GILROY, Santa Clara County — October 27, 2026. Halloween in Gilroy will have an unusual flavor: garlic ice cream. Gilroy Gardens says visitors to its Great Big BOO! celebration can enjoy limited free samples of the town’s distinctive treat alongside giveaways of books, fresh garlic and tote bags on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31.
Exactly when are the giveaways?
Gilroy Gardens’ published 2026 festival schedule identifies Friday, October 30, 5:15–6 p.m. for free garlic, books and tote bags, with garlic ice cream from 5–9 p.m. while supplies last. On Saturday, October 31, books, garlic and tote bags are scheduled 1–2 p.m., and the garlic ice cream giveaway is listed noon–4 p.m., again subject to supplies.
The fresh garlic and book offers are provided by Christopher Ranch, while volunteers from the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association are participating in the ice cream program. The giveaways appear within the amusement park’s event area, not on a public sidewalk outside the entrance.
Is this a free admission event?
No. Gilroy Gardens charges for eligible admission to its Great Big BOO! celebration. The giveaway refers to selected items once a visitor is inside; it is not a free park ticket. Admission, annual-pass eligibility, holiday operating hours and ticket quantities must be verified with the park. Items can run out before the advertised giveaway window ends.
What else is happening?
The Great Big BOO! offers interactive BOO Alley areas, candy collection, live shows, themed characters and attractions geared toward families rather than extreme scares. The organizer permits family-friendly costumes but restricts weapons and full-face masks. New interactive Pumpkin Wands are optional purchases, not part of the free giveaway.
Because Halloween falls on a Saturday, families should allow extra time for entry, parking and walking between attractions. Do not assume the ice cream area can serve every attendee immediately.
Official sources: Gilroy Gardens’ 2026 Great Big BOO and giveaway schedule; official ticket offers and garlic promotion. See the statewide California58 Halloween travel guide for 20 destinations.
Editorial note: Published times reflect the park’s promotion, not a guarantee of remaining treats or admission availability.
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