A Complete Calendar of Shows, Sports, Music & Festivals Guide To Keep You Busy
Fresno punches well above its weight when it comes to events. From Broadway touring productions and world-class sports competitions to high school performances that draw families from across California, there is something happening in Fresno almost every week of 2026. Whether you’re a local looking for plans or a family travelling in from out of town, this guide covers the most significant Fresno events 2026 across theatre, sport, music, and festivals — all in one place. And if you need a comfortable group base while you’re in town, Rudraksha Vacation Home is right here waiting for you.
March 2026
🎭 Roger Rocka’s: Mary Poppins (Until March 22)
Roger Rocka’s Good Company Players wraps up its beloved production of Mary Poppins on March 22. If you haven’t caught it yet, there are still a handful of performances left. Roger Rocka’s is Fresno’s iconic dinner theatre — a uniquely Fresno experience that combines a full meal with a professional live show.
🎵 Clovis North / BEC: Fresno City College Jazz Festival (March 26)
The Buchanan Educational Center jazz program performs at the Fresno City College Jazz Festival on March 26. Buchanan’s music program is one of the finest in California — their jazz band has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival and placed 2nd in the nation. Worth attending for any music lover.
🎭 Saroyan Theatre: Shen Yun (March 21-22)
The internationally acclaimed Shen Yun performance comes to the Saroyan Theatre for two nights. A stunning visual spectacle of Chinese classical dance and live orchestra — one of the most visually spectacular touring shows in the world.
🤼 Save Mart Center: AEW Wrestling (March 18)
AEW brings professional wrestling to the Save Mart Center. A great family night out for wrestling fans.
April 2026
🎭 Roger Rocka’s: Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story (March 27 — May 24)
Roger Rocka’s next production runs from late March through May — a high energy musical celebration of rock and roll legend Buddy Holly. A fantastic show for families and music lovers alike. Book early as Roger Rocka’s sells out regularly.
🎭 Saroyan Theatre: Hadestown Broadway (April 7-8)
The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Hadestown comes to the Saroyan Theatre for two nights. A modern reimagining of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth set to a stunning folk-jazz score — this is one of the most acclaimed musicals of the past decade. Families attending from out of town will want accommodation nearby.
🥋 Selland Arena: California State Taekwondo Championships (April 3-5)
The California State Taekwondo Championships come to Selland Arena over three days. Competitors and their families travel from across California for this event — making it one of the bigger sports weekends on the Fresno calendar. A 5-bedroom vacation rental is ideal for families travelling with competitors and siblings.
🎵 BEC / Buchanan: FMCMEA Jazz Audition (April 29)
The FMCMEA Jazz Audition takes place at Buchanan High School on April 29 — an important event in the regional music calendar for students and families involved in competitive music programs.
🏃 Chukchansi Park: California Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (April 25)
The California Classic running event takes place at Chukchansi Park in late April. A popular event for running groups and fitness-focused travellers — another reason visiting groups need flexible, comfortable accommodation in Fresno.
🤠 Clovis Rodeo (April 23-25)
The Clovis Rodeo is one of the most beloved annual events in the Fresno area, featuring concerts alongside the rodeo action. This year’s musical acts include Josh Ross and Shane Profitt. A uniquely Californian experience that draws large crowds from across the region.
May 2026
🎭 Fresno State University Theatre: Twelfth Night (May 1-9)
Fresno State’s University Theatre closes its 2025-26 Mainstage Season with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Michelle Bellaver. A romantic comedy full of mistaken identities and hilarious twists — the perfect family show. Fresno State’s theatre program is outstanding, and their Mainstage productions are genuinely impressive.
🎵 BEC Spring Jazz Concert (May 7)
The Buchanan Educational Center Spring Jazz Concert takes place at the BHS Outdoor Theater on May 7 at 6:30pm. One of the highlights of the local music calendar — Buchanan’s jazz program is nationally recognised and this annual concert is a genuine treat.
