Though summer is just beginning to bear down on us, many Fresnans are likely already looking forward to the start of one of our city’s favorite events—The Big Fresno Fair. Those working feverishly behind the scenes to ensure this year’s Fair continues to thrill and delight guests are excitedly preparing for the event as well, and they’ve shared with us some exciting news.
The Big Fresno Fair has announced not only the return of last year’s popular Craft Brew Fest, but the addition of the new Fall Wine Festival. Both events will serve as fundraisers for the Fair’s non-profit foundation, Friends of The Big Fresno Fair, in support of the Fair’s award-winning Fresno County Historical Museum. What’s really special and fun about both of these events (beyond the awesome local craft beer and wine selections) is that they take place inside the race track during live horse racing, providing attendees a unique view of the races and ability to enjoy horse betting online while enjoying their beverages.
“As a Fair, it is our mission to provide entertainment options for everyone,” says Lauri King, Deputy Manager II, The Big Fresno Fair. “With the addition of the Craft Brew Fest last year, we catered to the wide array of craft beer enthusiasts in our area. We are excited to expand this event to give our wine enthusiasts something new and different to enjoy at the Fair—all while giving back to the community by supporting our Fresno County Historical Museum.”
Craft Beer Fest offers chance to sample from 30 craft breweries
This year’s Craft Brew Fest will highlight over 30 craft breweries from throughout California and the nation, along with food trucks, music, and lawn games. New this year, the Fair has partnered with the Dawg Pound Cornhole League to hold a cornhole tournament. Attendees can register in advance here, as space is limited. The cost to compete is $15.
The event will also feature betting stations for the horse races, and screens will be added this year so wagerers can see the odds before placing their bets. The Craft Brew Fest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 2-5 p.m.
Fall Wine Festival features California wineries
Given the success of the Craft Brew Fest in 2017, the Fair decided to move forward with its idea of holding a wine festival, as well. The Fall Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, also inside the race track. Like the Craft Beer Fest, it will feature betting stations, music, and food trucks. The event will also include olive oil tasting from the Fair’s San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition gold medal winners, art and luxury car displays, and shopping boutiques to create a unique experience for attendees.
The Fair has partnered with the San Joaquin Valley Wine Growers Association to bring in more than 30 wineries from the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast for attendees to sample, enjoy, and learn more about.
Tickets go on sale in July
Ticket prices for these two events are $50 (per event) for an all-inclusive ticket (includes event, fair admission, VIP Parking); $35 for event-only ticket; and $25 for designated driver ticket. Tickets will be sold at the gate for $60, so you can save by purchasing in advance.
Tickets will go on sale exclusively to Big Fair Fan Club (the Fair’s free email newsletter) members first, on Tuesday, July 10, at 9 a.m. until Sunday, July 15, at 11:59 p.m. During this time, every ticket purchaser will be entered to win a $100 betting voucher. A winner will be selected from both Craft Brew Fest and Fall Wine Festival ticket purchasers. You can easily become a part of the Big Fair Fan Club and gain early ticket access by signing up here.
Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, July 16, at 9 a.m. A limited number of tickets will be sold to both events.
For more details on the Craft Brew Fest, please visit: http://bit.ly/BFFCraftBrew
For more details on the Fall Wine Festival, please visit: http://bit.ly/FallWineFestival
About The Big Fresno Fair and Fresno County Historical Museum
The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the state of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. More than 600,000 people from throughout the state visit The Big Fresno Fair each year, making it the largest event in the Central Valley. The 2018 Big Fresno Fair will run Oct. 3-14.
The Fresno County Historical Museum is located within the fairgrounds and is open to visitors year-round. This unique, 14,000 square foot, two-story museum preserves Fresno County’s rich history with displays encompassing agriculture, sports, public safety and military memorabilia, and so much more. View historical artifacts and cultural exhibits downstairs and learn about key local figures upstairs. Guided listening tours are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Learn more about the Fresno County Historical Museum here, then call (559) 650-FAIR to schedule a tour.
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