National Carousel Day 2022 Returns To the Balboa Park Carousel
The Balboa Park Carousel celebrates National Carousel Day 2022 on Monday, July 25, from 11AM to 5:30PM. Kids of all ages can enjoy free rides, entertainment by local performers, and other family-friendly activities. The festivities, presented by Forever Balboa Park, also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Carousel’s establishment in Balboa Park.
National Carousel Day 2022 events and schedule
All event activities in and around the Carousel are free. Performances begin at 11AM and continue until 3PM as follows:
- 11AM–11:30AM: Hullabaloo Band
- 11:30AM–Noon: Kathryn the Grape
- Noon–2PM: Kids DJ and Photo Booth
- 2PM–3PM: Kumu Kahne’s Polynesian Dancers
- All Day: Free Carousel Rides | Wandering Acrobats by J7 Cirque Entertainment | Lawn Games | Face Painters | Bubble Machine
A particularly special ride with the Balboa Park Carousel
“As many years as I’ve been a part of the National Carousel Day celebrations, they never get old, and this year’s 100th anniversary in the park makes it a particularly special one,” says Bill Brown, the Balboa Park Carousel’s longtime manager. “I’m looking forward to seeing our magnificent Carousel, with its recent restorations, as the centerpiece of the first full-scale National Carousel Day celebration in three years.”
Forever Balboa Park is also introducing new Carousel signage honoring local philanthropist, Dorothea Laub, who made significant contributions to the successful Capital Campaign that funded the acquisition and much-needed restorations of the historic Carousel. Built in 1910, the Carousel still runs on its original General Electric motor, and the hand-painted animal menagerie and paintings, military band organ, and brass ring game are original as well.
The Carousel was brought to Balboa Park in 1922, making this year the 100th anniversary of the popular park attraction. “Balboa Park is truly unique, especially when families from all over the San Diego region converge to celebrate one of the city’s most remarkable, beloved historic attractions,” says Dr. Elizabeth Babcock, Forever Balboa Park’s president and CEO. “Thanks to scores of donors who have contributed to the care and operation of the Carousel, we are delighted to share this fun-filled day with the community.”
The Balboa Park Carousel will close for a new round of major capital improvements in fall 2022. The work will stabilize the building’s structure and include repainting and other essential infrastructure upgrades. A new fire suppression system will also be installed. Paid for with funding secured from community members, donors, and foundations, the project helps ensure families will enjoy the historic Carousel for another 100 years.
See you there
The Carousel is located at 1889 Zoo Place.
Balboa Park Carousel hours until August 26 are 11AM–5:30PM daily. After August 26, Saturdays, Sundays, and School Holidays from 11AM–5:30PM. Tickets are $3 per ride or $10 for 4 rides.
Check the Balboa Park Carousel website here for updated hours during the Fall 2022 Restoration.
See you there, San Diego!
