The inaugural Great Valley Gathering begins Friday in downtown Fresno, launching three days of music, dance, cultural traditions, food, folk arts, and community storytelling at Courthouse Park.

The free festival, presented by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts in collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, is one of about 40 gatherings nationwide selected for the Smithsonian’s “Of the People” initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Friday’s programming begins at 4 p.m., with El Mariachi de Mi Tierra de Roosevelt High School performing ahead of an opening procession and ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m.

The procession through Courthouse Park will return to the Valley Roots stage for a land acknowledgement and blessing from North Fork Mono Tribal Chairman Ron Goode.

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, Rep. Jim Costa, ACTA Executive Director and Festival Director Amy Kitchener, and a Smithsonian representative are also scheduled to speak. Fresno’s poet laureate will present a poem.

The ceremony will conclude with a traditional Chinese lion dance by the Long Fist Kung Fu Association.

“Everyone is invited to join the opening procession, honoring the role processions play in cultures around the world,” Kitchener said. “Together, participants will walk intentionally through Courthouse Park, visiting the stages and spaces that artists and culture bearers will animate throughout the weekend.”

Live Music to Artisan Showcases

Weekend programming includes live music and dance, Native cultural traditions, culinary demonstrations, artisan showcases, and conversations about migration, Native stewardship, regional identity, and the Central Valley’s future.

The festival will also feature the Great Valley Cypher with Fresno hip-hop artist Fashawn and other performers Saturday evening.

The Great Valley Gathering runs through Sunday at Courthouse Park, 1100 Van Ness Ave.

Friday programming continues until 10 p.m. Saturday events run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday programming runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parking around Courthouse Park is metered Friday, and paid hourly parking is available beneath the courthouse. Parking beneath Courthouse Park is free Saturday and Sunday.

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