New name, same hands-on experience! Drive Forward Expo, formerly the Zero-Emissions Showcase + Ride & Drive, comes to the Fresno Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 18 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Carnival Lot, Industry Commerce Building and Pavilion.
Get a firsthand look at the latest zero-emission vehicles and equipment, learn about available funding opportunities and connect with industry experts. From fleet operators and local businesses to community members, all are invited to explore!
Head to the Fresno Fairgrounds for the Big Fresno Card Show Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Commerce Building! Buy, sell and trade sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, collectibles, Funko Pop toys plus so much more! Admission is $5 (online fees apply) and kids 12 and under are free! Parking is also free – just park in the Chance Ave. Parking Lot.
Family recipes, handmade projects and plenty of local talent filled Home & Hobby at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair! This year, a record 4,616 entries were exhibited across Jr. Exhibits and Home Arts.
The competition was sweet, too! The Save Mart Sugar Contest drew 151 entries, beating last year’s record. The Made with Butter Contest had 15 entries, and Marsha Long took first place among nine entries in The Big Fresno Fair Arleen Owen Legacy Pie Contest.
Three new contests joined the lineup, along with the return of Crocktober! Congratulations to our winners:
Ice Cream – Marsha Long
Cinnamon Roll – Machelle Johansen
Sourdough Bread – Hailey Johnston
Crocktober – Anna Maynard
Beyond the kitchen, the California 9/11 Memorial Foundation’s Poetry & Art Contest received 40 entries in its second year. The Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools presented 11 High School Art awards and 10 Rural Area Awards. Allard’s Art also presented 45 High School Art awards, with those winning works headed for display at Allard’s Art!
With 105 awards given out in Home & Hobby, there was a lot to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who entered and shared something they made with our community!
Save the date! The 2027 Big Fresno Fair runs October 6-17!
Make plans for a day at The Starting Gate! Join us Thursday, November 12 through Sunday, November 15 to watch and wager on horse racing from across the country. Grab a snack and your favorite beverage, settle in and catch the action via satellite simulcast.
See which stakes races are on this weekend’s lineup: – November 14 | Kennedy Road Stakes | $175,000
– November 15 | Bob Hope Stakes | $100,000
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 are subject to change.
Admission is free on Thursdays and $10 Friday through Sunday. Parking is free in front of the Grandstand. For more information, contact Ronnie Mobley at (559) 994-3105. More details here.
“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please but as the opportunity to do what is right.” — Peter Marshall
The Fair Admin Office will be closed Wednesday, November 11 to honor our incredible veterans on Veterans’ Day! Our office will reopen on Thursday, November 12 at 8 a.m.
Strike gold with a day of family fun! Gold Gulch Adventures presents Super Saturday on Saturday, November 14 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Table Mountain Rancheria Park at the Fresno Fairgrounds!
Enjoy a Gold Rush skit, then try hands-on activities including gold panning, gemstone searching, woodworking, candle dipping, jelly-making and more! Activities are designed for ages 6 and up, with art and coloring projects available for kids 5 and under.
Tickets are $49 per participant online or $55 at the gate and include lunch for paid participants. Parking is FREE! Gather the family and join us, rain or shine!
Fair Fun Facts: Fine Arts & Photography! This year, The Big Fresno Fair showcased 533 photography entries and 458 fine arts entries, celebrating the talent and creativity of our local community!
Plus, 150 students from 9 schools put their skills on display in the High School Chalk Art Competition, sponsored by Allard’s. Congratulations to this year’s top finishers!
1st Place: Sunnyside High School – “My Beginning” 2nd Place: Roosevelt High School – “Waterfall” 3rd Place: Mendota High School – “Fallen Knight” Honorable Mention: Clovis East – “Pajama Party” Honorable Mention: Sunnyside High School – “The Observer”
Thank you to all the artists, photographers and students who shared their work at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair!
Newly engaged or ready to start wedding planning? Find inspiration for your big day at the California Bridal & Wedding Expo on Sunday, November 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Agricultural Building at the Fresno Fairgrounds!
Connect with wedding professionals to explore gowns, venues, photography, music, catering and honeymoon destinations, all in one place! Plus, enjoy bridal fashion shows, live DJ demonstrations and chances to win prizes.
Admission is FREE with online registration or $10 at the door. Parking is free, too!
For more details about the California Bridal & Wedding Expo, click here!
Catch the action and place your bets at The Starting Gate! Join us November 5–8 to watch stakes races from across the country on the big screens while enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Check out the November stakes race lineup and plan your visit!
– November 7 | Mother Goose Stakes | $300,000
– November 7 | River City Handicap | $300,000
– November 7 | Maple Leaf Stakes | $150,000
– November 7 | HPIbet Autumn Stakes | $150,000
– November 7 | Bessarabian 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 are 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.
