Watch & Wager with Us This Weekend! | August 27 – 30

Join us this Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30 at The Starting Gate for a thrilling weekend of live horse racing action! Relax with your favorite snack and beverage while you watch and wager on the races via our satellite simulcast. With over $7 million in purse money on the line, the stakes have never been higher!

 

Here are the must-see high-stakes races you won’t want to miss:

  • August 28 | Charles Town Classic Stakes | $1,000,000
  • August 28 | Charles Town Oaks Stakes | $750,000
  • August 29 | Del Mar Handicap Presented | $300,000
  • August 29 | Pat O’Brien Stakes | $250,000
  • August 29 | Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes | $1,750,000
  • August 29 | Waya Stakes | $225,000
  • August 29 | Lake Placid Stakes | $400,000
  • August 29 | Forego Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | Resorts World Casino Ballerina Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | Personal Ensign Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | DraftKings Travers Stakes | $1,250,000
  • August 30 | Torrey Pines Stakes | $150,000

 

The Starting Gate is located on the 2nd floor of the Grandstand at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Hours are Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Gate times subject to change.

 

Admission is free on Thursdays and $10 from Friday to Sunday. Parking is also free – just park in front of the Grandstand. For more information, contact Ronnie Mobley at (559) 994-3105. More details here. 

Fair Education Program is Filling Up — Register Your Class Today!

Attention Fresno County Teachers! Don’t miss the chance to give your students a fun and engaging learning experience at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair. The Fair Education Program offers Fresno County Pre K through 8th grade classes from public, private and home schools a free field trip filled with hands-on activities, local history, agriculture and inspiring exhibits from across the community. Register your class today and be part of this exciting tradition.

 

Field trip dates are:
📅 Thursday, October 8
📅 Friday, October 9
📅 Thursday, October 10
📅 Friday, October 11

 

Spots are filling up fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable day of learning outside the classroom!

 

To learn more and to register your class today, click here.

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Charlotte Houseweart of Kingsburg FFA

Meet one of the dedicated exhibitors working toward this year’s Jr. Livestock Auction 🐖🐄🐑

 

Charlotte Houseweart, a Kingsburg FFA exhibitor from Kingsburg High School, is putting in the time and dedication as they prepare for this year’s auction. Here’s her story:

 

“I joined the FFA my freshman year because going into high school I wanted to find a strong community of others who shared similar interests, and would also push me to challenge myself and grow. I have had the opportunity to be a part of so many unique and transformative experiences that cannot be found anywhere but this wonderful program. Not only have I grown through raising livestock, but I’ve also participated in competitions and elections which have taught me lifelong lessons like how to be a better public speaker. On top of learning life lesson, I’ve also made so many new friendships!

 

This year I am raising my second market swine, a uniquely colored light cross barrow named Paddy, who loves eating marshmallows and getting baths! This summer I’ve spent hours training him for the ring, making sure he’s gaining plenty of weight, and caring for him.”

 

Help support Charlotte and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

Win Tickets to See Matt Maher with Special Guest Caleb & John!

AN EVENING OF FAITH, WORSHIP & MUSIC IS COMING TO The Big Fresno Fair!

 

Join acclaimed Christian artist Matt Maher with special guests Caleb & John for an uplifting night of live music on Tuesday, October 13 — and enter for your chance to experience it for FREE! To enter, just head to our Big Fresno Fair socials – Facebook, or Instagram – and follow the contest rules on the post! The contest ends on Tuesday, September 1 by midnight. Winner will be notified via DM.

 

Don’t miss an inspiring night of faith and music with Matt Maher and special guests Caleb & John on Tuesday, October 13 as part of the Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Toyota!

 

For more concert details, click here.

Prepare for Your Visit: The Big Fresno Fair’s Clear Bag Policy

Reminder! The Big Fresno Fair’s Clear Bag Policy returns for 2026.

 

Before heading to the Fair, here’s what you need to know:

 

  • Clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″
  • Small non-clear clutches or fanny packs up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″
  • Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are permitted
  • All bags are subject to inspection before entry

 

Plan ahead for a smooth arrival! View the full policy on our website here.

