GILROY, Santa Clara County — October 27, 2026. South Bay families who want Halloween costumes and candy without aggressive haunted-house shocks still have a local amusement-park option this weekend. The Great Big BOO! at Gilroy Gardens is scheduled for October 30–31 and November 1, rounding out a season that began in September.
What children can do
The park offers BOO Alley, an outdoor Halloween setting with costumed characters, live musical performances, interactive activities and a designated trick-or-treat trail. Halloween-themed rides and colorful lighting round out the visit. The operator encourages families to come in costume and asks that outfits be appropriate for children; weapons and masks that fully cover the face are restricted.
What’s new in 2026?
Gilroy Gardens advertises an optional interactive Pumpkin Wand designed for its themed BOO Zones. Children can look for eight locations and uncover clues along the route. Families should not assume the wand is part of a standard admission ticket; the operator describes it as a separate retail purchase.
Three practical ticket questions
First, confirm whether the chosen day is an eligible Great Big BOO! date. Second, review whether an existing membership includes admission or requires an add-on. Third, check when the operating day begins and whether entertainment ends earlier than the park gates. Rides, performances and trick-or-treat areas may have separate opening hours.
The activity is different from the late-night haunted attractions at Knott’s and Universal Studios Hollywood. Gilroy Gardens frames its family program as whimsical rather than explicitly frightening.
How the town’s garlic identity fits the holiday
On October 30 and 31, visitors may also find limited giveaways of garlic bulbs, books, tote bags and garlic ice cream inside the park. A separate Gilroy News guide lists the announced giveaway hours. The treats are free while supplies last, but park admission is not free.
Primary sources: Gilroy Gardens September 2026 announcement and official event calendar. See also California58’s statewide Halloween guide.
Editor’s note: Future event listings are not confirmation that every activity is currently operating or has tickets left.
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