We all want to go out and enjoy the warm nights and have fun with our families without blowing our whole paycheck. So I’ve put together a list of 10 free and low cost events going on this summer in Fresno to keep you and the kids busy.
This is a favorite for many locals, a great place to come out on a warm evening and buy fresh produce, eat good food and catch some live music. Features the Peach Party on July 20th and the North American Pole Vault Champions on August 3rd.
When: Every Friday from 5:30PM – 9PM May 11, 2012 through September 28, 2012
Where: Pollasky and 5th in downtown Clovis
Cost: Free
Website: http://oldtownclovis.org/event/
2.Woodward Shakespeare Festival
I always hear that people can’t afford to go to the theater because it’s too expensive. Well this summer you can take advantage of some FREE Shakespeare, the nice thing is they do three different shows throughout the summer so you can always go see a different play.
The Lineup for the Summer of 2012 is:
The Merry Wives of Windsor
June 7 – June 30
A Streetcar Named Desire
July 12 – July 28
Henry V
August 16 – September 8
When: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8PM June 7, 2012 through September 8, 2012
Where: Woodward Park, 7775 Friant Road, Fresno, CA 93720
Play is at the 13 Acres Stage in the North East Corner, inside the Friant/Fort Washington Entrance.
Cost: Admission to the show is free, Woodward Park charges $3 per vehicle, you can also park outside the park and walk in for free.
Website: http://www.woodwardshakespeare.org/#
Enjoy a variety of Rock bands playing at the Sierra Vista Mall. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair, it’s all outside and family oriented! There also is a Beer Garden for the 21 and up. To check out the lineup of bands, check their website.
When: Every other Thursday May 10, 2012 – August 23, 2012 6PM – 9PM
May 10 and 24
June 14 and 28
July 12 and 26
August 9 and 23
Where: Sierra Vista Mall: Corner of Clovis and Shaw – inside the mall’s community park
Once a week they show a different movie around dusk at Eaton Plaza. A great chance to sit outside and enjoy the warm summer nights while enjoying a movie with the family, especially since movies go at around $10 and this is totally Free! They also have food and a bounce house for kids before the movie starts.
When: Every Friday from June through August around dusk
Where: Eaton Plaza surrounded by Fresno Street, Mariposa Street, N Street and O Street in downtown Fresno, The Water Tower is at the northeast corner.
An awesome celebration of Fresno’s diversity and culture can be seen at the Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival in the Tower District. Not to mention a lot of fun, there will be costumes and music and great food. A great time for everyone.
When: Saturday, June 2, 2012 10AM to 3PM
Where: Parade begins at Olive and Palm and ends at Olive and Maroa. Festival is at Olive and Fulton – in the Tower District.
6.Get Outdoors Day – Fee Free National Park Entrance!
What a great opportunity to go to all of the nearby National Parks like Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Living in Fresno we are blessed to be so close to such natural beauty. We often forget to take advantage of the proximity and enjoy a day in some of the most naturally beautiful parks in the world.
When: Saturday, June 9, 2012 all day
Where: Any National Park including Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia
A great opportunity to see all of the local products that Fresno State makes. A festival that includes sampling Fresno State Ice Cream, which is my personal favorite, and sausages. You couldn’t ask for better quality and what a fun way to share it.
This is the second annual celebration of Fresno’s local chiles. The celebration includes, that’s right! Hot Chiles and a variety of foods made with them. There will also be some spicy music to accompany those delicious locally grown treats. An event this summer you won’t want to miss!
Last but certainly not least, one of my favorite festivals in Fresno is the Greek Fest. If you want to get an immersion in Greek culture without having to travel to Greece then this is your chance. This festival is packed with Greek music and dancing, food and desserts. Everyone is invited to join in and there are lots of toys and games for kids.
When: Friday August 24, 2012 – Sunday August 26, 2012
Friday August 24th (4 PM – Midnight)
Saturday August 25th (11 AM – Midnight)
Sunday August 26th (11 AM – 6 PM).
Where: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard in Fresno (SW corner of 1st & Clinton)
Cost: $5 for adults, Seniors and children under 12 are free
Saturday and Sunday’s admission is free with a canned food donation (one per person) between 11am-6pm.
