Founded in 1884, The Big Fresno Fair is an annual fair held at the Fresno Fairgrounds and is managed by the 21st District Agricultural Association, an entity of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Fairs & Expositions. It is the largest annual event in the San Joaquin Valley, attracting over 500,000 people each October and features exhibits, a livestock show, live horse racing, musical entertainment, a carnival, educational programs and more.
The Fresno Fairgrounds serves as an emergency evacuation center and safe zone for both people and animals of all sizes during disasters such the Creek Fire, which in 2018 forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people including pets and livestock, as well as the 2023 floods. Working with FEMA, Fresno County OES, Central California Animal Disaster Team and others to execute and then be part of future emergency response planning.
The Big Fresno Fair partners with Fresno County Health officials and other public safety organizations to serve as a conduit to relay important health and safety information to the San Joaquin Valley community through a variety of avenues, as an engaged and trusted source in the community. The Big Fresno Fair’s mission to the people of Fresno County is to educate, celebrate, enhance community pride and showcase the bountiful assets of Fresno County and the San Joaquin Valley by providing through partnerships a safe, clean, pleasing environment for a culturally diverse audience year-round.
The Big Fresno Fair’s mission to the people of Fresno County is to educate, celebrate, enhance community pride and showcase the bountiful assets of Fresno County and the San Joaquin Valley by providing through partnerships a safe, clean, pleasing environment for a culturally diverse audience year-round.
1215 K Street, Suite 1150 Sacramento CA 95814
Our Mission
California fairgrounds and venues play a critical role in leading emergency and disaster response operations when our communities need it the most.
