Big times – and big horse racing – are back at the Big Fresno Fair. Here is a guide.

Don't miss the live horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair!

Live racing will take place starting today and this weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday (October 4-6) and next weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday (October 11, 12, 13 and 14). The first publication occurs daily at 1:45 p.m.

Horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair has been an important part of its history for 140 years, since its founding in 1884.

Today is the “First Friday” of the Big Fresno Fair horse racing and fans are always present at this annual event. It's something worth seeing.

Bing Crosby sang the lyrics, “A smile on every face and a winner in every race,” and that certainly applied to the fans in attendance at the show this year.

Urban racing days

In honor of all of the towns incorporated in Fresno County, the first race of the day is named after them, and town officials are invited to be guests of the fair at the track – and then have the opportunity to take a photo with the winning horse and jockey Race in the Winner's Circle. This is the 16th year of this program; The dates for the 2024 city race are:

• Friday October 4th | Fresno & Clovis
• Saturday, October 5th | Huron & Orange Cove
• Sunday, October 6th | Reedley & Fowler
• Friday October 11th | Sanger, Kerman & Kingsburg
• Saturday, October 12th | Firebaugh & Mendota
• Sunday, October 13th | San Joaquin & Coalinga
• Monday, October 14th | Parlier & Selma

However, you don't have to be a city representative to enjoy live horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair. All you have to do is pay for parking and fair entry. Admission to horse racing in the lower section of the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand for watching and betting is free. If you want to sit in a reserved area on the second floor, it will cost a few dollars extra while space lasts.

For more information about purchasing boxes and reserved seating, visit: https://www.fresnofair.com/p/things-to-do/horse-racing-tickets

Special attractions at the races.

Beer and Wine Festival – Saturday, October 5th

The Big Fresno Fair Annual Beer & Wine Fest will be held in the middle of the racetrack on Saturday, October 5th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be over 20 breweries and wineries, a DJ, food trucks, and lawn games like Corn Hole! Tickets are $25 (event only) and $7 for designated drivers. A limited number of tickets will be sold. We therefore recommend purchasing early either online or at the FairBox office. If it is not sold out, tickets will be sold at the box office. Participants must be at least 21 years old.

Derby Dog Dash – Saturday October 12th

Do you have a small dog that you think is fast? Then take part in the annual Derby Dog Dash on Saturday, October 12th for a chance to win cash prizes and, of course, bragging rights. The public is also encouraged to come along 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 13th

Join the tradition and wear red at the races on Sunday, October 13th to celebrate our very own Fresno State Bulldogs. If you wear red, you will be entered into the draw for cash prizes in the Bulldog Stakes Race!

NEW! Drone shows – every Friday and Saturday evening!

Carnival lights aren't the only thing lighting up the night sky during this year's fair! Every Friday and Saturday night of the 2024 Big Fresno Fair, the NEW Drone Show will take place over the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand at 9:00 p.m.! Experience a unique and FREE drone show with your favorite images from the fair as they light up the night sky. Presented by Skye Dreams.

If you have any questions about horse racing, please stop by my horse racing information booth in front of the grandstand at Robbie's Picks.