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.
The road to the Jr. Livestock Auction starts now 🐖🐄🐑
Our 4-H and FFA exhibitors are already hard at work raising and preparing their animals for this October. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be highlighting local exhibitors so you can get to know the dedication behind each project, and the animals you’ll see in the ring.
Meet Dylan Olsen, a Kerman 4-H student who is an 8th grader at Houghton-Kearney Elementary School:
🐑Dylan has always had a love for animals. His enthusiasm continues to grow as he is a 4th year member of the Kerman 4-H where he is active in outdoor cooking, baking, Dairy goats and sheep group. With support from his project leaders, breeders, family and fellow members, Dylan’s experience has been enriched by by a strong network. Dylan has made many memories and new friends, he has enjoyed helping new members learn this year and is eager to return.
This year, Dylan has been extremely busy raising Dairy Does and market lambs. He has two Oberhasli Dairy Does named Maple and Ruby, and two market lambs, a southdown wether he calls, Lane, and a natural wether named, Clarence. Dylan will also be showing his two yearling Does, Cinnamon and Oakley. He has been working extremely hard on improving his skills and very excited to show off his efforts at this year Fair. 🐑
Help support Dylan and his fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors, the future of our Valley’s agricultural community, by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or with an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference in helping these young leaders continue doing what they love!
The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction begins Saturday, October 10 at 9 a.m. for the sale of Fur & Feathers Champions, followed by Market Goats. Then at 5:30 p.m., the Dairy Replacement Heifer and Dairy Doe sale will begin. Phase 2 of the Jr Livestock Auction will take place on Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m. is the sale of Champions followed by Market Beef, Hogs and Lamb! Details on how to become a buyer or place add-on will be posted on the website soon. Every bit helps these young hardworking students! For more information and how you can participate, click here!
The “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive is back for its 16th year, in partnership with the Central California Blood Center! Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 25, and join us for our special launch event in the Commerce Building at the Fresno Fairgrounds from 5 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Give the gift of life, make a real impact in our community and enjoy a few Fair perks while you’re at it – donors will receive:
🎟️ A BOGO Fair admission voucher 🎶 The chance to win concert and Grandstand entertainment tickets 🌽 FREE corn dogs & kettle corn at the kickoff event!
The full drive runs from Tuesday, August 25 through Sunday, October 18 at Central California Blood Center donor centers or mobile drives.
Our dedicated 4-H and FFA exhibitors are already hard at work preparing for the Jr. Livestock Auction this October!
In the days leading up to the Jr. Livestock Auction, we’ll be spotlighting 4-H and FFA exhibitors from local chapters to showcase their dedication and projects. This is a great way for buyers and our community to get a first look at the animals available for bidding!
Meet Bailey Marsh, a Reedley FFA student who is a 10th grader at Reedley High School:
“I got involved in FFA to be able to learn more about the agriculture business in my community. This year, I am showing a market sheep. My ram’s name is Ellington and he is currently 7 months old. “
Help support Bailey and her fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors, the future of our Valley’s agricultural community, by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or with an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference in helping these young leaders continue doing what they love!
The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction begins Saturday, October 10 at 9 a.m. for the sale of Fur & Feathers Champions, followed by Market Goats. Then at 5:30 p.m., the Dairy Replacement Heifer and Dairy Doe sale will begin. Phase 2 of the Jr Livestock Auction will take place on Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m. is the sale of Champions followed by Market Beef, Hogs and Lamb! Details on how to become a buyer or place add-on will be posted on the website soon. Every bit helps these young hardworking students! For more information and how you can participate, click here!
Join us this Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12 at our wagering facility, The Starting Gate, to relax, grab a snack and beverage and watch and wager on horse racing via our satellite simulcast. Here are the high-stakes races you can catch this weekend:
July 10 | Victory Ride Stakes | $225,000
July 11 | Indiana Oaks | $200,000
July 11 | Indiana Derby | $300,000
July 11 | Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap | $300,000
July 11 | Bowling Green Handicap | $250,000
July 11 | Caress Stakes | $250,000
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.
Last chance! The BFF Club Members online pre-sale ends tonight at 11:59 p.m.! Grab your Grandstand tickets and add 50% off Fair admission in the same purchase. General public sale (online only) starts Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m. Be sure to grab your tickets to:
October 9 & 10 | Big Fresno Fair Pro Rodeo | Tickets start at $7
October 16 | Demolition Derby | Tickets start at $5
October 18 | Monsters of Destruction: Monster Trucks | Tickets start at $10
Beer & Wine Fest tickets are on-sale NOW to the general public (online only). 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, Coors Light and Coors Banquet.