Purchase Grandstand Event Tickets for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair!

The countdown is on!

 

Get ready for action-packed entertainment in the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair! Tickets are on sale now online or at the Box Office, so now’s the time to secure your seats before they’re gone! Reserve your seats now for:

 

  • October 9 & 10 | Big Fresno Fair Pro Rodeo | Tickets start at $7
  • October 16 | Demolition Derby | Tickets start at $5
  • October 17 | 2nd Annual Big Fresno Fair Car Show| FREE with paid Fair admission
  • October 17 | 11th Annual Beer & Wine Fest | Tickets start at $35
  • October 18 | Monsters of Destruction: Monster Trucks | Tickets start at $10

 

For more details on this year’s Grandstand entertainment line-up, visit our website here!

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Grandstand entertainment is sponsored by Table Mountain Casino Resort and Coors Light.

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Meleah Williamson of Clovis FFA

Hard work is already underway for this October’s Jr. Livestock Auction! 🐑

 

Meet today’s featured exhibitor: Meleah Williamson of Clovis FFA!

 

“FFA is important to me because it has taught me responsibility, leadership, and hard work. Raising a pig for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair means taking care of my animal every day and making sure it stays healthy and strong. Through FFA, I’ve gained confidence, made new friends, and learned valuable life skills that will help me long after the Fair is over. I’m proud to be part of an organization that helps me grow and succeed.

 

My FFA project is raising a light cross gilt for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair. Through this project, I’ve learned responsibility, hard work, and patience by caring for my pig every day. I feed, exercise, and monitor its health to help it grow and reach its full potential. Raising my pig has taught me valuable life skills and given me a better understanding of agriculture and livestock production. One of my favorite parts of the project is building a bond with my pig and watching it grow. It was exciting to see the progress we have made together. I’m excited to showcase all of my hard work at The Big Fresno Fair.”

 

Help support Meleah and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

How to Enter the 2026 Big Fresno Fair Competitive Exhibits Program

Do you have a hobby you’re proud of? Show it off at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair!

 

Whether you enjoy baking, gardening, photography, quilting, woodworking, fine arts or another creative pursuit, the Competitive Exhibits Program is your chance to share your talents with the community.

 

Download your section of the 2026 Competitive Exhibits Handbook to get started. All entries must be submitted online by Monday, September 7 at midnight.

 

Questions or need help entering? Please call our Exhibits Department at (559) 650-3247 (ext. 1110) or tcollins@fresnofair.com.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Table Mountain Concert Series!

Live music is calling!

 

Don’t miss the 2026 Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Modelo Especial and Toyota featuring 12 nights of incredible entertainment in the Paul Paul Theater at The Big Fresno Fair!

 

Buy your tickets online or visit the Fair Box Office (1121 S. Chance Ave.) Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

See the full lineup on our website here!

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Madalyn Welton of Reedley Middle College FFA

Hard work is already underway for this October’s Jr. Livestock Auction! 🐑

 

Meet today’s featured exhibitor: Madalyn Welton of Reedley Middle College FFA!

 

“I first got involved in FFA because my whole family did, and every one of them agreed I would love FFA. This program is important to me because I have got to meet so many more people, as well as find people who share the same interest in animals as me.

 

I currently have two animals this year. This is my third year with a lamb, and first with a heifer. My heifer, Pearl, is very calm, though a bit lazy. Thankfully she is amazing when it comes time for the arena, and I am forever happy she is the first heifer I get to show. I actually got a heifer instead of a steer this year because I will be keeping her at my family’s ranch, since I know I could not part with her.

 

My other animal I have had for a long time so far. I cannot figure out a name for him yet though, since I have spent so much time with him, and he is a very kind lamb, no name is good enough for him. He is one I can simply let go in a pen without a leash, or even outside, and he will follow me around. I am very excited to show him, and I hope to do well. Both my animals I am incredible proud of, as they have turned out better than I could ever hope for.”

 

Help support Madalyn and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!