🎭 Saroyan Theatre: Mrs. Doubtfire Broadway (May 26-27)
The Broadway touring production of Mrs. Doubtfire comes to the Saroyan Theatre for two nights at the end of May. Based on the beloved film, this family-friendly musical is one of the most anticipated Broadway tours of 2026. Families travelling from out of town for this show will want to book accommodation well in advance.
🎸 Save Mart Center: Romeo Santos & Prince Royce (May 23)
Two of Latin music’s biggest names share the stage at Save Mart Center on May 23. A major concert event that will draw large crowds from across the Central Valley.
June 2026
👑 Saroyan Theatre: Miss California 2026 (June 15-20)
The Miss California pageant runs for six nights at the Saroyan Theatre in June. Families and supporters of contestants travel from all over California for this event — making it one of the biggest extended-stay events on the Fresno calendar. A 5-bedroom home is perfect for extended family groups attending multiple nights.
🎓 Buchanan High School Graduation (June 3)
Buchanan High School’s graduation ceremony takes place at Veterans Memorial Stadium on June 3 at 6pm. Families travelling from out of town for this milestone event often need multi-night accommodation for extended family groups.
July — August 2026
🏊 USA Swimming Meet (July 28 — August 1)
One of the biggest sporting events of the Fresno summer — the USA Swimming Meet runs for five days from late July into August. Competitive swimmers and their families travel from across the country for events like this. Multiple-night stays are the norm, and a fully equipped 5-bedroom home with multiple bathrooms is far more practical than a hotel for a family with a competing swimmer.
🎸 Save Mart Center: Jason Aldean (August 15)
Country music star Jason Aldean brings his tour to Save Mart Center in August. A major summer concert event for country music fans across the Central Valley.
🎪 FresYes Fest, Tower PorchFest & FlightFest (Summer)
Summer in Fresno brings a trio of beloved local festivals — FresYes Fest, Tower PorchFest, and FlightFest. These community-focused events celebrate local music, culture, and creativity. Check individual event websites for exact dates as the summer schedule is confirmed.
National Park Season: April — October 2026
Fresno is the gateway to three of America’s most spectacular national parks — Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon — all within 90 minutes of the city. Peak season runs from April through October, with summer being the busiest period. Families and groups using Fresno as a base for national park visits are one of our most common guest types at Rudraksha. An early start, a proper kitchen for packed lunches, and a comfortable bed after a long day on the trail makes all the difference. For more information on visiting the parks, see the National Park Service at nps.gov.
September — October 2026
🎭 Roger Rocka’s: Come From Away (September 25 — November 15)
Roger Rocka’s autumn production is Come From Away — the celebrated musical about the passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland after the September 11 attacks. A deeply moving and uplifting show. Roger Rocka’s runs this production for nearly two months, so there are plenty of opportunities to see it.
🎪 ClovisFest (September 26-27)
ClovisFest is one of the region’s most popular annual street festivals, spanning twelve city blocks in Old Town Clovis. Food, vendors, live music, and a genuine community atmosphere. A fantastic event for families and groups visiting the area.
🏈 Fresno State Bulldogs: Football vs Boise State (October 10)
One of the marquee home games of the Fresno State football season — the Bulldogs host Boise State at Valley Children’s Stadium. College football is a big deal in Fresno and this rivalry game draws large crowds. A great reason to make a weekend trip to Fresno.
🎪 The Big Fresno Fair (October)
The Big Fresno Fair is one of California’s largest annual events, attracting over 600,000 visitors each October. Live concerts, agricultural exhibits, rides, food, and entertainment across multiple days. Many families make a multi-day trip out of it — and a spacious vacation rental is far more comfortable than a hotel for that kind of extended family visit.
