The Big Fresno Fair

What The Big Fresno Fair does

The Big Fresno Fair is a California state government entity, legally constituted as the 21st District Agricultural Association under the California Department of Food & Agriculture's Division of Fairs & Expositions. Founded in 1884, it operates California's 5th largest fair and the largest annual event in the Central Valley, drawing 500,000-600,000+ attendees to a 12-day October fair at the 165-acre Fresno Fairgrounds (1121 S. Chance Avenue), which is owned by Fresno County and leased to the Fair under a 50-year land lease. The Board of Directors is appointed by the California Governor.

The core product is the annual Fair, comprising the Table Mountain Concert Series at the Paul Paul Theater, Grandstand Entertainment (PRCA Pro Rodeo, Demolition Derby, Monster Trucks) at the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand, the Big Fresno Fair Carnival, competitive exhibits (livestock, fine arts, agriculture, olive oil), Jr. Livestock Auction, and free attractions at Table Mountain Rancheria Park. Supporting products include educational programs (Fair Education, 4.0 & Above scholarships, Big Band Review), two museums (Big Fresno Fair Museum and Fresno County Historical Museum), and community initiatives (Pint for a Pass Blood Drive, Fill the Need Day). The organization runs year-round programming, hosting 250+ interim events, a weekly flea market, satellite wagering facility, and venue rentals across multiple buildings.

Revenue is generated through five streams: gate admission and concert/special event ticket sales (distributed via the Fair's website, eTix, and partner retail stores Save Mart, FoodMaxx, and O'Reilly Auto Parts); vendor and concessionaire fees; corporate sponsorships (Modelo Especial, Toyota, FoodMaxx, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Valley Children's, Table Mountain Rancheria); venue rental income; and parking fees. Marketing is event-driven around the October fair, anchored by the BFF Club email newsletter and a broad social media presence across Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and Spotify. As a state entity, revenue figures are not publicly disclosed; operations are led by CEO Christina Estrada.

Name

The Big Fresno Fair

Legal name

The 21st District Agricultural Association

Website

https://fresnofair.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1884

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Big Fresno Fair is a California state-operated annual fair (founded 1884) running a 12-day October event at the 165-acre Fresno Fairgrounds, drawing 500,000+ attendees with concerts, carnival, rodeo, exhibits, and year-round venue rentals serving Central Valley residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Fair and Event Venue

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (713110), Historical Sites (71212)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH), Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO)

Keywords

• Annual agricultural fair
• Fairground event venue
• Live concert series
• Competitive livestock exhibits
• Community event management

Headquarters

HQ city

Fresno

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales and Admission: Revenue from gate admissions, concert tickets, and special event entry fees. Tickets sold through website, official ticketing company eTix, and partner retail stores (Save Mart, FoodMaxx, O'Reilly Auto Parts).
2. Vendor and Concession Fees: Revenue from commercial vendors, concessionaires, and performers who pay fees to participate in the fair.
3. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships from brands including Modelo Especial, Toyota, FoodMaxx, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Valley Children's, and others that fund various programs and receive marketing visibility.
4. Venue Rentals: Year-round venue rental income from hosting more than 250 different events including home shows, dog shows, expos, and other community events at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
5. Parking Fees: Parking revenue from fairgoers attending events, with various parking lots available including Chance Avenue lot.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Big Fresno Fair is a 12-day annual agricultural fair (October 7-18, 2026) and year-round event venue operating from a 165-acre fairground. It sells fair admission, Table Mountain Concert Series and Grandstand entertainment tickets, carnival ride access, competitive exhibit entries, food and beverage concessions, satellite horse-race wagering, and venue rental of its buildings to third-party event organizers.

