Category: Community Events

Thank You For An Amazing 2024 Big Fresno Fair!

And just like that, the Fair has come to an end! Thank you for joining us to create memories at the Fair! We enjoyed seeing all of our BFFs back to enjoy the tradition of the Fair with lots of free entertainment, live horse racing, thrilling carnival rides, talented exhibit entries, tasty Fair food, new attractions plus everything else in between. Here are a few Fair Fun Facts from the 2024 Big Fresno Fair!

 

  • There was 13,260 minutes of free and entertaining strolling grounds acts to enjoy!
  • There was 26,052 minutes of free entertainment on the five community stages!
  • 17,730 minutes of free entertainment in the NEW Aqua Pals Town, Alaskan Pig Races, Miners Town with the gold panning and NEW leather working station, and Chef Ray’s produce carving.
  • The new Off-Axis Stunt Show did over 150 stunts per show with 3 shows happening per day. That’s a total of 5,850 total stunts during the 13-days of the Fair!
  • The 14th Annual “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive held in partnership with the Central California Blood Center took place from August 27 – October 14, and saw 9,655 people show up to donate with 7,040 successful whole blood donations! These donations can save up to 21,120 lives!
  • 3,922 animals were exhibited at The Big Fresno Fair.
  • Chef Ray carved 500 lbs. of produce!
  • Home Art had a record number of entries with 4,400 different entries submitted!
  • Fabulous Fanny’s Funnel Cakes used 1,600 lbs. of fresh strawberries during this year’s Fair!
  • Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls (all three stands) used 32,000 lbs. of flour.
  • This year also marked Country Fair Cinnamon Roll’s 46 years of the local, family-owned and operated business!

 

We can’t wait to create more fun Fair facts at the 2025 Big Fresno Fair, October 1 – 12!

 

Click here to read the full Fun Fair Facts Release.

Big Fresno Fair Kick-Off Party at Table Mountain Casino Resort

We’re kicking-off the Fair Season at Table Mountain Casino Resort during the first-ever Big Fresno Fair Kick-Off Party on Thurs, September 26 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in Blue Oak Grille! Enjoy music by local country-star John Pemberton, Fair inspired food and drink specials, PLUS enter-to-win concert tickets, horse racing tickets, Fair admission and free Fair swag! This event is FREE to attend! Must be 18 years or older to attend. For more details, visit their Facebook page here.

Special “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive Launch Event | Tuesday, August 27!

Pint for a Pass Blood Drive Launch Event August 27

The “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive Special Launch Event is on Tuesday, August 27 from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fresno Fairgrounds in the Commerce Building! Come out and help save a life and be entered-to-win concert and horse racing tickets, plus donors get free corns dogs and kettle corn (yum!).

 

Sign-up online here to secure your appointment! Walk-ins will also be welcome.

 

The Big Fresno Fair and Central California Blood Center’s 14th Annual “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive will run from Tuesday, August 27 until Monday, October 14! Donate during this timeframe at one of the donor center locations and get a BOGO Fair admission ticket voucher, plus be entered to win concert and horse racing tickets!

 

For more details, click here!

Commercial Truck Show Comes to The Fresno Fairgrounds! l August 31

2024 CENTRAL VALLEY COMMERCIAL TRUCK SHOW

Join A&L Truck Supply for the 2024 Central Valley Commercial Truck Show on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 at the Fresno Fairgrounds in the Carnival Lot. There will be over $10k in raffle prizes available to those who enter their trucks into the show! Hours are 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. 

 

For more details, click here.

Special “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive Launch Event | Tuesday, August 27!

Pint for a Pass Blood Drive Launch Event August 27

The “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive Special Launch Event is on Tuesday, August 27 from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fresno Fairgrounds in the Commerce Building! Come out and help save a life and be entered-to-win concert and horse racing tickets, plus donors get free corns dogs and kettle corn (yum!).

 

Sign-up online here to secure your appointment! Walk-ins will also be welcome.

 

The Big Fresno Fair and Central California Blood Center’s 14th Annual “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive will run from Tuesday, August 27 until Monday, October 14! Donate during this timeframe at one of the donor center locations and get a BOGO Fair admission ticket voucher, plus be entered to win concert and horse racing tickets!