November — December 2026
🎭 Roger Rocka’s: Shrek The Musical (November 20 — January 2027)
Roger Rocka’s closes 2026 in style with Shrek The Musical — a perfect family show for the holiday season. Running from late November through to early 2027, this is ideal for families visiting Fresno over the Christmas and New Year period.
🎄 Christmas Tree Lane (December 1 — December 25)
Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane is a tradition over 100 years old — each December, North Van Ness Boulevard in the historic Fig Garden neighbourhood transforms into one of California’s most beloved holiday displays. Fresno Events Around 140 homes and 300 trees are decorated along a nearly two-mile stretch, with millions of lights switched on at 6pm opening night. Events In California The display runs nightly from December 1 through Christmas Day, with special walk-only nights when the street is closed to vehicles and thousands of visitors experience the lights on foot. Fresnofair Best of all, admission is free — the event is sponsored by the Fig Garden Homeowners Association and public donations. Events In California
Families visiting from out of town for Christmas Tree Lane will find Rudraksha just minutes away — a warm, spacious home to return to after an evening walk through the lights.
Year-Round in Fresno
🛶 Kings River Whitewater Rafting (April — Summer)
Kings River Expeditions offers one and two-day whitewater rafting trips just 90 minutes east of Fresno Fresno Events, making it one of the most accessible adventure day trips from the city. The Kings River is suitable for both first-timers and experienced rafters — full service trips include hot meals, and later in the season when water levels drop, it’s great for families with children as young as 6 or 7. Events In California Mid-April is peak season when snowmelt makes the river at its most powerful SPOTLIGHT DANCE CUP — perfect timing if you’re visiting for spring events. Book through kingsriver.com or zrafting.com.
🎯 Group Activities — Tours & Experiences
Fresno has a surprisingly rich scene of group activities perfect for families, visiting crews, or competition guests with a free afternoon. Popular options include the Fresno Art and History Scavenger Hunt, the Fresno Art Walk Mural District tour through the Tower District’s vibrant street art scene, axe throwing with coaching included, and multiple self-guided scavenger hunt app experiences including the Fresno City Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash and the Fresno Zombie Scavenger Hunt. For adults, the Self-Guided Bar Hunt Fresno Pub Crawl is a fun evening option. Most experiences offer free cancellation and are available year-round. Browse the full list at viator.com.
🏞️ Lakes Near Fresno — Boating, Fishing & Water Sports
Fresno County is home to the largest number of lakes in California. Shaver Lake, Pine Flat Lake, Huntington Lake, and Millerton Lake all offer boating, fishing, water skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Visit Fresno County These lakes are popular weekend destinations for both locals and visitors — and if you’re coming back with a boat in tow, Rudraksha has dedicated boat parking on site.
⚾ Fresno Grizzlies Baseball (April — September)
The Fresno Grizzlies play their home games at Chukchansi Park throughout the season. A classic American baseball experience in a great downtown venue — ideal for a family evening out.
🎭 Fresno State University Theatre — Full 2025-26 Season
Fresno State’s University Theatre runs a full Mainstage Season through the academic year. Productions include A Raisin in the Sun (October), Godspell (November), the Contemporary Dance Ensemble (February), Fade (April), and Twelfth Night (May 1-9). All productions are performed at the Speech Arts Building on the Fresno State campus.
Staying in Fresno for an Event? Rudraksha Has You Covered
Whether you’re bringing the family for a Broadway show at the Saroyan, cheering on a swimmer at the USA Swimming Meet, watching your child perform at Buchanan or Clovis North, or making a multi-day trip of the Fresno Fair, Rudraksha Vacation Home offers the ideal group base. With 5 bedrooms, 6 beds sleeping up to 10, a full kitchen, multiple parking spots, fast WiFi, and a large garden — it’s designed for groups who want comfort and practicality over a standard hotel stay. Check availability and book directly at rudrakshaca.com.
📍 Fresno, California | Groups up to 10 | Fast WiFi · Full Kitchen · Multiple Parking · Washer/Dryer · Large Garden