Fresh-Baked Competition: Sourdough Contest at The 2026 Big Fresno Fair

We’re bringing the flavor (and the fermentation) this year. 🥖 Introducing the Sourdough Contest as part of our Home Arts Competitive Exhibits! Bakers are invited to showcase their best creations made using naturally fermented sourdough starter – no commercial yeast allowed.

 

The last day to submit your online entries is Monday, September 7 by midnight. Contest takes place during the 2026 Big Fresno Fair on Saturday, October 17. Must be present to win! 🥇

 

Classes include:
• Professional
• Amateur
• Decorative
• Any Sourdough Product

 

For official rules, eligibility and details, please see the Home Arts Exhibits Book. Enter online today by visiting our website here.  

Museums Open This Saturday | July 18

Step back in time and explore Fresno County’s rich heritage on Saturday, July 18 at the Fresno County Historical Museum and The Big Fresno Fair Museum!

 

Both museums welcome guests from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with doors open every third Saturday of the month for you to enjoy the same great experience.

 

Best of all, admission and parking are completely FREE (just park along Chance Ave)! It’s the perfect way to spend the day with family and friends while discovering the stories, traditions and moments that make Fresno County one of a kind.


For more details, visit our website here.

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Kynsley Takao of Kerman 4-H

The Jr. Livestock Auction is one day closer, and we’re excited to introduce more of the hardworking students behind this year’s projects. 🐇🐐

 

Meet Kynsley Takao, a Kerman 4-H exhibitor!

 

🐇 Kynsley has been a member of Kerman 4-H for three years. This year marks her third year showing rabbits and her second year showing Dairy Goats. She’ll be bringing her rabbit, Hennessey, and her Dairy Goat, Truly, to the 2026 Big Fresno Fair! 🐐

 

Support Kynsley and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every bit of support helps these students continue doing what they love.

 

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

 

Details on how to become a buyer will be added on our website here as we get closer to the auction.

Test Your Luck! Head to The Starting Gate to Watch & Wager | July 16 – 19

Ready to win?! Head to the Fresno Fairgrounds Starting Gate from July 16 – 19 to place your bets and win some BIG money, grab a drink and feel the thrill of the track via satellite! 🍻🐎 Check out which stakes races you can watch and wager on this week:

 

  • July 18 | San Clemente Handicap | $200,000
  • July 18 | San Diego Handicap | $300,000
  • July 18 | Molly Pitcher Stakes | $500,000
  • July 18 | United Nations Stakes | $500,000
  • July 18 | Winstar Matchmaker Stakes | $300,000
  • July 18 | Monmouth Cup Stakes | $350,000
  • July 18 | NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes | $1,000,000
  • July 18 | Dunkin’ Diana Stakes | $500,000
  • July 18 | Coronation Cup Stakes | $175,000
  • July 19 | Nassau Stakes | $175,000
  • July 19 | Quick Call Stakes | $225,000
  • July 19 | Connaught Cup Stakes | $175,000

 

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. 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. 

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Jessica Sierra of Fresno-Sunnyside FFA

From first-year members to seasoned exhibitors, every journey to the Jr. Livestock Auction is unique 🐑

 

Meet Jessica Sierra, a Fresno-Sunnyside FFA student and senior at Sunnyside High School:

 

“I happened to get involved with FFA my freshman year. I was passionate to learn about what it has to offer and how it can improve our community not just with agriculture, but so as bringing one another together. Throughout my past years being involved within FFA I have learned countless valuable lessons, such as how to be hard-worker, but how to also be a leader when it’s needed the most. I’m thankful for the time I’ve been able to serve my chapter and community, as it wouldn’t have been possible without those who encouraged me every day.

 

This will be my 1st year ever showing a lamb, and my last year ever showing. My lamb’s name is Anna Boo and we have been working hard every single day since March regardless of all the obstacles! Anna is currently 7 months and continuing to grow! “

 

Help support Jessica 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!

A Sweet New Contest Makes its Debut | Enter Today into the Homemade Ice Cream Contest!

We’re scooping up something new this year. Introducing the Homemade Ice Cream Contest as part of our Home Arts Competitive Exhibits! Fresno County residents are invited to show off their best flavors – from classic chocolate to fresh fruit creations and anything in between. Entries must be pre-made and packed in your ice cream maker.

 

The last day to submit your online entries is Monday, September 7 by midnight. Contest takes place at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair on Sunday, October 11 at 11 a.m. Must be present to win! See the Home Arts Competitive Exhibits handbook for full details.

 

Classes include:

  • Chocolate
  • Fruit (any)
  • Any Flavor

 

Get creative, keep it cool and enter online today on our website here!

11th Annual Beer & Wine Fest Tickets are On Sale NOW!

Cheers to 11 years – the popular Beer & Wine Fest is BACK on Saturday, October 17 at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair! From inside the Infield Party Tent on the racetrack, guests can enjoy unlimited tastings from 20+ breweries and wineries, along with live music, play lawn games with friends and enjoy delicious eats from top local food trucks.

 

Tickets are $35 and include Fair admission; a $20 designated driver ticket is also available so you can plan ahead for a safe ride home. Must be 21 and over to attend. Beer & Wine Fest hours are 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Make a day of it at the Fair by checking out the 2nd annual Big Fresno Fair Car Show before heading over to the Beer & Wine Fest.

 

For more details about the event, visit our website here.

The Big Fresno Fair Car Show Returns October 17! Early Bird Registration Now Open!

The annual Big Fresno Fair Car Show is rolling into the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand on Saturday, October 17! Get ready to check out classic cars, custom builds, lowriders, motorcycles, and more – all set up for Fairgoers to enjoy. The best part? 

 

The Car Show is FREE with your paid Fair admission!

 

Think your ride deserves the spotlight? Don’t miss the Early Bird Registration deadline on August 1 to secure the best price. Prizes will be handed out in categories like Best in Show, People’s Choice, Best Low Rider, Best Motorcycle and more! The car show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony at 2 p.m. and a Cruise Out on the Fairgrounds at 3 p.m.

 

Want to enter your vehicle? Click here for all the details!

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Jade Rodriguez of Reedley FFA

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

 

Jade Rodriguez, a Reedley FFA senior at Reedley High School, is putting in the time and dedication as she prepares for this year’s auction. Here’s her story:

 

“I got involved in FFA Freshman year of high school when it came time to start market animals. FFA is important to me because it has brought me out of my comfort zone in many ways, but in the end, it has always been an amazing experience and I have never once looked back. FFA has also taught me important life skills that can be used later on in life. FFA has also brought so many friends along the way and getting to know every single one of them has been a great experience.

 

Throughout my years in FFA, I’ve shown a good variety of animals, but this year I’ve been raising a market swine named Caramela. Caramela has been an amazing giltto work with and she’s been great overall. Caramela has helped my learn more about being disciplined and dedication. “

 

Help support Jade 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!

Hauntmare Expo Takes Over the Fairgrounds! | July 18 – 19

Hauntmare Expo is taking over the Fresno Fairgrounds on July 18 & 19, for a weekend of unforgettable frights! Explore haunted houses, eerie attractions, horror-themed vendors, creepy collectibles and spine-chilling cosplay – all happening in the Agricultural, Commerce and Industry Commerce Buildings. Plus, don’t miss special guest appearances, Q&A’s, plus more!

 

Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Ticket prices vary. Children 10 and under are free! Parking is $10. For more information, visit the Hauntmare Expo website here.