Candy Land Cafe, an interactive dining experience inspired by the classic board game, is set to open for a limited run in San Diego at Bayside Kitchen + Bar, located at 2137 Pacific Highway.
The temporary pop-up experience is scheduled to open on July 9, according to a press release. Created by Bucket Listers in collaboration with Hasbro, the concept will transform the venue into an immersive version of Candy Land, complete with themed environments, interactive activities, and a candy-inspired food and drink menu. Customers can expect oversized candy displays, photo moments, cookie decorating stations, themed cocktails, and comfort food items with colorful twists.
The experience marks the first-ever Candy Land Cafe and continues Bucket Listers’ expansion into large-scale themed entertainment dining experiences. Derek Berry, President of Experiences for Bucket Listers, previously helped develop projects including The Malibu Barbie Cafe, The Golden Girls Christmas, and Saved by The Max. According to the company, San Diego was selected as the launch city for the concept’s debut this summer. Tickets for the experience will be sold exclusively through Bucket Listers.
The pop-up will feature several interactive spaces inspired by locations from the Candy Land board game, including King Kandy’s Castle and Jolly’s Gumdrop Mountains. The setup is designed to appeal to families, groups, and customers seeking themed dining experiences during the summer. A Sweet Adventure Checklist will guide visitors through the installation while encouraging participation in activities throughout the venue. The experience is expected to run for a limited time only.
The menu will focus on fast-casual comfort food with candy-themed presentations and shareable items. Planned offerings include rainbow burgers, chocolate barbecue sliders, over-the-top milkshakes, and a “Chocolate River” fondue experience. Drinks will include both cocktails and zero-proof options, designed with interactive and colorful elements. This will be an excellent fit for San Diego’s summer tourism season, particularly near the city’s waterfront and downtown core.
“Bucket Listers is thrilled to work with Hasbro to bring CANDY LAND to life in a way fans have never experienced before,” Berry said in a press release. “This is more than a cafe, it’s a full journey through one of the most popular games of all time. San Diego was the perfect place for it to make its debut this summer.”
