Every year in October, more than 500,000 people come together for two weeks to enjoy the Valley’s largest annual event – The Big Fresno Fair. People from all backgrounds, ethnicities and beliefs join together to celebrate this longstanding annual tradition. Whether it is the live music, intriguing exhibits, fun attractions, community performances, delicious food, signature events, carnival rides or live horse racing that bring them out, there is one thing for certain…The Big Fresno Fair is the place to be in October!
Founded in 1884, The Big Fresno Fair is the 5th largest fair in the State and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association, an entity of the California Department of Food & Agriculture’s (CDFA) Division of Fairs & Expositions. The Big Fresno Fair holds the rare distinction of operating in the same location at the same time of year since its inception. The Fresno Fairgrounds encompasses 165 acres of land in the City of Fresno. The land is owned by Fresno County and leased to the Fair under a 50-year land lease that allows it to continue to operate. The 2025 Big Fresno Fair, which will be held October 1 - 12, will mark its 142nd year.
A Mission to Celebrate, Educate & Have Fun
Born out of a desire to showcase the agricultural bounty of the region in 1884, The Big Fresno Fair continues to showcase agriculture, providing a link between urban and rural California. This is done by educating Valley residents on the region’s rich agricultural heritage and vast industry through exhibits and educational attractions. Educational exhibits and attractions can be found throughout the grounds that not only focus on agriculture but also highlight water conservation, the environment, and more. In addition, the Fair supports education through its variety of programs – Fair Education, 4.0 & Above Scholastic Achievement Program, Big Band Review, and more.
The Big Fresno Fair
celebrates its community in countless ways,
educates Fairgoers through a variety of programs and exhibits, and undoubtedly
has fun with numerous family-friendly attractions!
More Than Just a Fair
The Fresno Fairgrounds is home to not only the annual Big Fresno Fair, but more than 250 different year-round events ranging from home shows to international cultural celebrations, from weddings to corporate workshops, and much more. Additionally, the Fair operates a year-round satellite wagering facility – The Starting Gate.
Through support of its non-profit Foundation, Friends of the Fair, the Fairgrounds has the only museum dedicated to the broad Fresno County history – The Fresno County Historical Museum, which has welcomed guests since opening in 2015. Additionally, there is a separate museum dedicated to the history of the Fair – The Big Fresno Fair Museum, which opened in 2012. These museums are products of the Fair’s belief in its role to preserve and protect the history of its Fair and its community.
A Leader in the Industry
The Big Fresno Fair is one of the few fairs to receive five Merrill Awards, which is the top honor given in the fair industry which recognizes fair programs that demonstrate outstanding vision, leadership, and excellence, bestowed by the Western Fairs Association (WFA).
In 2009, The Big Fresno Fair was also named the first-ever Western Fairs Association California Feature Fair when representatives from throughout the Western United States, Canada, and Mexico visited the annual event to learn about the Fair’s capital improvements, exhibits, and special programs. In 2010, The Big Fresno Fair was also featured on PBS’ series with Huell Howser called “California’s Golden Fairs.” The series highlighted the importance of Fairs to the communities they serve.
A Business & Economic Driver
More than 1.7 million people visit the Fairgrounds annually! This number continues to grow as the Fairgrounds’ popularity increases each year due to the more than $11 million invested into the facilities over the past 15 years. The Fresno Fairgrounds serves as an economic stimulator for the community, contributing more than $77.1 million in economic impact to Fresno County annually, according to an independent report from 2015.