The Big Fresno Fair

The Big Fresno Fair is the ultimate Central Valley tradition. It brings the entire community together for 12 days of family, food and fun!

Everyone has their Big Fresno Fair memories and their must do list. For some, it’s all about the soft tacos, for others it’s all about the live horse racing. Many go for the carnival rides. Some plan their exhibit entries all year… crafting, baking, photo taking… all in hopes of earning that allusive “Best in Show” purple ribbon.

Junior Exhibits Best In Show Courtesy: Fresno Fair Facebook — Junior Exhibits Best In Show
Courtesy: Fresno Fair Facebook

The Big Fresno Fair is the fifth largest fair in California, attracting more than 650,000 visitors each year. The fun gets underway Wednesday, October 5^th and continues through Sunday, October 16^th. If you plan ahead, there are plenty of ways to save when it comes to entry fees and carnival rides.

Pre-Fair Savings

If purchased by Tuesday, October 4^th, you can take advantage of pre-fair savings.

A Season Pass is $30 and gets you into the fair every day! It can be purchased online, by phone or at the Administration Ticket Box Office. If you purchase your Season Pass at any participating Central Valley O’Reilly Auto Parts Stores you can get it for just $28.

Season Parking Passes are $100 dollars and grant you unlimited parking access in the Butler and Infield Lots. This is a great option for folks that go to the Horse Races each day and can also be purchased online, by phone or at the Administration Ticket Box Office.

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands are $25. You can get those online, by phone or at the Administration Ticket Box Office.

Fair admission tickets and Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands can also be purchased at a discounted rate at all participating Save Mart Supermarkets and FoodMaxx stores.

Remember… these discounts are only available before the fair starts. So, you have to act fast – by Tuesday, October 4^th.

Fair-Time Savings

There are plenty of savings options during the fair, too!

Wednesday, October 5^th

Fairgoers can get into the Fair for only $1 all day long!

Thursday, October 6^th

Big Fresno Fair Facebook fans, Twitter and Instagram followers get into the Fair for FREE from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A link to a special barcode will be available on those social media sites. Also, Carnival Rides are just $2 per ride – all day long!

Also, on Thursday, October 6^th Table Mountain Casino “Club Rewards” Members can get into the Fair for FREE. Just bring your valid Club Card to the Chance or Butler Avenue Fast Track Entrance.

Monday, October 10^th

Admission is FREE for Seniors 62 and up. Admission is also FREE for persons with disabilities. One chaperone is admitted for FREE with each person that requires assistance. Gates open early – at 9AM on this day.

Tuesday, October 11^th

Go to any participating Central Valley Les Schwab Tires to get a voucher for $2 Fair admission. No purchase necessary. You can also join The Big Fresno Fair Fan Club at FresnoFair.com and receive a printable coupon via email for the same great deal!

Wednesday, October 12^th

Kids 12 and under get into the fair for free with a paid adult admission. (Kids 5 & under are always free). Carnival rides are just $2 per ride – all day.

Thursday, October 13^th

Bring in 5 or more canned food or other non-perishable food items per person to the Fair and you will receive FREE admission. All food will be donated to The Salvation Army and The Community Food Bank to help fight hunger in our community. In the last seven years, nearly 580 tons of food has been collected.