What the Big Fresno Fair Livestock Program Is
The Big Fresno Fair is a twelve-day October fair; the 143rd edition ran October 7-18, 2026. Its livestock exhibits are run in two weeks and give Fresno County 4-H and FFA members, and independents, a place to show market and breeding animals and sell market animals at the Junior Livestock Auction. The fair is held at 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702.
Who Can Enter
- Junior exhibitors belong to Fresno County 4-H or a Fresno County FFA chapter, or enter as independents, and are full-time Fresno County residents.
- 4-H members must be 9 by December 31 of the prior year and may show until 19; independents must be 9 by January 1 and no older than 19.
- Everyone in the youth program needs annual YQCA certification.
- Independents submit independent forms, the Independent Jr. Livestock Checklist and Contract, and large or small animal insurance forms. Those who showed the year before also had to turn in a record book by December 31. For 2026, independent forms were due June 1 with fees paid.
- Dairy cattle need a veterinary certification form.
- An adult over 21 supervises exhibitors on the grounds.
Species and Classes
Beef, dairy cattle and replacement heifers, dairy, Boer and pygmy goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, poultry, pigeons and dogs. There is also an Adaptive Kids Show, and volunteers, donors and buddies contact the livestock office to take part.
Entry Deadlines (from the 2025 handbook)
| Entry | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Beef market and dairy replacement heifers | May 30 |
| Dairy replacement does | June 30 |
| Market sheep, goat, swine and showmanship | July 31 (no late entries) |
| Poultry, breeders, feeders, Pee Wee showmanship | August 29 |
| Open dairy goats and wristband pre-orders | September 19 |
Late documents cost $25. Confirm the current year's dates in the Livestock Exhibits Handbook.
Fees, Auction and Awards
- Market and replacement animals: $15 entry; most breeding and showmanship entries $10.
- Showmanship cash awards: $20 first, $18 second, $15 third.
- Exhibitors may sell one market animal and one replacement animal. Grand and reserve grand champions sell terminal, with no live pickup. A 6% commission applies; no cash awards on market or replacement divisions.
- The Junior Livestock Auction runs in two phases across the two weeks, led by a volunteer committee that meets before the fair.
- Scholarships: Carolee Boele, Gragnani Family, Champions of Excellence and David Hill.
Rules to Know
Market animals wear a BFF ear tag and scrapie tag at weigh-in. Drenching devices and unapproved electrolytes are banned, private scales are not allowed, and animals must stay in the barn area. Exhibitors groom and care for their own animals, wear closed-toe shoes and follow the dress code. Alcohol is prohibited in the barn.
Visitors
In 2026, general admission was $15 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, seniors 62+ and military, and free for ages 5 and under; opening day was $5. Parking was $15-$20.
Questions
Who do I call?
The livestock exhibits office: (559) 650-3247. Registration is online at fresno.fairwire.com.
Do I need YQCA?
Yes, every youth participant, every year.
Official Links
California Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
California county and district fairs are where most 4-H and FFA members show and sell market animals. CDFA counts 80 fair organizations: District Agricultural Associations, county fairs, citrus fairs and Cal Expo.
Timing
Fairs run nearly all year. CDFA's 2026 list had Riverside in February and March, Salinas Valley in mid-May, the State Fair from July 17 to August 2 and Big Fresno in October.
Rules to watch
State and 4-H rules require 60 consecutive days of ownership for market sheep, swine and goats and 120 for market beef, per the 4-H handbook. Junior livestock exhibitors must also complete YQCA training each year.
Auctions
Monterey's 2025 livestock rules describe a terminal sale with a 9.0 percent selling charge and required thank-you letters. Other fairs differ.
Next steps
Get your fair's exhibitor book from the fair office or Extension 4-H office and mark ownership, entry and YQCA dates. Dates and weights change each year.
Read the full guide: California Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
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