Don’t miss live horseracing at the Big Fresno Fair!
There is live racing starting today, and this weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday, (Oct 4 thru 6) and next weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Oct. 11, 12, 13, and 14th). First post time is 1:45pm daily.
Horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair has been a significant part of its history for 140 years, since inception in 1884.
Today marks the ‘The First Friday’ of Big Fresno Fair horse racing and the fans are always in attendance for this annual event. It’s quite something to see.
Bing Crosby sang the lyrics “There’s a smile on every face, and a winner in each race”, and certainly this can be said for fans in attendance during the fair this year.
City Race Days
In honor of all the Fresno County incorporated cities, the first race of the day is named in their honor and city representatives are invited to be the Fair’s guest at the track – plus have the opportunity to take a picture with the winning horse and jockey after the race in the Winner’s Circle. This is the 16th year of this program; 2024 City Race dates are:
- Friday, October 4 | Fresno & Clovis
- Saturday, October 5 | Huron & Orange Cove
- Sunday, October 6 | Reedley & Fowler
- Friday, October 11 | Sanger, Kerman & Kingsburg
- Saturday, October 12 | Firebaugh & Mendota
- Sunday, October 13 | San Joaquin & Coalinga
- Monday, October 14 | Parlier & Selma
However, you don’t have to be a city representative to come out and enjoy live horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair, all you need to do is pay for parking and fair admission. Horse racing is free to enter the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand bottom floor area to watch and wager. If you’d like to seat in a reserved section on the second floor, then it does cost a few extra bucks while seats last.
For more information on purchasing Box and Reserved seating visit: https://www.fresnofair.com/p/things-to-do/horse-racing-tickets
Special attractions at the races.
Beer & Wine Fest – Saturday, October 5
The Big Fresno Fair Annual Beer & Wine Fest will be held in the middle of the race track on Saturday, October 5 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. There will be over 20 breweries and wineries, a DJ, food trucks and lawn games like corn hole! Tickets cost $25 (event only) and $7 for Designated Drivers. A limited number of tickets will be sold so people are encouraged to purchase early either online or at the FairBox Office. If it does not sell out, tickets will be sold at the gate. Attendees must be 21 or older.
Derby Dog Dash – Saturday, October 12
Have a small dog that you think is fast? Then enter them into the Annual Derby Dog Dash on Saturday, October 12 for the chance to win cash prizes and, of course, bragging rights. The public is also encouraged to come out and cheer on their favorite dog to the finish line! Details at www.fresnofair.com/events/2024/derby-dog-dash
Bulldog Stakes Race – Sunday, October 13
Join the tradition by wearing red to the races on Sunday, October 13 to celebrate our very own Fresno State Bulldog’s. If you wear red you will be entered to win cash prizes during the Bulldog Stakes Race!
NEW! Drone Shows – Every Friday & Saturday Nights!
Carnival lights aren’t the only thing lighting up the night sky during this year’s Fair! Each Friday and Saturday night of the 2024 Big Fresno Fair at 9:00 p.m. is the NEW Drone Show above the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand! Experience a one-of-a-kind and FREE Drone Show with your favorite Fair images as they light up the night sky. Brought to you by Skye Dreams.
For any horse racing questions, please stop by my Horse Racing Info Booth in front of the grandstand area at Robbie’s Picks.
