California theme parks still await the green light from Governor Newsom to reopen. Some parks, like SeaWorld San Diego, have been able to partially reopen under different rules. Knott’s Berry Farm has found its own loophole with its separate ticketed “Taste” events. In July and August, Knott’s held the “Taste of Calico” event where guests could enjoy food around Ghost Town. Then in September, they opened more food-tasting spots and more sections of the park for their “Taste of Knott’s” event. Social distancing and masks were still required of course. Each of these events was a success, but “Taste of Fall-O-Ween” might be the best one yet!

The Why

One of the most disappointing parts of the theme park closures was the cancellation of the annual Halloween Haunt at Knott’s Scary Farm. For those who may not know, Knott’s Berry Farm was the first-ever theme park to hold a Halloween event at all. Every other Halloween party or event held at a theme park was inspired by Knott’s Berry Farm. Ever since those first few October nights in the 1970s, the Fall season at Knott’s has been considered a must-do for Halloween and theme park fans.

Needless to say, the loss of Knott’s Scary Farm was very saddening for fans around the world. Parents were also bummed to lose the family-friendly daytime version of the event called Knott’s Spooky Farm. Spooky Farm focuses on the ‘softer thrills’ of Halloween, so no scary monsters in costumes jumping out at guests. But Halloween decorations and yummy food still make guests get into the Halloween spirit. Luckily for us, “Taste of Fall-O-Ween” is the perfect, safe substitute for both Knott’s Scary Farm and Knott’s Spooky Farm.

The What

Knott’s new Taste of Fall-O-Ween is a “family-friendly outdoor dining and retail experience celebrating the Halloween season and the flavours of Fall.” Like the other tasting events in weeks past, guests walk around tasting some unique foods. They also get the chance to purchase exclusive merchandise. Social distancing and facial masks are still enforced. But many guests feel like this is the closest to “normal” they have felt in a long time. In fact, the entire park is open, except for the rides of course.

Fans of both Spooky Farm and Scary Farm get their fix from the Halloween decorations from previous years all around. Some of these include a Headless Horseman riding around the park on his skeleton horse, ghostly projections in the Ghost Town graveyard, pumpkins everywhere, etc. Live actors are strategically placed throughout Ghost Town. There, they can safely interact with guests, bringing the feel of Knott’s Scary Farm (without the same scares) and “Ghost Town ALIVE” back to the park.

Guests of all ages can dress up in costume (even though proper face masks are still required–and costume masks are not allowed in place of these). Children with a Junior Tasting Card get the chance to walk through the Camp Snoopy Trick-or-Treat Trail. The trail is sponsored by Hershey’s and Ralph’s. The trail is fully-themed with decorations, music, and multiple treat stations to fill your bag to the brim!

The When

Taste of Fall-O-Ween is happening on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 25, 2020-November 1, 2020. Friday and Saturday operating hours are from 12 pm-9 pm. Sunday operating hours are 12 pm-8 pm.

Friday, Sept. 25: 12 PM – 9 PM – SOLD OUT
Saturday, Sept. 26: 12 PM – 9 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, Sept. 27: 12 PM – 8 PM – SOLD OUT
Friday, Oct. 2: 12 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, Oct. 3: 12 PM – 9 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, Oct. 4: 12 PM – 8 PM
Friday, Oct. 9: 12 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, Oct. 10: 12 PM – 9 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, Oct. 11: 12 PM – 8 PM
Friday, Oct. 16: 12 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, Oct. 17: 12 PM – 9 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, Oct. 18: 12 PM – 8 PM
Friday, Oct. 23: 12 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, Oct. 24: 12 PM – 9 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, Oct. 25: 12 PM – 8 PM
Friday, Oct. 30: 12 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, Oct. 31: 12 PM – 9 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, Nov. 1: 12 PM – 8 PM

The How

The only way to experience Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween for yourself is to purchase a tasting card here. Regular tasting cards, for people ages 12 and up, cost $35 (plus tax) for 5 tastes. Junior Tasting Cards, for children ages 3-11 years, cost $20 (plus tax) for 3 tastes and a walk through Camp Snoopy’s Trick-or-Treat Trail. Tasting cards are date specific so be sure to purchase each of your cards for the same day. As you can see, there are several days that have already sold out. So, get yours fast!