Caruthers District Fair 2024 in California
The largest and longest-running free-gate fair in the Golden State
Dates: September 25–28, 2024
Caruthers District Fair is an annual family-friendly celebration that has been cheering up folks in Fresno County with traditional fair fun since 1929. During four days in late September–early October, the fair offers exciting rides, junior livestock exhibits, live entertainment, motorcycle races, a queen coronation, food, games, and other activities loved by kids and adults. No wonder, Caruthers Fair takes pride in being the largest and longest-running free-gate fair found throughout California!
Carnival Rides & Games
Perhaps the most anticipated attraction of the fair, the carnival offers tons of entertainment and unforgettable memories for children and adults alike. Featuring traditional midway rides like the mirror maze, the zipper, the Ferris wheel, saucer rides, and much more, the fair promises a thrilling experience for everyone. Carnival operates from 4 pm to 11 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, from 1 pm to 12 pm on Friday, and from 11 am to 12 pm on Saturday.
Other Entertainment
The fair's signature events are the exhibitions and many agricultural displays set up by local farmers and cattlemen. Various horticulture and floriculture showpieces, arts & crafts, and junior livestock are all presented at the fairgrounds. Apart from this, Fresno Motorcycle Club annually organizes amateur races. You have a chance to watch motorcyclists show off their skills at breakneck speed right at the Caruthers District Fair.
Numerous food stalls are set up throughout the venue to provide the attendees with the best culinary experience, featuring such delicacies as nachos, taco bowls, hot dogs, pies, pizza and much more. The entire fair is also accompanied by music, performed by the local artists. Lineup features Fred McCarty, Jeremy “Elvis” Pierce, Dakota Crossing, Sonny Coelho Band, We Got The Beat, and more.
Caruthers District Fair Parade
Doubling as the highlight and the closing event of the fair, the parade is a spectacle like no other. Featuring dozens of community organizations, march bands, and performers, the procession entertains the crowds lining the streets of Caruthers. The usual parade route begins at South Marsh Avenue, continues down West Tahoe Avenue, and stops at the Caruthers Fair venue. Each year, the theme changes, with this year's theme being "Home for the Harvest."
Schedule & Hours
The gates to the fair are normally open from 4 pm to 11 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, from 1 pm to 12 am on Friday, and from 11 am to 12 am on Saturday. The parade usually takes place at 1o am on Saturday.
Admission & Tickets
Admission to the fair is completely free. However, some attractions, such as the carnival or motorcycle races, require a ticket to watch and participate. General admission to the races costs $8.
Location
Caruthers District Fair is regularly hosted at the Caruthers Fair fairgrounds, located at the South Raider Avenue. The venue is about 15 miles (24 km) south of Fresno, a city you can consider as a stop-over for the night.