Gilroy Gardens Announces 2021 Reopening Date

GILROY, CA — After sitting idle for 2020 due to coronavirus mandates, the family-friendly Gilroy Gardens announced it will reopen May 22 for its 2021 season.

"We look forward to welcoming children back to their Gardens," park Vice President & General Manager Barb Granter said in a statement.

The theme park, that opened some 20 years ago as a horticulture destination with its famed "Circus Trees," was among amusement parks statewide ordered to close last year as the coronavirus pandemic hit.

For seasonally operating Gilroy Gardens, however, that meant delaying its planned 2020 opening from March to April, with dashed hopes over the summer, followed by a final announcement in August that the operation was scrapping reopening efforts altogether for the remainder of 2020.

Among events missed last year were special activities intended to celebrate Gilroy Gardens’ 20th anniversary.

The May 22 re-launch date likely will come as welcome news to Bay Area families, particularly those with little ones, who appreciate the park's homey vibe, coupled with such holiday extravaganzas as Memorial Day and July 4th barbecues, the "Halloween Boo Trail" and winter festivities with a live "Charlie Brown Christmas" show and ice rink.

Gilroy Gardens operators said planned COVID-safety measures and related changes will be listed on its website closer to opening.

Patrons' 2020 memberships are extended through 2021, plus in-park credits will be available for use this season, mangement said. Details here.

Also nearby and eyeing a planned May 22 reopening is California's Great America. The Santa Clara park recently announced that it would open with limited capacity and social distancing policies in place, along with requirements for face coverings.

Gilroy Gardens, a nonprofit, is operated by Ohio-based Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., which also runs Great America.

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