Product overview

The Big Fresno Fair is a 12-day annual event (founded 1884) operated by the 21st District Agricultural Association, California's 5th largest fair. The organization operates as a unified platform offering multiple integrated products and services: the core annual Fair featuring carnival rides, live entertainment (Table Mountain Concert Series and Grandstand Entertainment), competitive exhibits, and fair food; supported by educational programs (Fair Education, 4.0 & Above, Big Band Review, Jr. Livestock Auction); cultural attractions (Big Fresno Fair Museum, Fresno County Historical Museum with Italian Heritage Exhibit); free attractions (Table Mountain Rancheria Park, Catfish Falls, Tractor Tree); and community programs (Blood Drive, Fill the Need Day). The organization also operates year-round venues for interim events, satellite wagering, and venue rentals, with the BFF Club loyalty program providing exclusive presales and discounts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Big Fresno Fair (Annual Fair Admission) The flagship 12-day annual agricultural fair held each October (October 7-18 in 2026), providing gate admission to the 165-acre Fresno Fairgrounds for carnival rides, live entertainment, fair food, competitive/agricultural exhibits, livestock, museums, and free attractions. Open to the general public and families.
• Table Mountain Concert Series Ticketed live concert series held in the Paul Paul Theater during the annual Fair, featuring national touring acts across country, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and Latin genres. Tickets sold via eTix and the Fair website.
• Grandstand Entertainment Ticketed major entertainment events held in the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand during the annual Fair, including the PRCA-Sanctioned Pro Rodeo, Demolition Derby, and Monsters of Destruction Monster Trucks.
• Big Fresno Fair Carnival Carnival rides and games operated during the annual Fair, including the Main Carnival and Kiddie Land sections designed for families with young children. Ride access sold via individual ride tickets and wristbands.
• Big Fresno Fair Museum On-grounds museum chronicling the history of The Big Fresno Fair since its 1884 founding, part of the educational offerings supported by the Friends of the Fair nonprofit foundation. Open to fairgoers during the annual Fair.
• Fresno County Historical Museum 7,000 sq. ft. museum on the fairgrounds preserving local history and culture, with exhibits including the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit and the Jose Ramirez boxing exhibit.
• Competitive Exhibits Program Entry-based competition program covering Agriculture, Fine Arts & Photography, Home & Hobby Arts, Jr. Exhibits, Livestock, and Greenhouse/Gem & Mineral categories. Participants enter exhibits for judging and awards during the annual Fair.
• Jr. Livestock Auction Annual youth livestock auction held during the Fair, where students from 4-H and FFA programs showcase and sell livestock they have raised. Buyers participate to support youth agricultural programs.
• San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Annual competition open to all California olive oil producers, featuring judging of California-produced olive oils from throughout the state. Entries submitted by producers for evaluation and awards.
• Holiday Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru Seasonal drive-thru holiday light show held at the Fresno Fairgrounds featuring 450+ light displays, Christmas music, food trucks, visits with Santa, and a Winter Wonderland atmosphere. Launched 2021 as a post-pandemic year-round event.
• Big Fresno Fair Car Show Annual car show featuring classic cars, custom builds, lowriders, and motorcycles displayed in the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand area at the fairgrounds.
• Beer & Wine Fest Festival event held at the fairgrounds showcasing craft beers, wines, and spirits from regional producers. Open to adult consumers for tasting and purchase.
• Fresno Flea Market Recurring flea market held at the Fresno Fairgrounds featuring vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and merchandise on a weekly basis.
• Satellite Wagering Facility Off-track betting facility at the fairgrounds offering wagering on horse races broadcast from various tracks across the country. Operated year-round as a satellite wagering location.
• Venue Rentals Rental program offering the Fresno Fairgrounds buildings — Commerce Building, Agricultural Building, Industry Commerce Building, and Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand — to event organizers for home shows, dog shows, expos, weddings, corporate functions, and other events. 250+ year-round events hosted under this program.
• Pint for a Pass Blood Drive Annual community blood drive held in partnership with Central California Blood Center, offering BOGO (buy-one-get-one) Fair admission in exchange for blood donations. Now in its 16th year; the 2025 drive (August 26 – October 12, 2025) collected 8,281 successful whole blood donations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 559,394 fairgoers attended the 2022 post-pandemic Fair over 12 days
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Fresno State / Amendola Family Student CupboardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 October 2025Partnership for 'Fill the Need' Day at the Fair. On Fill the Need Day (October 15), admission is $6 with $3 from each ticket benefiting the Amendola Family Student Cupboard, which supports Fresno State students facing food insecurity. Every $1 raised provides approximately four meals for students.
