Tickets will go on sale July 15, as part of an exclusive Big Fair Fan Club Pre-sale

FRESNO, CA - The Big Fresno Fair is excited to announce that for the first time, it will have 14 days of live horse racing, double the number of race dates held in 2023. The 2024 Fresno race dates will start in September before the annual Fair begins. This historic race day allocation comes after the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) approved plans by the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) to create year-round racing in Northern California under the new Golden State Racing organization. This move was designed to keep live horse racing in Northern California after the closure of Golden Gate Fields on June 9, 2024. 

“This is a new era of horse racing in Northern California and we know this expanded race meet in Fresno will draw big crowds,” said Larry Swartzlander, Executive Director of CARF and General Manager of the newly formed Golden State Racing. “Fresno has a reputation for its safe track and the incredible energy the crowds bring. The horse owners, trainers and jockeys are excited to have these additional race dates in Fresno and we can expect strong horse numbers and some incredible races.” 

The 2024 Big Fresno Fair race dates are as follows:

- September Race Dates (pre-Fair):

                    -- Friday, September 13 - Sunday, September 15

                    -- Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22

                    -- Saturday, September 28 & Sunday, September 29

- October Race Dates (during the Fair):

                    -- Friday, October 4 - Sunday, October 6

                    -- Friday, October 11 - Monday, October 14 

“We are thrilled to host 14 days of live horse racing in Fresno this year,” said Christina Estrada, Interim CEO of The Big Fresno Fair. “Horse racing has an over 100-year history at our Fair and our community always shows up to support this longstanding tradition. As the only fair between Los Angeles and Sacramento with live horse racing, we bring something unique for our community to do! We have some fun-themed days at the races planned - so whether you’re a longtime horse racing fan or just curious about what it’s all about - mark your calendars and come support this expanded race meet. Let’s show the state how strong racing in Fresno is!” 

Horse racing tickets will go on sale first to Big Fair Fan (BFF) Club members, the Fair’s free email newsletter, as part of an online-only pre-sale starting on Monday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. and going until Sunday, July 21 at 11:59 p.m. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public (online only) beginning Monday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m.  

BFF Club Members will receive their pre-sale password via email on July 11. Any new members will receive the password in their email sign-up confirmation. Know someone who isn’t a part of the BFF Club, but would like to purchase their live horse racing tickets early? Tell them to sign up for free at www.FresnoFair.com/BFFClub.

Large group and corporate party packages are available for purchase early; interested parties will need to fill out this form. 

The following horse racing tickets will go on sale July 15 to Big Fair Fan Club members. 

September Race Dates:

- Reserved Seats (Single Day)

                    -- $6

                    -- BFF Club Members can get free reserved seat tickets for the September race dates just by filling out the request form that can be found here: www.FresnoFair.com/horseracing

- Box Seats (Single Day)

                    -- 4 seats for $32

                    -- 6 seats for $48

- Turf Club

                    -- Table of 4 - $60

                    -- Table of 8 - $120

- Luxury Deck (Tables of 4)

                    -- $175 - Includes Buffet 

October Race Dates:

- Reserved Seats (Single Day)

                    -- $10 Fridays

                    -- $6 Other Days

- Box Seats (Single Day)

                    -- 4 seats for $32

                    -- 6 seats for $48

- Turf Club (Table of 4)

                    -- $100 (Fri/Sat)

                    -- $60 (Sun/Mon)

- Turf Club (Table of 8)

                    -- $200 (Fri/Sat)

                    -- $120 (Sun/Mon)

- Luxury Deck Tables (Tables of 4)

                    -- $205 (Fri/Sat)

                    -- $185 (Sun/Mon)

                    -- Includes Buffet