Whether you were born and raised in Fresno (like me) or a recent transplant still getting your bearings, if you’ve ever wandered past an old building and wondered what stories it could tell, May is your month. It’s National Historic Preservation Month, and the City of Fresno is bringing history to life with a full lineup of activities that celebrate the places, people, and stories that shaped our beloved city!
Whether you’re into architecture, local lore, vintage vibes, or just love an excuse to explore the city, there’s something for everyone—and a lot of it is totally family-friendly (and budget-friendly, too – woohoo!).
Here’s what you can expect and partake in throughout the month:
Event Kick Off
- Thursday, May 1 – The official kickoff for Historical Preservation Month took place with an official proclamation at City Hall at 1:30pm
Explore the Local Outdoors
- Saturday, May 3 – Lace up your sneakers for a guided walking tour along the San Joaquin River (start at Solitary Cellars, tour runs from 9–11 a.m., cost is $10). The weather will be unseasonably cool for this time of year, so it should be quite pleasant! Wear layers for comfort and don’t forget your sunscreen of course.
- Saturday, May 10 – There will be two events to choose from: a Bike Through History event downtown (meet at Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden, event runs from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), or a Huntington Boulevard Walking Tour led by resident Sherril Nells, through one of Fresno’s most charming historic districts (meet at the Historic Neighborhood Trolley Sign at 9:30 a.m., cost is $10). If you love beautiful craftsman homes that are all unique – you won’t want to miss this one.
Learn Something New
- Tuesday, May 20 – The Demystifying Digitization Workshop from 1-4pm at The Archive on Kern will walk you through how to preserve and digitize your family’s historical documents and keepsakes. Think articles, old recordings, printed photos, family trees and more – learn how to keep them safe and accessible for generations to come! Sign up here.
Sip & Socialize with a Side of History
- Saturday, May 10 – Treat mom to a traditional tea ceremony and tour of the Historic Kearney Mansion at the Mother’s Day Tea Party with seating at either 11am or 3pm. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online here (this event will sell out, so book early) and both dining room and veranda seating are available.
- Thursday, May 15 – Grab a drink and celebrate the Historic Beer Label Release from Grayview Brewing at South of Shaw Beer Company, starting at 5 p.m.
- Stick around for the 5th Annual Historic Fresno Pub Quiz at 7 p.m.—trivia lovers, this one’s for you!
Downtown Fun
- Wednesday, May 21 – Enjoy a Downtown Fresno walking tour focused on the Mural District’s 15 outdoor murals painted over the last 30 years. This guided tour will also include a half hour stop and complimentary beverage at South of Shaw Brewery midway through. (7–8:30 p.m. tickets are available here and run $10 for Fresno Historical Society Members and $20 for non-members). (Taking part in a Downtown guided walking tour has been one of my all-time favorite Fresno memories, and I can’t recommend this more highly!)
- Sunday, May 18 – Catch a free matinee showing of Moana in the stunning, historic Warnors Theatre at 2pm for a unique viewing experience inside one of Fresno’s most awe-inspiring architectural gems. (Concessions will be available for purchase.)
Bonus History Experience Available All Month Long
- Pop into City Hall anytime this month for a display of historic Fresno artifacts and photos from the Pop Laval collection.
It’s a whole month of honoring the roots of our community—and a great excuse to try something new, see familiar places with fresh eyes, or just spend time with family and friends while soaking up local culture.
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The Hustoric Pub Quiz on the 15th is at South of Shaw….not TS.