 

For more details, click here!

Watch and Wager With Us This Weekend! | August 16 – 18

Watch & Wager With Us
Another weekend at The Starting Gate awaits! Join us at our Satellite Wagering facility to watch and wager with us and win money on some BIG stakes races this weekend, August 16 – 18! Here’s a few big stakes races you can wager on:
 
• August 17 | Del Mar Oaks | $300,000
• August 17 | Philip H. Iselin Stakes | $250,000
• August 17 | Alabama Stakes | $600,000
• August 17 | Lake Placid Stakes | $200,000
• August 17 | Bold Venture Stakes | $150,000
• August 17 | King Edward Stakes | $200,000
 
NOTE: The Starting Gate is BACK on the second floor of the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand! Hours are Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Admission into The Starting Gate is $6 and parking is FREE in front of the Grandstand! For horse racing inquiries, please contact please contact Ronnie Mobley at (559) 994-3105. More details here.
 

Horror Convention Makes its Way to the Fresno Fairgrounds! l August 17 & 18

Gremlin Hauntmare Expo

The scariest nights of the year are arriving early to the Fresno Fairgrounds for an event you will not want to miss with The Hauntmare Expo! This two-day event will be held Saturday, August 17 through Sunday, August 18. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $35, $60 and $90. The Hauntmare Expo has attractions for everyone including exhibits, costume contests, special guests and more!

 

For more information, click here!

Save the Date for the “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive | August 27 – October 14

Pint for a Pass Blood Drive Launch Event August 27

Save the date for the 14th Annual “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive, kicking off Tuesday, August 27 through Monday, October 14! There will also be a special launch event in the Commerce Building at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Tuesday, August 27 from 5 a.m. – 4 p.m., where donors will receive a BOGO voucher for admission to the 2024 Big Fresno Fair, a special commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last), tasty corn dogs and kettle corn, plus be entered-to-win concert and horse racing tickets!  

 

It’s a win-win-win! Donors get BOGO Fair Admission, chance to win prizes AND can save a life! 

 

The Central Valley is in critical need of blood. Come out to The Big Fresno Fair and Central California Blood Center’s 14th Annual “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive and save a Valley life! 🩸 For more details, click here.

The 13th Annual Job Fair Next Week!

The Big Fresno Fair Job Fair is less than one week away! Save the date for the 13th Annual Job Fair on Thursday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Commerce Building at the Fresno Fairgrounds. The Fair is looking for individuals who can provide excellent customer service in a lively and family-friendly environment. Available positions include:

  • Parking & Admission Ticket Sellers
  • Ticket Takers
  • Parking Attendants
  • Customer Service Representatives
  • Janitorial Staff
  • Maintenance Crew
  • Horse Racing Staff (Ushers, Maintenance, Customer Service Representatives)
  • Security Guards
  • Concessions
  • And many more opportunities!

Volunteer opportunities are also open! Be sure to dress to impress! To download your application and for more details, www.fresnofair.com/employment

Watch and Wager With Us This Weekend! | August 10 & 11

Big Fresno Fair The Starting Gate Watch & Wager With Us; Horse and jockey racing

Join us at our Satellite Wagering facility to watch and wager with us and win money on some BIG stakes races happening Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11! Here’s which races you can wager on:

 

  • August 10 | Arlington Million | $1,000,000
  • August 10 | Beverly D. | $500,000
  • August 10 | Secretariat Stakes | $500,000
  • August 10 | Sorrento Stakes | $150,000
  • August 10 | Yellow Ribbon Handicap | $200,000
  • August 10 | Fourstardave Handicap | $500,000
  • August 10 | Saratoga Special Stakes | $500,000
  • August 10 |Canadian Stakes | $200,000
  • August 11 | Best Pal Stakes | $150,000

 

NOTE: The Starting Gate is BACK on the second floor of the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand! Hours are Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Admission into The Starting Gate is $6 and parking is FREE in front of the Grandstand! For horse racing inquiries, please contact please contact Ronnie Mobley at (559) 994-3105. More details here.