From exhibits to live horse racing, entertainment to livestock and everything in between, The Big Fresno Fair is back and promises to be BIGGER and BETTER than ever as gates open for twelve days and over 600,000 Valley residents flood in.
This week, my husband and I, along with a crew of 6th grade boys we chaperoned, got a first-hand look at what’s new at the fair. I also have info for you on even more that we didn’t get to in our short field trip.
The Big Fresno Fair runs from October 3rd through October 14th this year.
Gates Open:
11:00 a.m. Monday – Friday
10:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday
11:00 a.m. Monday – Friday
10:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday
Gates Close:
11:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday
Midnight Friday & Saturday
11:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday
Midnight Friday & Saturday
New and must-see spots at the 2018 Big Fresno Fair
Events/activities for all ages:
Ag Ventureland Upgrade
Ag Ventureland has always been a must-see for fair-goers with young kids. This year, the fair is proud to debut an entirely new setup with new activities, all designed to teach about the fascinating world of agriculture. This area is located on the northeast side of the Livestock Pavilion.
Let’s Play! Exhibit in Kids’ Town
The fair is all about having fun and playing, and that’s just what this new exhibit is all about. Kids and grown-up kids alike can enjoy a variety of giant-sized games like Connect Four, Operation, Jenga, and more! This exhibit is free of charge with your fair admission.
The Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show
The Nerveless Nocks are descendants of the Swiss Circus Family Nock and are among the most respected aerial stunt artists in the world today. Since 1954, The Nerveless Nocks have been thrilling audiences worldwide. Their thrill-seeking show features Sensational Sky-High Swaypoles with a breathtaking aerial exchange from pole to pole and a headfirst free-fall back to the ground, the Nocks Globe of Fear, a giant 17 ft. steel globe in which 1-3 motorcycle stunt riders race at high speeds narrowly missing each other inside it, and the Tower of Chairs.
Lorikeets Encounter
Stroll through the open aviary within the greenhouse exhibit while beautiful parrots fly overhead. You’ll even have the chance to feed them!
Big Fresno Fair Tractor Tree
The “Tractor Tree,” located on the south side of the Paul Paul Theater, stands 32 ft. tall and features 22 various-sized tractors welded to a metal frame to create a “tree.” Integrated into the design are two tractor cabs in which kids (and adults) can sit in and steer the tractor, pose for pictures, and, most importantly, learn about the incredible impact of tractors on agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. Surrounding the Tractor Tree are storyboards telling the evolution in farming in the Valley from early mule-pulled plows to the modern day tractor, accompanied by an educational video.
Events/activities for adults:
Fall Wine Festival
The Big Fresno Fair is excited to host its new Fall Wine Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13, inside the race track during live horse racing. The fair has partnered with the San Joaquin Valley Wine Growers Association to bring in more than a dozen wineries from the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast for attendees to sample, enjoy, and learn more about. Wine lovers will also enjoy betting stations, music and food trucks, art and luxury car displays, and shopping. Ticket prices for the Fall Wine Festival are $50 for an all-inclusive ticket (event and fair admission, VIP parking), $35 event-only ticket, and $25 designated driver ticket. If it doesn’t sell out (1,200 tickets), then tickets will be sold at the gate for $60.
Craft Brew Court
The popular Craft Brew Court, located just north of the Wells Fargo Agriculture Building, is back for a third year. The Craft Brew Court features 14 rotating handles with various craft beers. Enjoy live music daily and even a barber shop challenge on Sun, 10/7 on the Craft Brew Court Stage.
Save Mart Wine Garden
Pull up a chair and unwind in the Save Mart Wine Garden, located southeast of the Paul Paul Theater. As one of the most popular places on the fairgrounds, the Save Mart Wine Garden features local and regional wines, wine slushies, craft beer, and daily live entertainment. At its entry is a 20-ft. tall old mission style archway that represents the vibrant grape industry of the San Joaquin Valley. The flooring is made of recycled California tires, making it a very comfy place to stop for those feet that have been walking all over the fairgrounds.
Sports Zone presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts
Enjoy plenty of shaded seating and great fair food from the Sports Zone, located between the Infield Tunnel Entrance and the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to sit and relax, planning your next adventure in the carnival, waiting for the races to start, or casually listening to great music coming from the Pavilion Stage, all while being able to watch a variety of sports on TVs, the Sports Zone is the place for you.
Miller Lite Starter’s Sports Bar
The Miller Lite Starter’s Sports Bar is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts who want to catch their favorite teams playing while still enjoying the fun of the fair and the excitement of live horse racing. Located just off of the paddock in the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand.
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