FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Family fun is back in southeast Fresno for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair!
Thousands will head to the Fresno Fairgrounds for rides, vendors, food, entertainment and so much more.
Here is what to know for the 143rd annual event.
When is the Big Fresno Fair?
The 2026 Big Fresno Fair runs from Wednesday, October 7 to Sunday, October 18.
The annual event has always been in October.
Hours of Operation
Gates
- Wednesday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 13: 4 pm – 11 pm
- Wednesday, October 14 and Thursdays: 10 am – 11 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays: 10 am – 12 am
- Sundays and Mondays: 10 am – 11 pm
Carnival
- Wednesday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 13: Carnival opens at 4 pm
- Wednesday-Friday and Mondays: Carnival opens at 3 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Carnival opens at 10 am
How much do tickets cost?
A general admission ticket to the Big Fresno Fair is $15 for adults, and $8 for children 6-12, seniors 62 and over and military. Children 5 and under are free.
Season passes are available for $48 a person.
Discount Days
Tickets will only cost $5 on Opening Day (October 7).
Seniors 62 and older can get into the fair for free from 10 am – 1 pm on Seniors’ Day (October 12). Tickets for seniors go up to $4 after 1 pm.
People with disabilities and their chaperone get free admission from 10 am – 1 pm on Special Interest Day (October 12). Tickets go up to $4 after 1 pm.
Follow the Big Fresno Fair on its social media accounts and get $2 tickets from 4 pm – 7 pm on October 13. A barcode will be posted across social media accounts the day before.
Parking
Multiple parking lots are available near the fairgrounds.
- Chance Avenue Lot: $20
- Butler Avenue & Infield Lots: $15
- Butler West Lot: $15
- Maple/Butler Lot: $15
- Cedar/Ventura Lot: $15
Concerts and Entertainment
It wouldn’t be the Big Fresno Fair without nightly performances at the Paul Paul Theater!
Some of the concerts and shows include Diplo, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, BigxThaPlug and Los Tigres de Norte.
Show tickets will need to be purchased separately from general admission into the fair.
All shows start at 7 pm.
Click here for a full list of performers and other information.
Grandstand Events
Horse racing no longer takes place during the Big Fresno Fair.
Instead, other attractions fill the gap at the Brian I Tatarian Grandstand.
The rodeo is officially returning as a sanctioned PCRA event. The rodeo events happen on October 9 and October 10.
Other events include monster truck shows, a demolition derby and a marching band competition between junior and high schools across the Valley.
Click here for more information on Grandstand Events.
