Belmont in Bloom, Belmont Park’s colorful spring festival, has returned for a third installment in Mission Beach now through May 27.

The signature spring promotion transforms the beachfront amusement park into a kaleidoscope of color, surrounded by stunning floral arrangements and vibrant, spring sculptures. The promotion runs until Memorial Day.

“It’s just a fun way for us to promote our festive spring campaign, which started March 30,” said Sarah Abelsohn, Belmont’s corporate director of marketing. “It’s a way for us to create cherished moments for the local community with the installation of colorful sculptures and seasonal events. Especially on the weekends, the park is very heavily activated with live music, and local artists doing a plethora of art-inspired murals or different paintings in the park.”

For Earth Day on April 22, Abelsohn noted Belmont introduced something altogether new: a butterfly pop-up with live butterflies for the entertainment of guests. “It was magical and people loved it,” she said.

Dive into the colors of spring with interactive art installations scattered across the park this time of year, along with seasonal treats and a talented lineup of live music and local community performances.

With a dedicated focus on supporting the local San Diego art community, Belmont Park will shine a spotlight on these artists, turning the festival into a celebration of unity and creativity. Watch as new murals pop up around the park, with live art by artists including Mel Patterson and murals by Hanna Daly and Beau Carney.

Starting in 2019, Belmont Park general manager Steve Thomas said a conscious decision was made to begin promoting the amusement park on a seasonal basis. That began with a Winter Wonderland festival in 2020 and a Harvest Walk fall festival in 2021 before the Belmont in Bloom fest debuted in 2022.

Belmont in Bloom has something for all ages and tastes, pointed out Abelsohn. “It’s (promotion’s) geared toward everyone,” she said adding, “We have experiences for adults and children, though Family fun is in the forefront.”

For adults, Abelsohn noted Belmont in Bloom “can be a fun date night’ with couples enjoying rides, sipping cocktails, listening to live music, and eating rooftop sushi at Cannonball. She added weekends are especially fun for kids with face painting and colorful costumed characters.

There are whimsical character appearances throughout Belmont in Bloom on the weekends including Dancing Tulip Stilt Walkers on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4 p.m., a Bubble Princess on Sundays from 3-5 p.m., and a Flower Princess on Saturdays and Sundays from 5-7 p.m.

Of the spring promotion’s costumed characters, Abelsohn noted: “It’s a big draw for kids, and it’s one way to incentivize parents to bring their children out to the park.”

Additional amusement park activities during the spring promotion include caricature artists, live art performances, and live music along with floral-inspired activities on the rooftop including Painting and Vino and Build Your Own Succulent Bar on May 2 from 6-8:30 p.m. Spring-inspired treats will also be available throughout the park from fruity funnel cakes to aromatic cocktails.

Abelsohn pointed out that one of Belmont Park’s main focuses this year is “promoting nighttime after-dark activities” via live music and sunset watching. It’s all part and parcel to the buildup for Belmont Park’s centennial celebration in 2025, which Abelsohn noted is “focused around our (park’s) next 100 years,” adding “We’re starting to release some renovation plans.”

BELMONT PARK

Where: 3146 Mission Blvd.

Info: belmontpark.com, 858-488-1549

Top photo by Thomas Melville