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Step Right Up for Friday Night Family Fun!
Friday Nights • July 25 – Sept 19
Carnival Nights Tickets
Your perfect Carnival Nights experience starts with the right ticket—find yours now!
Carnival Nights at Gilroy Gardens
Carnival Nights are back at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, featuring dazzling performances and fabulous fun for the whole family. Discover magic shows, juggling acts, balloon artists, carnival games, specialty food and drinks—and all your favorite rides lit up at night.
This enchanting evening experience is on Friday nights only, from July 25 through September 19, from 5:00-10:00pm. Admission is FREE for 2025 and 2026 Gilroy Gardens Premium Members.
Note: The park will also be open for daytime fun from 11am-5pm on July 25, August 1, and August 8. All water attractions and select rides are closed during Carnival Nights hours.
Big Top Fun for the Whole Family
- All your favorite rides lit up at night
- Live magic shows with Johnny Ace Palmer
- Juggling performances by Draco the Juggler
- Fun balloon twisting with Balloons by Daniel
- *NEW* Sips & Spirits Tasting Tour* with specialty cocktails and mocktails
- *NEW* Super Play Card* carnival game ticket bundle
- *NEW* Stilt walkers, bubble acts, roller skating*, and more
*Available for an additional fee
Note: Paddle Boats, Rainbow Garden Round Boats, Artichoke Dip, Claudia’s Carousel, and Sky Trail Monorail are closed during Carnival Nights hours.
Carnival Nights Sips & Spirits Tasting Tour
Enjoy four specialty beverages (cocktails or mocktails) at unique “Speakeasy” locations throughout the park. Purchase your discounted voucher online, then go to the The Thirsty Ticket Tent redemption booth (near Castroville Corners) to start your tasting tour.
- The Twisted Zoo (inside Big Top Plaza)
- The Dizzy Mirror (near Panoramic Wheel)
- The Neon Electric (near Toy Soldier)
- The Magician’s Bar (near Lakeside Amphitheater)
After you’ve visited all four, you get to spin the Mystery Prize Wheel and see what you’ve won!
Note: Skeel’s, Sweet Station, Refresh Outlet, Carousel Cart, and Dixie Cup Gifts are closed for Carnival Nights hours and not open for food or merchandise purchases.
Super Play Card
Test your skills at all your favorite classic carnival games with four game plays at our Pitch ‘n’ Win Games!
Pick up your Super Play Card voucher online and save. Redeem vouchers at The Thirsty Ticket Tent redemption booth (near Castroville Corners).
Entertainment Schedule
From high-energy performances to jaw-dropping acts, there’s something happening around every corner. Read below to find out where and when to catch your favorite performer!
- Carnival Clubhouse
- Johnny Ace Palmer – 5:10PM
- Draco the Juggler – 5:30PM
- WeFlip Entertainment – 5:50PM
- Lakeside Amphitheater
- Johnny Ace Palmer – 6:15PM, 7:15PM, 8:15PM
- Red & White Stage
- Draco the Juggler – 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:45PM
- Big Top Plaza
- WeFlip Entertainment – 6:30PM, 7:00PM, 8:30PM, 9:15PM
- South County
- Miss Molly Bubbles – 5:15PM, 6:15PM, 7:15PM, 8:15-10:00PM (stilt walking around park)
Subject to change without notice.
