Fresno Fairgrounds | Fresno

The Fresno Fairgrounds is a prominent 165-acre multi-use event venue located in the city of Fresno, California. It is best known for hosting the Big Fresno Fair, one of the oldest and largest annual fairs in the state. However, the fairgrounds also support a wide range of activities year-round including cultural festivals, concerts, educational exhibits, agricultural shows, and private events.

1. Big Fresno Fair

The Big Fresno Fair was established in 1884 and is held annually during the first two weeks of October. It attracts over 600,000 visitors, making it the fifth-largest fair in California. It showcases Fresno County’s rich agricultural roots, cultural diversity, and community engagement.

Features:

Live Horse Racing:
The fair is famous for its horse racing program, with a full track and grandstand facility. It is one of only a few fairs in California that still features live horse racing. In recent years, race dates have expanded to include days prior to and during the fair.

Paul Paul Theater:
A large outdoor amphitheater that hosts national and international music acts. Seating capacity is over 4,700. Artists across various genres perform here during the fair.

Carnival Midway:
Operated by Butler Amusements, the midway features dozens of rides for children, families, and thrill-seekers, along with skill games and food stands.

Agricultural Exhibits:
These displays feature livestock (cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry), 4-H and FFA competitions, local produce, and horticulture. It promotes awareness of the region’s vital agricultural industry.

Cultural and Community Events:
The fairgrounds host special days like Senior Day, Kids Day, and celebrations for the Hmong, Sikh, and Hispanic communities, with dedicated performances, foods, and cultural exhibitions.

Fair Food:
The food options include typical carnival fare (corn dogs, fried desserts, turkey legs), plus local specialties such as tri-tip sandwiches and Mexican street corn.

Educational Programs:
These include school tours, student art competitions, agricultural literacy programs, and interactive exhibits to teach youth about science, sustainability, and local history.

2. Museums at the Fairgrounds

a. The Big Fresno Fair Museum:

Opened in 2013, located in O’Neill Hall, this museum contains over 4,600 historical artifacts from the fair’s past. These include early fair posters, vintage ride parts, photographs, and a rare working 1921 cotton candy machine.

b. Fresno County Historical Museum:

Opened in 2015, this museum spans 14,000 square feet and showcases the diverse history of Fresno County. Exhibits cover topics like law enforcement, early settler life, the Dust Bowl, agriculture, and ethnic heritage. It includes:

A re-creation of an 1870s general store

Displays on Fresno's Italian-American, Armenian, Japanese, and Hmong communities

A sports hall honoring local athletes

3. Fairgrounds Facilities & Rentals

The Fresno Fairgrounds are used year-round for events ranging from dog shows and RV exhibitions to concerts, trade shows, and cultural celebrations. Facilities available for rent include:

Paul Paul Theater – Outdoor venue with full lighting and sound

Commerce Building – 25,000 sq. ft., seats 3,800+

Agriculture Building – 19,000 sq. ft., used for shows and expos

Livestock Pavilion – 108,000 sq. ft., built-in animal pens

The Greenhouse – 21,000+ sq. ft. with modern amenities

Junior Exhibits Building – Used for youth and creative arts displays

Each facility can accommodate different configurations such as seated banquets, exhibitions, or stage events. The fairgrounds also include open grass areas, paved areas for car shows, and food courts.

4. Location & Accessibility

Address: 1121 S. Chance Ave, Fresno, CA 93702

Nearby roads: Easily accessible from Highway 99 and Highway 180

Parking: Large on-site parking areas with overflow lots and shuttle services during large events

Public Transportation: Served by Fresno Area Express (FAX) buses

Accessibility: The venue complies with ADA standards, offering ramps, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs during the fair

5. Year-Round Events

In addition to the October fair, the Fresno Fairgrounds host:

The Hmong New Year Festival: A major cultural celebration held in late December, drawing tens of thousands from across the U.S.

Gun shows, car expos, pet shows, and flea markets

Graduation ceremonies, local fundraisers, and religious gatherings

The Fresno Fairgrounds serve not only as a venue for entertainment but also as an anchor of cultural identity and community connection in the Central Valley. Its blend of modern facilities and historical heritage makes it one of the most versatile and meaningful public spaces in the region.