LGBTQ+ History at
Location:
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Knott's Berry Farm started out as a simple berry stand and farm, run by Walter Knott and his family. Now that plot of land in Buena Park, CA has grown into a massive amusement park fitted with thrill rides and child attractions. Beginning in 1979, the budding theme park became a frequent spot for events organized by the gay and lesbian community. Reaching into the 1990s, this tradition continued strong and Knott's Berry Farm has been the host of many "Gay Nights."
Sign at the top of the entrance to Knott's Berry Farm
In 1978, the gay community successfully threw a private party exclusively for gay and lesbian attendees at Disneyland Park. The event was largely profitable and even Disneyland officials were quick to express their satisfaction with their crowd, saying they were open to hosting another. Yet, only a year after, that eagerness was nowhere to be seen, switched with a policy that denied the community the chance to recreate the night. With no explanation, the park refused a great deal of revenue, proven by the previous event, to discriminate against the community. Planners began to consider other amusement parks, including Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm. The latter, run by the Knott family who were know for their conservative political views, unexpectedly granted the planners, namely Fun Productions, to arrange a day for the gay and lesbian community later that year.
Odyssey Adventures later took up the mantle of hosting these private parties and carried on the tradition in 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992.
Advertisements for "Gay Nights" at Knott's Berry Farm run by Odyssey Adventures.