Get Ready for 12 Nights of Music at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair

The stage is set for 12-nights of live entertainment at The Big Fresno Fair! With a lineup featuring a variety of musical artists and genres, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Paul Paul Theater.

 

Tickets are on sale now for these featured performances from the Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Modelo Especial and Toyota:

 

  • Wednesday, October 7 | Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
  • Thursday, October 8 | Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
  • Friday, October 9 | R&B Night Out with Ashanti & Soul For Real
  • Saturday, October 10 | BigXthaPlug

 

Don’t miss your chance to experience the music, memories and excitement of the Fair!

 

Tickets are on sale now. The Box Office opens to the public August 17. Learn more on our website here!

Livestock Exhibitor Feature | Emma Lenhof of Kerman 4-H

Every exhibitor has a story – and we’re excited to share a few as we count down to the Jr. Livestock Auction 🐔

 

Meet today’s Kerman 4-H exhibitor, Emma Lenhof!

 

“I got involved in 4-H because I wanted to learn new skills, learn more about animals, and gain hands-on experience through different projects. The program is important to me because it has helped me build confidence, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and make new friends. Through my projects, I have learned that hard work, dedication, and setting goals can lead to success, and the experiences I’ve gained will benefit me in the future.

My animal projects this year is Poultry. I have a Modern Game Bantam and a White Japanese Bantam. They’re both hens and recently had chicks.”

 

Help support Emma 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!

Watch and Wager With Us This Weekend! | August 6 – 9

Win big money this weekend when you watch and wager on stakes races nationwide! Join us at The Starting Gate August 6 – 9 for non-stop action on the big screens, place your bets, and savor delicious food and drinks. See which stakes races you can watch and wager on:

 

  • August 7 |National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes | $400,000
  • August 7 | Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational | $500,000
  • August 8 | Yellow Ribbon Handicap | $200,000
  • August 8 | Sorrento Stakes | $150,000
  • August 8 | Best Pal Stakes | $150,000
  • August 8 | Test Stakes | $500,000
  • August 8 | Whitney Stakes | $1,000,000
  • August 8 | Fourstardave Stakes | $750,000
  • August 8 | Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes | $750,000
  • August 9 | West Virginia Derby | $400,000
  • August 9 | Troy Stakes | $300,000

 

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. 

Kansas and Starship Feat. Mickey Thomas to Kick-Off The Concert Series

Get ready to rock! Kicking off the 2026 Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Modelo Especial and Toyota on Wednesday, October 7 are legendary classic rock bands KANSAS and STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas!

 

Sing along to iconic hits like “Carry On Wayward Son”, “Dust in the Wind”, “We Built This City”, “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” in the Paul Paul Theater.

 

Tickets start at just $45 and are on sale NOW! Get yours and learn more here.

 

NOTE: The Fair Box Office will open to the public beginning August 17!

2-Night of Rodeo Action RETURNS to The Big Fresno Fair | October 9 & 10

Hold onto your hats! The Big Fresno Fair Pro Rodeo is back at the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand this October!

 

As an official PRCA event, this year’s rodeo is set to be bigger, faster and more competitive than ever. Catch all the action with bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, plus fan favorites like mutton bustin’, mini bull riding and more.

 

Important Things to Know:

  • Friday, October 9 at 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 10 at 4 p.m.
  • 2nd floor GA: $15 adults | $7 kids (ages 3–12)
  • Kids 2 and under are free, but must sit in the parents’ lap

 

Tickets are on sale now, with the Box Office opening to the public on August 17!

 

Interested in participating or want to learn more about the Rodeo? Visit our website here!

 

The Big Fresno Fair Rodeo is presented by Table Mountain Casino and Coors Banquet.

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Allison Hartwig of Fowler FFA

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

 

Meet Allison Hartwig, a Fowler FFA exhibitor from Fowler High School!

 

“I got involved in FFA from my family. They all have showed lambs and I wanted to show lamb to keep the FFA spirit alive in our family.

This year, I am showing a lamb at the Fair! This is my first big animal that I’ll be showing. I first started with a rabbit and moved up to a lamb. I had so many ups and downs with my lamb, but we get though it together.”

 

Help support Allison 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!

Matt Maher with Special Guests Caleb & John to Perform at The Big Fresno Fair

Matt Maher with special guests Caleb & John are bringing an unforgettable night of Christian music to The Big Fresno Fair on Tuesday, October 13! Show starts at 7 p.m.

 

See the five-time GMA Dove Award winner and one of Christian music’s fastest-rising duos live in the Paul Paul Theater during the 2026 Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Toyota.

 

Tickets start at just $15 and are on sale NOW! Get yours and learn more here.

 

NOTE: The Fair Box Office will open to the public beginning August 17!

Mark You Calendars! $3 Bites Day Returns October 8 & 15!

🚨 FOODIE ALERT 🚨 $3 Fair Bites are BACK at The Big Fresno Fair!

 

Pull up hungry on Thursday, October 8 and October 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and snack your way through the Fair with mini versions of your faves – mini corn dogs, funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and more…all for just $3 🤯

 

We’re still cookin’ up the full menu, so stay tuned for all the can’t-miss bites!

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Payden Chan of Fresno-Central FFA

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

 

Payden Chan, a Fresno-Central FFA junior at Central High School, is putting in the time and dedication as they prepare for this year’s auction. Here’s their story:

 

Payden joined FFA because they needed something steady and meaningful in their life. Growing up, Payden had to figure out a lot on their own, and that made things feel heavy sometimes. When they found FFA, it felt like a place where they could finally put their energy into something positive. Raising dairy market goats became a big part of that. It wasn’t just a project it became something Payden could rely on.

 

This year Payden is showing Appa, a shy dairy market goat. Payden has focused on feeding, training, and helping Appa feel comfortable during practice. Even though he’s shy, Appa trusts Payden.

 

Show your support for Payden and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Your involvement helps recognize the hard work, dedication, and time these students put into their projects.

 

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

 

Interested in becoming a buyer or placing an add-on bid? More details will be available soon. Learn more here.

Russell Dickerson to Make Big Fresno Fair Debut on October 16

Russell Dickerson is bringing the country hits to the 2026 Big Fresno Fair! Known for No. 1 hits like “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma” and “Love You Like I Used To,” don’t miss his Fresno debut on Friday, October 16 during the Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Modelo Especial and Toyota.

 

Tickets start at just $45! Get yours today at www.fresnofair.com/events/2026/russell-dickerson

 

NOTE: The Fair Box Office will open to the public beginning August 17!