Clovis' 88th Annual Big Hat Days Kicks Off

Thousands of families enjoy western-themed festival in Old Town Clovis

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:50am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a large cowboy hat repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the iconic western imagery and celebratory energy of the Big Hat Days festival in Clovis, California.The vibrant colors and repeated imagery of Big Hat Days capture the lively western spirit of this long-running Clovis festival.Fresno Today

The first day of Clovis' 88th annual Big Hat Days festival kicked off on Saturday, drawing thousands of families to Old Town Clovis to celebrate the Central Valley's western heritage. Attendees donned their best hats, big or small, and explored the nearly 400 vendors, carnival rides, petting zoo, and indulged in food like lobster fries. Despite some concerns about the weather, the event was a hit with locals like Fresno resident Brianna Valadez, who said they 'usually always come every year.'

Why it matters

Big Hat Days is a long-standing tradition in Clovis that brings the community together to honor the region's western roots through food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The festival's enduring popularity over 88 years speaks to the importance of preserving local culture and heritage, even as the Central Valley continues to evolve.

The details

The two-day Big Hat Days event leads up to the Clovis Rodeo and features nearly 400 vendors, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a variety of food options. Attendees like Joshua Ramos, a father of six, were excited to explore the kid-friendly activities like the bouncy house and dragon ride. Despite some concerns that the potential for bad weather may have kept some families away, the event still drew large crowds eager to celebrate Clovis' western culture.

  • The first day of Big Hat Days kicked off on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The festival continues on Sunday, April 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The players

Brianna Valadez

A Fresno resident who attends Big Hat Days every year.

Joshua Ramos

A father of six who lives near Clovis and was excited to explore the family-friendly activities at Big Hat Days.

Cameron

A young attendee who was looking forward to riding the 'dragon ride' at the festival.

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What they’re saying

“'We usually always come every year.'”

— Brianna Valadez, Fresno resident

“'I've seen a lot of people with big green hats, and I don't know where they get the hats from, but I want a hat.'”

— Hudson Rangel

“'Something's going to catch your eye.'”

— Joshua Ramos

“'It was kind of a relief because nobody was here.'”

— Joshua Ramos

“'I think we've seen more people than it's going right now, maybe the weather or whatnot. But it's always great just to, you know, be out here, walk around, see the vendors.'”

— Joshua Ramos

What’s next

The Big Hat Days festival will continue on Sunday, April 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering another full day of western-themed fun and activities for the whole family.

The takeaway

Big Hat Days has become a beloved annual tradition in Clovis, bringing the community together to celebrate the region's rich western heritage through food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Despite concerns about the weather, the festival's enduring popularity over 88 years demonstrates the importance of preserving local culture and providing opportunities for residents to come together and enjoy their shared history.