California's Great America plans for 2023

Earlier this year, we got the sad news that Great America will be closing it's doors permanently at some point this decade. Fortunately, it appears that the theme park is going to make the most of it's remaining few years.

2023 has a full lineup of events and the park will be open for weekends all year long. New for 2023 will be a PEANUTS Celebration in April featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Friday Nights at Great America will welcome live bands, food, and drinks. Red, White & Brews is a hometown celebration of Americana food and drinks with local beers and wines. Tricks and Treats is a toned down version of Halloween Haunt that is family friendly (no mazes or haunted houses unfortunately). Last but not least is WinterFest in November and December.

For all of the 2023 details, continue reading the press release below.

California’s Great America Plans Expanded Lineup of Events and New Attractions for 2023; Will Be Open for Weekends All Year

SANTA CLARA, CA (August 11, 2022) – California’s Great America, the region’s premier amusement park, is planning an exciting 2023 season that will include an expanded lineup of events, live shows, new attractions, thrilling rides, kid-sized fun and waterpark adventures. And the park will be open for weekends all year long beginning in January.

As part of the expanded calendar and additional operating days in 2023, the park is planning a full slate of new and returning events:

• PEANUTS Celebration (select dates in April) – New in 2023, the PEANUTS Gang comes out to play in a big way with this limited-time, special event where Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang will take over the entire park. Fans of all ages are invited to join the excitement with new live shows, Instagrammable moments, and activities for guests to play and interact with the PEANUTS Gang throughout the park. 
• Friday Nights at Great America (select Fridays, March to November): Returning for another season, guests can enjoy the best night of the week with live bands, amazing food, tasty drinks and favorite rides.
• Red, White & Brews (Select dates in June to July 4th): Join this hometown celebration of Americana food and fun as Great America's Hometown Square comes to life with live entertainment, gourmet food and locally sourced beer and wine. And there will be plenty of games and activities for the whole family.
• Carnivale at Orleans Place (Select dates in July): Immerse yourself in this larger-than-life New Orleans festival featuring bold Cajun flavors, Big Easy Live Bands, and ending with the Spectacle of Color Parade featuring a host of Mardi Gras floats. A dance party and spectacular fireworks high over Orleans Place finish off the evening. Let the good times roll!
• Tricks and Treats (Select dates in September and October): Halloween at Great America is as spook-tacular as ever. Tricks and Treats features all the Halloween fun and no fright. Guests of all ages will find ghastly great things to do as they choose their own path to follow through the lands of Icky Ville, Spooky Spires, Everfall and Sweet Tooth Acres. We invite the whole family to dress up for costume parties, play game shows, dance with spooky characters, and enjoy boo-licious food and drinks.
• WinterFest (Select dates in November and December): The Bay Area’s most immersive holiday event returns this year, sparkling brighter than ever before. WinterFest brings holiday cheer to California’s Great America as the park is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival.

In addition to this full calendar of fun events for 2023, park guests can also enjoy the recently expanded and upgraded All-American Corners area. It includes The Corner Notes musical song and dance show, expanded food options and two classic rides. Liberty Twirler is a brand-new spin on a classic midway ride that has been thrilling guests for decades. Long-time guests of Great America will instantly recognize Orbit, which spins back into action as part of the expanded area.

Park-goers will continue to enjoy the value of two parks for the price of one when they experience the thrilling slides and refreshing splashes of South Bay Shores waterpark – included with park admission. Featuring exciting water attractions, diverse and delicious food locations, premium cabanas and shaded lounge areas, South Bay Shores reflects the unique character of the South Bay region.

“California’s Great America is in the business of delivering fun and lifelong family memories. With our expanded operating calendar in 2023, guests will have more opportunities than ever to experience all that Great America has to offer,” said Barb Granter, general manager. “Between our exciting and expanded events lineup, thrilling and family-friendly rides, and everything our guests love about South Bay Shores waterpark, there’s something for everyone.”

