Halloween is back. Perhaps not as large as it once was, but after the annual spookfests took an unplanned hiatus last year, we’re not complaining. Here’s what our Northern California parks have planned this year. California’s Great America Halloween Haunt is back after last year’s pandemic-related cancellation, running select nights from Sept. 24 through Oct. […]
Gilroy Gardens celebrating 20th anniversary, says goodbye to longtime GM
At last, Gilroy Gardens is going to throw the party it had planned in 2020. The lush horticultural theme park will kick off its 20th birthday celebration on June 26, three days after its water park, Water Oasis, opens for the season. A colorful clubhouse stage has been constructed near the park’s entrance, featuring daily […]
Barbara-Lea Granter Named Vice President and General Manager at California’s Great America
SANTA CLARA, California (May 14, 2021) – California’s Great America, Northern California’s premier entertainment destination, today announced that Barbara-Lea Granter has been named vice president and general manager of the park. She succeeds Manny Gonzalez, who recently was promoted to vice president and general manager at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both California’s Great America […]
ACE NorCal tours Great America in first event in more than a year
ACE NorCal was back inside a park for the first time in more than a year, courtesy of our friends at California’s Great America. The May 2 off-season tour at CGA erased any doubts about the pent-up demand among park fans after 14 months. Within 15 minutes of registration opening, the 2021 off-season tour filled […]
Major investment a possibility for Gilroy Gardens
Could there be new rides, zip lines, surfing pools and more attractions coming to Gilroy Gardens in the near future? It’s a remote possibility, as two developers are vying for a shot to give the horticulture park perhaps the largest capital investment it has ever seen in its history. A City of Gilroy-initiated request for […]
Great America shares 2020 offseason work
California’s Great America has been busy this offseason, and whenever it reopens from its pandemic-induced closure, guests will notice a spruced-up park, carrying the momentum of the previous years’ work. The park shared with the American Coaster Enthusiasts some of the improvements that have been taking place as it prepares for its unknown opening date. […]
2020 Season in Brief: California’s Great America
Important Dates: With Santa Clara County banning mass gatherings through March due to the spread of COVID-19, California’s Great America delayed its season opener to April 4. Daily operation begins May 22 and runs through Aug. 10. South Bay Shores, Great America’s new expanded water park, opens mid-May. The popular food festival Red, White & […]
2020 Season in Brief: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Important Dates: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is now open weekends. Daily operation begins May 26 and runs through Aug. 16, with the park reverting to weekend-only operation Aug. 22 through the end of the year, with more dates added throughout the rest of the year for special events. What’s New? Fresh off Batman: The Ride […]
2020 Season in Brief: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Important Dates: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk opens daily with limited rides on weekdays beginning March 30. Rides are now open on weekends. Full daily operation runs May 22 through Aug. 16, with the park reverting to weekend-only operation Sept. 12. Free Movies on the Beach return Wednesdays June 17 through Aug. 12. Free Friday […]
Family coaster headed to Discovery Kingdom in 2020
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has added an impressive number of thrilling coasters and flat rides over the last decade, but its newly announced attraction helps fill a need in its lineup. Sidewinder Safari will debut in 2020, a spinning wild mouse-type coaster that will feature live rattlesnakes and other reptiles in its queue. The “Twister […]