Knott’s Peanuts Celebration 2026: A Slower, Storybook-Style Day at Knott’s Berry Farm

A returning family favorite filled with characters, quiet moments, and small traditions that make the season special

Why We Returned Again This Year

One of the things I love most about running Beckoning Adventure is that it gives our family a reason to revisit experiences instead of always chasing something new. Some events feel different each year, but the Knott’s Peanuts Celebration has slowly become one of our seasonal traditions because it brings a softer pace to a theme park day.

We visited last year and loved it so much that returning felt easy. This year felt warmer, calmer, and more centered around character moments, which turned out to be exactly what our kids wanted. Instead of planning every hour, we let the day unfold naturally, moving from characters to exhibits to small discoveries that turned into some of our favorite memories.

TLDR

• A relaxed seasonal event focused on Peanuts characters, family-friendly entertainment, and slower-paced experiences across the park
• Highlights this year included the new Kite Flying Foibles exhibit, meeting Woodstock, Pigpen, Franklin, and Schroeder, and enjoying the Peanuts Cowboy Jamboree
• Grizzly Creek Lodge remains one of our favorite dining stops, especially for its quieter seating areas and the seasonal pretzel-bun chicken sandwich
• Best for families who enjoy character interactions, interactive exhibits, and memory-centered theme park days rather than ride-heavy itineraries

Starting the Day with Pigpen

Pigpen’s Pig Pen at the Livery Stable is always our first stop. There is something grounding about beginning the day around animals before the park fills with crowds. Meeting Pigpen, seeing the horses and other animals, and taking those first relaxed photos helped us ease into the day instead of rushing into ride lines.

For families with younger kids, or kids who benefit from slower transitions, starting here creates a gentle beginning to the morning.

Kite Flying Foibles: A Surprise Favorite Stop

One of the new highlights this year was the “Kite Flying Foibles” exhibition at Town Hall. At first glance it seems like a quick walkthrough exhibit, but we ended up staying longer than expected. Seeing the comic reproductions, learning about the kite-eating tree, and then sketching together made this feel interactive rather than just informational.

Later in the day, when we spotted the kite-themed ride in Camp Snoopy, the kids immediately connected the two experiences. Moments like this are why I always recommend leaving room in your day for exhibits and smaller attractions. They quietly add meaning to the rest of the visit.

Character Moments That Made the Day

Characters remain the heart of this celebration for us. This year we met Woodstock, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Marcie, Franklin, Schroeder, and Pigpen. The kids were especially excited to see Woodstock, and meeting Franklin during Black History Month always feels meaningful to us.

The Peanuts Cowboy Jamboree was another favorite stop. Seeing Schroeder and Franklin dressed in western outfits added such a fun seasonal twist, and the themed games created a playful energy that encouraged kids to participate rather than just watch.

Shows, Music, and Seasonal Entertainment

We stopped to watch “Let’s Celebrate” at the Calico Mine Stage and it was sweet, colorful, and very classic Peanuts storytelling. If you plan to watch, consider bringing a small umbrella or sun protection since the seating area can get very sunny during afternoon performances.

The new Knott’s Express musical procession was cute, though personally we preferred last year’s version slightly more. Still, it added energy to the Boardwalk area and created another opportunity to see characters moving through the park.

Our Go-To Meal Stop (and Why It Works for Our Family)

Grizzly Creek Lodge continues to be one of our favorite dining locations, especially as a family navigating different food preferences and occasional sensory needs. The kids can each get exactly what they want, which prevents meal-time stress, and there are multiple seating environments depending on what the moment calls for.

Upstairs seating tends to be calmer, and there is an additional quieter indoor space that has softer lighting and less foot traffic. Having a predictable decompression location inside a theme park makes a big difference for us, and it is one of the reasons we return to this dining spot often.

This year’s seasonal highlight for us was the Breaded Chicken Sandwich on a pretzel bun with mustard cheddar sauce. Both my husband and I ordered it and immediately agreed it was one of the best seasonal sandwiches we have had in the park.

We also used the All Day Drink Plan, which made refilling boysenberry punch throughout the day simple and budget-friendly.

Tips We Would Repeat Next Time

• Download the Knott’s app before visiting since showtimes occasionally shift
• Plan at least one slower indoor experience midday to balance stimulation
• Bring sun protection for outdoor shows
• If your family benefits from quieter moments, identify a calm dining or seating location early in the day

Who This Celebration Is Best For

• Families who love character interactions
• Guests who prefer slower seasonal festivals rather than high-intensity ride-focused days
• Peanuts fans looking for nostalgic entertainment
• Families who benefit from built-in breaks between experiences

Guests primarily focused on thrill rides may find fewer event-specific offerings compared to larger seasonal festivals, but for families prioritizing shared experiences, this celebration shines.

Watch Along

You can watch our full Peanuts Celebration day overview, food highlights, and additional planning tips across our short-form videos. This blog serves as the companion resource where everything is brought together in one place.

Disclaimer

Offerings, entertainment schedules, and seasonal food items may change from year to year. Always check the official Knott’s Berry Farm app for the most current event information.

Closing

Days like this are why we keep returning to seasonal events. They give us permission to slow down, reconnect, and step outside the rhythm of everyday life for a while. If your family is looking for a gentle theme park day filled with characters, small discoveries, and simple joy, the Peanuts Celebration is a beautiful way to escape the ordinary.

If you’re planning more theme park experiences, I keep all of my long-form guides organized under Resources.