Enjoy unlimited visits for the rest of 2022 plus all of the excitement planned in 2023 with a 2023 Gold Pass. You'll get visits to Great America, South Bay Shores, the new Tricks and Treats, WinterFest, exclusive discounts, and more. 2023 Gold Season Passes are now available for the lowest price of the year – as low as $95 or 11 payments of only $7, after initial payment plus fees. A season pass pays for itself in fewer than two visits. Purchase a Gold Pass between August 11 – 14 and enjoy one free Fast Lane to be used one day this fall. For more information and to purchase a 2023 season pass, please visit here.

About California’s Great America

California’s Great America is a 115-acre theme and waterpark located in Santa Clara, California. As Northern California’s premier amusement park, featuring thrill rides, live entertainment, and South Bay Shores waterpark, California’s Great America is the top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. 

About Cedar Fair Entertainment Company

California’s Great America is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. For more information, see www.cedarfair.com. 

September 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The September 2022 Downtown Dimension is available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Learn about startup development company Nabr's plans for SoFA, starting with three towers of condos and breaking ground on the first 140 units this winter.
• Progress being made on BART design improvements to proposed lines under downtown San Jose.
• Juan Carlos Aguirre's background fits perfectly into his new assignment with SJDA as Community Engagement Manager, 
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month Jesse Velo is an ardent supporter of public transportation, resulting in a thorough knowledge of downtown that comes in handy when visitors request directions.
• SJDA's street life team creates an urban botanical garden.
• 1 Culture art store joins eclectic lineup of businesses along the block of East Santa Clara Street between Third and Fourth streets
• Do you have an idea for a community event or public activation? Apply this month for the Mayor's Abierto program, a celebration of the city's post pandemic re-opening.

August 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The August 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Meet Alex Stettinski, SJDA's next CEO, who answers some questions about his experiences in Southern California and Reno and how they could relate to his work starting soon in San Jose.
• The downtown event schedule for August includes some of San Jose's biggest festivals, and the total audience could approach 200,000.
• Business news includes a switch for 3Below, which plans to hold a musical Up on the Roof in August; and Serious Dumpling co-owner Phebe Shen, who worked through the first two years of the pandemic to create the menu and concept for her new and popular restaurant on San Pedro Square. 
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month Rico Montenegro wakes up every morning at 2 a.m. and pressure-washes downtown's city blocks before most people wake up.

July 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The July 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• PBID renewed by overwhelming majority
• Message from the president
• Dine Downtown returns July 21-31
• Council votes to remove parking mandates
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month is Safety Ambassador Dominic Asberry
• Al Fresco dining extended on San Pedro & Post 
• New business openings include Mama Kin, Serious Dumpling, and Scratch Cookery

June 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The June 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Housing mix planned for SoFA
• Event season heats up
• Chloe Shipp named SJDA Deputy Director
• Marketing committee gets real
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month is Safety Ambassador Stephen Crozier
• SP Social is a hit
• Natural Do opens on South First

May 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The May 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Public Meeting on Homelessness Draws Big Audience
• May is #dtsj Loves Month
• PBID Renewal Ballots are Out
• Groundwerx Employee Luis Martinez Looks Forward to Next Fanime
• Signia by Hilton Now Open
• Fox Tale Fermentation Soft Opening Draws Big Crowds
• Axe Throwing is Catching on

April 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The April 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• SJDA CEO Search is On
• New Day for Farmers' Market 
• Music in the Park Under New Management
• Cinequest’s Cinejoy Opens
• Groundwerx Employee Joel Ramirez is also a Competitive Dancer
• Con Azucar Cafe Finds Sweet Spot 
• SJDA Public Meeting on Homeless Solutions is April 15

March 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The March 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• As winter turns to spring, signs of hope and optimism bloom in downtown San Jose.
• SJDA's February meeting was rich with PBID Renewal information.  Here are 10 things good for property owners, businesses and residents to know from that meeting.
• Angelina Lopez shares her path to Groundwerx and her Employee of the Month honor.  
• Meet Lauren Nuttall, SJDA's Events and Promotions Coordinator.
• The Carlysle by Acquity Realty is the latest in a long line of developments receiving fee waivers.
• More signs of progress -- new retail, fitness and service businesses.