• Central California Blood CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2025Partnership for the annual 'Pint for a Pass' Blood Drive held each summer/fall. The 2025 blood drive (August 26 – October 12, 2025) saw 10,029 people donate with 8,281 successful whole blood donations, helping save up to 30,087 lives. Donors receive BOGO Fair admission.
• Valley Children'scoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2019Partnership for 'Fill the Need' Day supporting Valley Children's mission to increase access for lifesaving healthcare for the 1.3 million kids living in the region. New $4 'Fill the Need' generated $37,496 for Valley Children's in 2019.
• Fresno County Department of Public HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for health and safety measures at the Fair. Joint Health & Safety Public Outreach Program received the Fair's record fifth Merrill Award (highest honor in fair industry). Partnership included COVID-19 adaptations and Drive-Thru Eats event during pandemic.
• Modelo Especial, Toyota, FoodMaxx, O'Reilly Auto PartscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsors of the Table Mountain Concert Series and Fair events. Modelo Especial and Toyota are primary sponsors of the Paul Paul Theater concert series. FoodMaxx and O'Reilly Auto Parts are additional sponsors providing ticket sales support.
• eTix (Official Ticketing Company)coreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial ticketing provider for The Big Fresno Fair. Handles all online ticket sales for fair admission, concerts, and special events at etix.com. Contact: support.etix.com for ticket assistance.
• Save Mart, FoodMaxx, O'Reilly Auto PartscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized in-person ticket sales locations and partners. The Fair can only confirm validity of tickets sold through its website, eTix, or these partner stores. Strongly discourages third-party ticket purchases.
• Humpz & Hornz / Wes IbrahimiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRodeo production company led by PBR stock contractor and rodeo producer Wes Ibrahimi. Produced the debut Big Fresno Fair Rodeo in 2025 featuring bull riding, bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, and Mutton Bustin's.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• OC Fair & Event Center: Operates the annual Orange County Fair and the Costa Mesa fairgrounds as a California 32nd District Agricultural Association. Directly comparable as another large California district fair with annual gate attendance, concerts, livestock, and year-round venue rentals.
• LA County Fair (Fairplex): Operates one of the largest county fairs in the U.S. on the Fairplex campus in Pomona, with year-round events, horse racing, and venue rentals. Directly comparable as a California district fair with a multi-hundred-acre venue and similar product mix.
• Cal Expo (California State Fair): Hosts the annual California State Fair at Cal Expo in Sacramento as a state entity, with livestock, concerts, and year-round venue rentals. Directly comparable as a California state-fair operator running a multi-event calendar on a large fairground campus.
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Operates one of the world's largest annual livestock shows and rodeos at NRG Park in Houston, combining competitive exhibits, concerts, and carnival. Comparable as a marquee annual regional fair/rodeo with similar attendance scale and entertainment economics.
• State Fair of Texas: Runs the annual State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas with millions of attendees, concerts, livestock, and auto shows. Comparable as a flagship state/regional fair on a dedicated fairground with diversified programming and ticketed gate admission.
• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: Operates an annual livestock show and rodeo in San Antonio combining competitive exhibits, concerts, and carnival. Comparable as a large annual rodeo/fair hybrid with strong livestock, concert, and sponsorship programming.
• Del Mar Fairgrounds / San Diego County Fair: Operates the annual San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on a 22nd District Agricultural Association basis, with horse racing, concerts, and year-round venue rentals. Directly comparable as another California district fair with racing and venue business lines.

Emerging players

• North American Midway Partnership: Industry network of carnival ride operators that service fairs like The Big Fresno Fair. Comparable as a key supplier/partner for the carnival rides and games vertical that is core to the Big Fresno Fair's guest experience.

Others

• Western Fairs Association: Industry trade association that represents fairs across the western U.S. and runs the annual convention where The Big Fresno Fair has won multiple awards. Comparable as the primary benchmarking and peer-recognition body for fair operators like The Big Fresno Fair.
• International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE): Global industry association for fairs and expositions where The Big Fresno Fair has won multiple awards. Comparable as the international peer network and standards body that benchmarks fair operators like The Big Fresno Fair.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BigFresnoFair
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BigFresnoFair
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheBigFresnoFair
• Instagraminstagram.com/bigfresnofair
• TikToktiktok.com/@bigfresnofair

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Big Fresno Fair