FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Trevor Wilson, Vice President of Marketing & Sales
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
(408) 840-7185 | trevor.wilson@gilroygardens.org
25 Years and Still Growing: Gilroy Gardens’ 25th Anniversary Season Starts March 22
January 29, 2025 (Gilroy, CA): Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park will celebrate the start of its 25th anniversary season on Saturday, March 22, with a full slate of special events planned throughout the year, including exciting all-new guest experiences like the 25th Anniversary Celebration in spring and Cherry Jubilee in the summer.
Where Fun Grows on Trees
Since it first opened in 2001 as Bonfante Gardens, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park has welcomed over 8.5 million guests to explore the park’s unique combination of natural wonders, family-friendly rides, splashy water play areas, and over 10,000 trees.
Today, Gilroy Gardens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that employs hundreds of local youths each year, welcomes visitors from around the world, and drives overnight visits and economic growth throughout the community. Over the last quarter-century, the park has provided countless memories and experiences in support of its mission to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate horticulture and the importance of trees in our lives.
Getting the Party Started: New Festivities in Spring and Summer
Gilroy Gardens’ official public 2025 Opening Day will be on Saturday, March 22. Throughout the months of March, April, and May, guests are invited to take a springtime stroll through history during the 25th Anniversary Celebration, which will feature live entertainment, celebration banners, colorful flower beds, and historical exhibits and memorabilia throughout the park.
In the summer (timed to coincide with the local cherry harvest), Gilroy Gardens will host the all-new Cherry Jubilee, a “stupendous cherry-centric extravaganza” full of fun cherry-themed entertainment, games, specialty food, and eccentric characters.
Beloved Traditions Return for Fall and Holiday Seasons
Returning in late summer will be the popular Friday evening Carnival Nights event, which debuted in 2024 featuring jugglers, magicians, and all the park’s rides lit up at night.
In the fall, Gilroy Gardens will be transformed into the wacky world of BOO Alley during The Great Big BOO, where guests come in costume to go trick-or-treating along the BOO Trail, sing and dance to a live musical show, and encounter friendly characters like Wolfgang Werewolf and Vinnie the Vampire on themed rides throughout the park.
Closing out the 25th anniversary year will be the return of North Pole Nights, a winter wonderland of glittering light displays, Santa’s workshop, a lively musical show, ice skating under the stars, and festive food and drinks. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a fantastic fireworks show over Coyote Lake at midnight.
Members Make the Magic Happen
The best way to enjoy all the magic and wonder of Gilroy Gardens’ 25th anniversary season is to purchase a 2025 Premium Membership, available for a limited time for just $104 per person (ages 3+). Premium Members enjoy unlimited visits and free parking all year long (including all special events) as well as other exclusive benefits like in-park discounts and Bring-a-Friend-FREE Fridays.
There are also exclusive Member-only events, including a Premium Member Preview Day on Sunday, March 16. Memberships are fully tax-deductible and may be purchased online at GilroyGardens.org.
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About Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and California’s only horticultural theme park. Founded by Michael Bonfante, the park offers a unique family experience centered around trees and plants with an emphasis on local history. The park features over 40 rides and attractions and more than 10,000 trees, including the world-famous Circus Trees, as well as special events throughout the year. Gilroy Gardens is celebrating its 25th season in 2025. For more information, visit GilroyGardens.org.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy • Gilroy, CA 95020
408-840-7100 • GilroyGardens.org
© Gilroy Gardens, Inc. A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation Created & Built by Michael Bonfante.
