Gilroy Gardens brings back The Great Big BOO for Halloween

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park will reopen its family-friendly Halloween event, The Great Big BOO, on select evenings from Sept. 25 through Nov. 1 in Gilroy, California. This year adds new Pumpkin Wands and discounted opening-weekend tickets for nearby residents, with premium members getting free access.

Why it matters: - The Great Big BOO has become one of the Bay Area's most popular family-friendly Halloween events. - The event gives families a less-scary Halloween option with rides, games, costumes and trick-or-treating. - Gilroy Gardens is also using the event to drive memberships and advance 2027 sales.

What happened: - Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is bringing back The Great Big BOO on select evenings from Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. - The event takes place in Gilroy, California. - Families are encouraged to attend in costume. - Guests can use the park's rides at night, watch live musical shows and take part in interactive challenges. - The park is offering fun food and drinks throughout the event.

The details: - The experience centers on BOO Alley, which includes live entertainment, character interactions and the sing-and-dance-along show, The Great Big BOO. - Other themed attractions include Wendella’s House on the Hill, Wolfgang’s Rockin’ Ride, the BOO Train, Halloween light displays and the BOO Alley Light Tunnel. - Fun, safe trick-or-treating is available along the BOO Trail. - New in 2026 are interactive Pumpkin Wands available for purchase. - The Pumpkin Wands unlock secret clues at 8 BOO Stations around the park. - The letters spell out a message tied to saving Halloween from the curse of Wendella the Witch. - Children who solve the puzzle can claim an "I Saved Halloween!" sticker. - Downtown BOO Alley features a giant pumpkin pyramid and family games. - Food and drink offerings include Loaded Jumbo Potatoes, Apple Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake, Return of the Mummy Hot Dogs, spooky cocktails for adults and kid-friendly drinks with a magical twist. - Guests can visit Sammy Jo Scarecrow’s Pumpkin Patch on the way out to pick a pumpkin to take home. - Pumpkins are not included with park admission. - Premium members get free admission to The Great Big BOO and other Signature Events all year long. - 2027 Premium Memberships are on sale now and include unlimited admission, free parking and other benefits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027. - The park will be closed to the public for a private event on Saturday, Oct. 10. - Event hours are Fridays from 5-10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-9 p.m.

Between the lines: - The addition of Pumpkin Wands gives the event a new scavenger-hunt style feature designed to keep kids moving through the park. - The opening-weekend discount appears aimed at drawing local families early in the season and building word of mouth. - Membership perks suggest Gilroy Gardens is using seasonal events to strengthen repeat visits and lock in future revenue.

What's next: - Discounted admission tickets, memberships and other Great Big BOO offerings are available online at more information. - During opening weekend only, Gilroy residents can buy tickets for $12 admission plus $12 parking. - Residents of Morgan Hill, San Martin, Hollister, Watsonville and Salinas can buy $15 tickets and $15 parking during opening weekend only. - Proof of residency is required at the front gate. - Up to six discounted tickets may be purchased per address. - Gilroy Gardens says families can expect a return of the event's mix of tricks, treats and low-fright Halloween fun.

The bottom line: - The Great Big BOO is back with new interactive elements, local discounts and a full slate of Halloween attractions for families through Nov. 1.