Lifestyle

Preview: Big Hat Days to return for 88th big annual celebration

Big Hat Days in Old Town Clovis on April 5, 2025.

By Victoria Resendez, Reporter • Apr 10, 2026

Big Hat Days returns to Old Town Clovis this weekend, with thousands of visitors expected to gather for the 88th annual celebration on April 11-12. This event is one of the Central Valley’s most anticipated spring festivals, bringing the community together for a weekend packed with entertainment, food and good times.

Beginning in 1938, Big Hat Days was created to honor the region’s deep agricultural roots. This celebration pays tribute to the hats worn by farmers, cowboys and loggers, which served as essential protection from harsh Central Valley sun and scorching rays. Over time, the event has grown into a beloved tradition that reflects on Western heritage and community pride.

From every kind of hat you could imagine, Big Hat Days has become known for its creative eye-catching headwear where bigger is better. Visitors can expect to see everything from classic cowboy hats to dramatic oversized head wear, making it a fun and memorable part of the festival celebration.

Attendees wear cowboy hats and sunglasses to Big Hat Days on April 5, 2025. (Jazmin Alvarado/The Collegian)

Throughout the weekend,the streets of Old Town Clovis will be transformed into a street fair featuring more than 400 vendors. Attendees can expect to see handmade crafts, enjoy a wide variety of food and shop for unique goods. Festival-goers can also experience a petting zoo, carnival and a beer garden for adults, making this event enjoyable for all visitors and ages.

Music lovers can enjoy the beer garden, which will feature live country and rock performances throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Scott Patrick kicks things off at 10 a.m., followed by John Pemberton from 12-2 p.m., South 65 from 2-4 p.m. and In Kahootz from 46 p.m. On Sunday, Houston Ave makes its way to the stage at 11-1 p.m. followed by John Pemberton and the Shotgun Riders performing from 1-3 p.m., kicking off the rodeo season in style.

Big Hat Days runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday and 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Sunday in Old Town Clovis.Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for parking and to explore the streets. Don’t miss out on the fun, grab your hat and check out what Big Hat Days has to offer.

About the Contributor

Victoria Resendez, Reporter

Victoria is a reporter for The Collegian and is majoring in digital journalism. This is her first semester at Fresno State. She is passionate about storytelling that highlights social issues and advocacy-driven journalism. Victoria hopes to pursue a career in investigative or multimedia journalism as a proud first-generation Mexican American woman. She is committed to increasing representation in media and uplifting underrepresented voices.

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