February 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The February 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Property owners sign petition to renew PBID / Groundwerx services
• CreaTV leads Second Street Renaissance in former Zanotto's/Tech Shop location
• SJDA Board President Alan "Gumby" Marques: "Bet on Downtown San Jose"
• Signia by Hilton set to open in former Fairmont
• New director of San Jose Opera explains what she found attractive about downtown before taking job here
• Groundwerx announces its Employee of the Year
• Axe-throwing, anyone? New entertainment options in store downtown
• San Jose is only big city in America to have four congressional representatives
• Poor House Bistro makes its move to Little Italy

January 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The January 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• After 33 years, SJDA rebrands and has a new logo
• Miro wins the Jim Fox Golden Nail Award
• Meet the 2022 SJDA Board of Directors
• Council redistricting results in downtown 2x representation, with boundary division at Guadalupe Parkway
• Attorney Michael Schwerin shares thoughts of his 33 years of the view from offices at Market and Santa Clara streets
• A new set of Downtown Doors dots the community landscape
• DashMart and Dr. Funk are added to downtown's business roster
• Nine days left to skate at Downtown Ice this season

CA Great America Winterfest 2021

(SANTA CLARA, CA) Nov. 23, 2022 - The Bay Area’s most immersive holiday event returns this season, beginning November 26 and sparkling brighter than ever before. Running select dates until January 9, 2022, this magical outdoor experience has been extended to include additional operating days in the new year.

“We’re so pleased we could bring safe, fun and amazing experiences back into people’s lives this holiday season,” said Barb Granter, general manager. “WinterFest is one of Northern California’s most spectacular winter events and gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family, while making new holiday memories.”

About WinterFest
WinterFest features holiday fun for the entire family, including:

• Ice Skating on Snow Flake Lake*: Glide down Snow Flake Lake as it glistens in front of Carousel Columbia, the tallest carousel in the world, providing the most picturesque ice rink in the South Bay.
  
  
• Holiday Lights and décor: Great America has once again been transformed with millions of festive lights and stunning holiday décor. From the North Pole Outpost, to Charlie Brown’s Christmastown and Tinsel Town Fair, the entire park has been themed to the holidays.
  
  
• Live Shows:  Experience more than 10 live holiday shows during your visit to WinterFest.  From our spectacular nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony to the high energy Cool Yule Christmas, you won’t be able to resist singing along.
  
  
• Festive Activities: Have you ever wanted to see Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree or make cookies with Mrs. Claus*?  At WinterFest, you can do just that and more with your friends and family.
  
  
• Holiday Themed Food:  Treat your taste buds to a delectable menu of holiday fare. From Gourmet Hot Chocolate to Gingerbread Churros, WinterFest features a wide variety of savory holiday meals and homemade snacks prepared by the Great America culinary team. 
  
  
• Rides: A trip to WinterFest would not be complete without a spin on your favorite family rides.  With more than 30 rides open for WinterFest, including both big and little thrills, Great America has fun for the whole family waiting.

*Additional charge activity.

For complete information on WinterFest, including a full list of shows and attractions, operating hours and tickets, please visit https://www.cagreatamerica.com/winterfest

 About California’s Great America

California’s Great America is a 100-acre theme and waterpark located in Santa Clara, California. As Northern California’s premier amusement park, featuring thrill rides, live entertainment, and in 2020 the new South Bay Shores waterpark, California’s Great America is the top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. 

 About Cedar Fair Entertainment Company

California’s Great America is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, four outdoor water parks, an indoor water park and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. For more information, see www.cedarfair.com.

December 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The DECEMBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Knight Foundation will support SJDA's Beautiful Tableau initiative, which will aid in downtown's recovery and transition, for the next five years.
• The Source Zero is the first MOMENT shop to transition to downtown San Jose retail store.
• SJDA Board President Katia McClain reflects on her two-year term during pandemic and downtown's future. 
• Holiday events are sure to bring good cheer to downtown this month.
• Adrian Ortega earned Groundwerx's top award by picking up a ton of leaves the past two months.
• In keeping with its August 2020 Stabilization Plan, SJDA has opened a business support center.
• Meet Chris Arkley, SJDA's new Community Engagement Manager.

