favorite Ghost Town Alive. This is a daily story that plays out between guests and the citizens of Ghost Town. While we aren’t quite sure what this year’s new story will be yet, we are definitely looking forward to it. Ghost Town Alive will run daily starting May 24th-August 11th, as well as weekends starting August 17th through September 2nd. For many of us on the MiceChat staff, including our founder Dusty Sage, Ghost Town Alive has been a highlight of the summer offerings not just at Knott’s, but anywhere in Southern California. It’s one part outdoor theater, one part theme enhancement, and one part guest interaction and 100% brilliant.
Return of Beach Blanket Beagle
My personal favorite stage show from last year is also returning, Beach Blanket Beagle. This show takes place in the Charles M Shultz Theatre and follows a group of teen beachgoers trying to prevent their favorite beach from being redeveloped into a parking lot. It’s a lot of fun, and a great way to stay out of the hot summer sun! 
Here’s our video of last years show:
Knott’s Soak City Reopens May 18th
What better way to stay cool this summer then heading down to Soak City? A fun day on all the slides, pools, and the lazy river can be enjoyed starting May 18th.
Knott’s is certainly positioning themselves as an oasis to escape the crowds in Anaheim. But with a hot lineup like this, they may just find themselves jam packed as well. (see what we did there? “Jam” packed? Oh never mind. My jokes were never berry good.)
Not quite ready for Summer just yet? Be sure to check out Knott’s Boysenberry Festival happening now through April 28th – read our Boysenberry Festival Review HERE.
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