After-dark dazzling performance and thrilling rides under the stars runs Fridays until Sept. 20

 Johnny “Ace” Palmer, a legendary magician with decades of experience and prestigious awards entertains the crowd.
Photo by Victoria Garcia

By Victoria Garcia and Marty Cheek

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park has transformed into a magical after-dark carnival during the next few summer evenings, offering families a limited-time chance to experience the enchantment of “Carnival Nights.”

The park will come alive every Friday evening from 5 to 10 p.m. through Sept. 20 with dazzling performances, mouthwatering treats, and thrilling rides under the stars.

Guests have the unique opportunity to experience and enjoy the park after dark with the addition of exclusive carnival entertainment, such as magic shows, balloon artists, and expert jugglers while enjoying access to all of the Gilroy Gardens rides and most attractions.

On the opening night, more than 2,000 people visited, which was more than the park staff anticipated, said Michael Fulcher, director of marketing and operations.

“The feedback was stellar,” he said. “A lot of people commented to us on social media or on the way out of the park that it was really well done. What they liked the most was the big entertainment that we have.”

David Uranga, a junior at Gilroy Early College Academy, observed the park can get repetitive if guests go often, so he enjoyed how the new attractions made the experience “different and refreshing” for him when he went on the opening night.

“It was fun to see the magic show. It had many tricks, and at the end there were so many lights on the magician’s clothes and props,” he said. “I also enjoyed the different activities and food that the park offered under the big white tent.”

His friend, GECA junior Zara Ting-Tee, described how the anticipation of going to Carnival Nights Aug. 16 gave her motivation to get through the stressful school week.

“I found the environment the most entertaining,” she said. “I loved seeing the families and friends all just having a great time together on a Friday night. This just created an amazing environment that was extremely positive and enjoyable.”

Families watch “Draco the Juggler” during Carnival Nights at Gilroy Gardens.  Photo by Victoria Garcia

At the Big Top Event Center in the plaza portion of the park, classic carnival events and activities created a nostalgic and lively atmosphere for guests attending the event. A range of iconic carnival snacks, including crisp funnel cakes, fluffy cotton candy, and savory corn dogs, all contributed to the festive mood.

Adding to the enchantment, the balloon artists from South Bay Entertainers dazzle guests with their intricate and colorful creations. As these skilled performers use their talents to twist balloons into whimsical shapes, they captivate children and adults, enhancing the carnival experience present by the Carnival Nights.

Orange County-based Johnny “Ace” Palmer mesmerizes audiences as the featured magician at Lakeside Amphitheater with his three nightly shows.

“He does close-up magic (sleight of hand) and some classic magic tricks,” Fulcher said. “He’s very high skilled, and he wowed every crowd. Guests loved the entertainment.”

With decades of spellbinding experience, Palmer stands as a master of his craft, having made history in 1988 as the first close-up magician to earn the title of World Champion Magician — an honor that speaks to his unparalleled skill and artistry. Throughout his illustrious career, Palmer has garnered numerous prestigious awards.

Guests flocked to witness his expertly crafted performances, where they marvel at his seamless sleight of hand and captivating illusions. The amphitheater buzzed with anticipation as Palmer transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary spectacles, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who attended Carnival Nights and witnessed his live show.

Another popular performer is “Draco the Juggler.” Known for his dazzling array of props, including knives, juggling balls, LED, flaming torches, extreme yo-yos, and even rubber chickens, he captivates audiences with his inventive act and engages the crowd with his high-energy routines.

Whether he’s entertaining crowds at the Carnival Clubhouse or riding his unicycle through the park, Draco’s dynamic performances are a sight to behold.

Park guests who spot him are in for a special and unique interaction — he’s known to greet them with a personalized juggling trick, adding an extra layer of magic to their visit.

The Carnival Nights entertainment came about as Gilroy Gardens management tried to find a way to best service its guests and the South Valley community as the summer schedule transitions when kids go back to school, Fulcher said.

“Instead of solely relying on our weekends, we wanted to have something available like a quicker event on a Friday night where people can pop over there after school, after work to enjoy the park for a couple of hours to up to five hours,” he said. “There’s plenty to see and do to celebrate the end of the work week.”

Every Carnival Nights Friday, Gilroy residents pay $10 for parking and $10 for admission with proof of Gilroy residency.

Victoria Garcia is a junior at Gavilan Early College Academy. She wrote this story with mentorship from Gilroy Life publisher Marty Cheek.