November 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The NOVEMBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice returns for its 25th season. Skating under the palms begins Nov. 19. Christmas in the Park returns to Plaza de Cesar Chavez, too.
• Silicon Valley Turkey Trot and Santa Run Silicon Valley will both be run virtually this year.
• SJDA proposes Clean Community Fee to take care of messes.
• SoFA motel slated for homeless housing
• Original Groundwerx detailer earns Employee of the Month recognition
• Coming Nov. 5: Sonic Runway of Burning Man fame.
• SJDA spread Abierto funds among seven recipients who have some special events planned for downtown
• Newly approved crane fee is meant to take care of airline fee losses when construction cranes exceed maximum heights
• Dai-Thanh Super Market will have to move from downtown someday when it is redeveloped. The owners have purchased locations to the east and south of downtown and plan two new locations.
• Opening Nov. 1 at San Pedro Square Market:  Hella Good burgers and shakes.

NEXT SJDA PUBLIC MEETING:  Dec. 10 Year-in-Review meeting, starting 8:15 a.m.  You can attend in person at Hammer Theatre Center! Or by viewing it through Zoom or Facebook Live. Registration details will be posted here.

Agenda includes the year-end presentation on the big screen, Golden Nail awards and words board members reaching the end of their terms.  Hope you can make it.

October 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The OCTOBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   This month's newsletter highlights:   The next step to our economic recovery -- big events extending to weekdays The return to the stage has not been easy.  Lisa Mallette of City Lights Theatre Co. explains. The Colbeck brothers of San Jose get inside a 19th Century home where their mother was born.  Google has plans to save the house by moving it to the Creekside Walk section of its Downtown West development. The fourth version of SJdowntown.com is launched and active. Take a look. Groundwerx' Employee of the Month Joel Ramirez loves his job, downtown and his Groundwerx family. New businesses include Gameshop Downstairs, Cash Bar and Punch King Fit.

September 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The SEPTEMBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• SJDA provides an overview of how it has responded to the Stabilization Plan released in August 2020 and meant to navigate the COVID crisis into economic recovery.
  Deemed most essential to recovery: Continued clean and safe services and the renewal of the Property Owners Business Improvement District.
  
• In August, SJDA hired a new Business resiliency Manager, Omar Torres, who will assist businesses with their economic recoveries.
• Groundwerx' Employee of the Month is Angelina Lopez.
• New businesses include Western International Securities, Rec Room, and Health Carbon
• An 87-unit affordable housing project breaks ground at Almaden Boulevard and Balbach Street.
• Newly named Barack Obama Boulevard will be part of Downtown West, surrounded by SAP Center, Diridon Station and Los Gatos Creek.

Topgolf opens first Silicon Valley location in San Jose

North San Jose and Alviso are quiet parts of San Jose. There is honestly not much to do in terms of entertainment. Fortunately a new major amenity arrived a few months ago, Topgolf. It's part driving range, part Dave & Busters, and part gastropub.

The San Jose location is the first in the Bay Area as well as only the second location in all of Northern California. It is also one of only 4 flagship venues. To give you an idea of how popular these are, the Topgolf in Austin sells more alcohol than any other venue in Austin. The San Jose location is three stories with large bars and restaurants on each one.

The driving range aspect is more of a video game than anything else. Each golf ball has a microchip that lets it be tracked and the computer scores you based on your level of accuracy. There are also tons of games with different rules that you can play with your companions.

The food was surprisingly solid for a big chain. The burgers and fried mac & cheese were delicious. Service was a bit slow, but they were completely slammed when I went (on a Monday).

If you want to play, I would recommend getting a reservation since standby times can stretch to 4 hours or beyond. Parking is free, convenient, and they have a large number of free EV chargers as a bonus. It's also a great location for corporate events and parties. I experienced one firsthand and it was a blast.

For more info and to make reservations, head over here.