Engines will roar and metal will collide as the Demolition Derby makes its debut in the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair! Drivers from across the region will battle it out in an all-out test of strategy, endurance and horsepower as they compete to be the last car standing.
The action starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16. 2nd floor GA is $10 for adults and $5 for kids (12-3 years old). Kids 2 and under are free, but must sit in the parents’ lap.
Tickets to the Grandstand events are available first through an exclusive online pre-sale for Big Fair Fan (BFF) Club members happening NOW through Wednesday, July 8 at 11:59 p.m. During the pre-sale, members can also purchase a Fair admission ticket at 50% off with any Grandstand event ticket purchase made in the same transaction. Tickets go on sale to the general public (online only) beginning Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m.
The Tamale Throwdown is BACK! We’re bringing the heat (and the flavor) with the return of this fan-favorite competition as part of our Home Arts Competitive Exhibits! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or proud home cook, it’s your time to shine. Divisions include Amateur and Professional, with categories for:
Best Meat
Best No Meat/Vegetarian
Best Sweet/Dessert
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 13 and get those recipes ready! Entries are due by Friday, September 11. Cash prizes, rosettes and ultimate bragging rights are on the line. Think your tamales have what it takes to earn that blue ribbon?
For competition rules and to enter, visit our website here.
Mark your calendars and be part of our 2026 Big Fresno Fair team! The 15th annual Big Fresno Fair Job Fair is happening Wednesday, August 19 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Commerce Building at the Fresno Fairgrounds! The Fair is seeking individuals who can demonstrate excellent customer service in an entertaining and family-friendly environment. Available positions include:
Parking & Admission Ticket Sellers
Ticket Takers
Parking Attendants
Customer Service Representatives
Janitorial Staff
Maintenance
Grandstand Entertainment Staff:
Ushers
Maintenance
Customer Service Representatives
Security Guards
Concessions
And Many More!
Volunteer opportunities are also available! Don’t forget to dress to impress! 💼 To download your application and for more details, click here.
Our dedicated 4-H and FFA exhibitors are already hard at work preparing for the Jr. Livestock Auction this October!
In the days leading up to the Jr. Livestock Auction, we’ll be spotlighting 4-H and FFA exhibitors from local chapters to showcase their dedication and projects. This is a great way for buyers and our community to get a first look at the animals available for bidding!
Meet our first Livestock Exhibitor of the season – Jenna Ward from Clovis FFA:
“I got involved in FFA because I wanted to learn what it’s actually like to raise livestock and take responsibility for something bigger than myself. A lot of people at school talked about how much they loved the program, but I wanted the specific challenge of raising a market swine project, learning how to train an animal from the ground up, and seeing my own hard work pay off at the Fair.
This program is incredibly important to me because it has taught me that you get out exactly what you put in. Spending countless hours every single day washing, walking, and working with my project has shown me what real dedication looks like, especially as a first-year exhibitor. Through FFA, I’ve learned how to handle stressful situations, understand the importance of biosecurity, and push through when things get tough, which has given me a true sense of purpose and made me a much more independent person.
This year, I am representing Clovis FFA and raising my very first market swine project. My project is a Yorkshire market gilt named Canyon. I have dedicated countless hours to her daily care, which includes feeding, washing, skin and hair care, and walking her to get her structural stamina up for the show ring. I have also spent a lot of time whip training her so she is responsive and handles well, focusing heavily on proper showmanship techniques and managing her health and biosecurity every day.”
Help support Jenna and her fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors, the future of our Valley’s agricultural community, by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or with an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference in helping these young leaders continue doing what they love!
The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction begins Saturday, October 10 at 9 a.m. for the sale of Fur & Feathers Champions, followed by Market Goats. Then at 5:30 p.m., the Dairy Replacement Heifer and Dairy Doe sale will begin. Phase 2 of the Jr Livestock Auction will take place on Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m. is the sale of Champions followed by Market Beef, Hogs and Lamb! Details on how to become a buyer or place add-on will be posted on the website soon. Every bit helps these young hardworking students! For more information and how you can participate, click here!
