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Cherry Jubilee Wins the Prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring Award!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news — Cherry Jubilee at Gilroy Gardens has won the IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Award for Best New Food & Beverage Event!
Announced in February 2026, this prestigious honor from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recognizes innovation, originality, and excellence across the global attractions industry. Cherry Jubilee stood out as a flavorful and fun-filled celebration that elevated the guest experience in truly “cherr-ific” ways.
A Sweet Celebration of Local Flavor
First introduced at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in 2025, Cherry Jubilee quickly became a guest favorite. Inspired by the rich agricultural heritage of Gilroy and the local cherry harvest, the month-long festival transforms the park into a vibrant celebration of food, family, and fun.
Returning June 5 – July 5, 2026, Cherry Jubilee features:
- Cherry-Infused Delights: From sweet treats to savory surprises, guests can enjoy a mouthwatering variety of limited-time cherry food and drinks
- Live Entertainment: High-energy performances and festive music add to the lively atmosphere
- Interactive Games and Challenges: Family-friendly activities bring out everyone’s playful side
- Cheerful Cherry Characters: Delightful themed characters pop up throughout the park for smiles, shows, and photo opportunities
Cherry Jubilee blends Gilroy Gardens’ horticultural roots with immersive entertainment, creating an experience that is as meaningful as it is delicious.
The Meaning Behind the Brass Ring
The IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Award draws inspiration from a nostalgic amusement park tradition. In early carousel rides, guests would reach for a brass ring — a symbol of luck, accomplishment, and triumph. Today, IAAPA honors that legacy by presenting Brass Ring Awards to the very best in the attractions industry worldwide.
IAAPA President & CEO Jakob Wahl shared, “The Brass Ring Excellence Awards represent the highest professional honor presented to an IAAPA member facility, recognizing those who are raising the bar and setting new standards for the industry worldwide.”
A Proud Moment for Gilroy Gardens
Winning this award is a very big deal for all of us at Gilroy Gardens!
“Gilroy Gardens is thrilled to be honored with this award,” said Hoa Minh Le, President and General Manager at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. “It is a meaningful recognition of our team’s hard work, innovation, and commitment to giving our guests new ways to enjoy our beautiful park—and celebrate the local cherry harvest.”
This recognition reflects the creativity and dedication of the entire Gilroy Gardens team and reinforces the park’s mission to provide unique, family-friendly experiences rooted in agriculture, nature, and community.
We had so much fun hosting the first-ever Cherry Jubilee last year and are excited to bring it back for even more “cherr-ific” fun in 2026!
Join in the Fun in 2026!
Gilroy Gardens reopens for 2026 on Saturday, March 28, and we can’t wait to welcome families back for another year of memory-making moments.
Come play this spring and be sure to mark your calendars for the return of Cherry Jubilee, June 5 – July 5, 2026, to experience all the award-winning food, flavors, and family fun for yourself!
The best way to visit is with a 2026 Premium Membership. Become a Member now to enjoy unlimited admission, FREE parking, in-park discounts and more for the entire 2026 season—including exciting events like the award-winning Cherry Jubilee.
Hope to see you here “cherry” soon!