August 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The AUGUST 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   This month's newsletter highlights:   Fan favorite J BOOG will headline the only Music in the Park event this summer. Mark your calendar for Aug. 27 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Tickets are available.  Mayor and downtown councilmember make optimistic comments at Scott's Chowder House's second downtown grand opening. Promotion for SJDA's Chloe Shipp to director of public space operations. Sarah Billings takes over as street life manager Frank Chavez, Groundwerx's Employee of the Month, talks about the importance of cleaning downtown. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest joins Music in the Park and SV Pride and plenty of other events this month. Light rail to return this month. San Jose's Office of Economic Development releases federal and state loan numbers to San Jose businesses during the pandemic.

 

July 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The JULY 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• With the pressure and stress of Covid somewhat relieved, downtown businesses are now on the road of recovery.  By the end of August, most of downtown's biggest entertainment venues -- including SAP Center and the Convention Center -- will be back in business.
• Remember to Dine Downtown July 1-18 at your choice of 26 downtown restaurants and cafes.  Enjoy chef specials, prix fixe three- and four-course menus or special drink-and-food pairings.
• SJDA also announces the return of Music in the Park and Starlight Cinemas this summer.
• Downtown property owners present the SoFA Pocket Park, a unique urban oasis featuring dog park and demonstration garden. Below, find some scenes from yesterday's opening.
• Bjarke Ingels' Serpentine Pavilion is headed to downtown San Jose.
• James Wheeler is feted as Groundwerx's Employee of the Month.

June 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

 The JUNE Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Dine Downtown returns starting July 1.  The "Restaurant Week" won't be as long as it was last fall, but it has been extended to 18 days this time around.  Some of downtown's best restaurants have already signed up, and more are expected to join the fun this month. Get ready to explore new places and visit longtime favorites.
• Two new entertainment venues are set to open in downtown San Jose.  San Pedro Social Club opens with bowling lanes, a first for downtown.  And in SoFA, you will find the best gamers in the area battling it out for bragging rights.  The experience includes food, drink, games and a lot of social. Post-pandemic, it may be just what the doctor orders.
• The North San Pedro housing area is starting to fill up, with the opening of The Julian, added financing for an affordable housing project set to be finished this year, and a land sale that may lead to the start of another residential project sooner than anticipated.
• Santa Clara County Supervisors adopted Laura's Law, an important step in assisting individuals with untreated severe mental illness.
• ParkSJ parking meters and garages now offer contactless payments. Just tap your credit card or ApplePay device over the receiver and you are good to go.
• Happy 50th anniversary to Togo's, which started in San Jose and has grown to almost 200 locations throughout the West.
• William Quevedo is celebrated as Groundwerx's Employee of the Month.
• For the ultimate boba and tea drink, try Dr.Ink off San Pedro Square.
• Fall will be a transition semester at San Jose State, with students in classrooms, at home online and some hybrid classes.  Faculty returns in July and classes begin Aug. 18.

SJDA’s next public meeting will be Friday, June 11 at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom. The agenda includes a presentation by Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez on mental health and homeless solutions. Register in advance for this webinar at tinyurl.com/sjda-june-11.

May 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The MAY Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Details of Google's agreement with the City of San Jose were unveiled.  Community benefits total $200 million overall, including $150 million for housing education and jobs training.  Small business will also get support, and at an SJDA meeting, a Google representative shared where the first shovels are likely to go into the ground -- and in just a few years from now.
• The Downtown San Jose Farmers' Market is moving to the block of South First Street between San Salvador and William streets. OPENING DAY:  MAY 7.  Fresh produce and artisan items will be available each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We're counting on a good turnout -- see you there.
• Groundwerx's employees of the month put up some large numbers when it comes to their core efforts cleaning the sidewalks, and removing trash and graffiti.
• The MOMENT shops on San Pedro Street have proven successful locally as a retail destination and now, thanks to attention by The Knight Foundation and Gehl, are gaining national attention.
• Al Fresco dining will continue in San Jose at least through Dec. 31.
• Five new businesses have opened in recent months.  Today, see you at the Good Spot in SoFA, which is having its Grand Opening.
• Three more businesses -- Hoge Fenton, CreaTV and Poor House Bistro -- are announcing moves and all are staying downtown.

Enjoy the May edition.