San Joaquin Valley grapes are getting their own celebration as the fourth annual Whole Vine Festival returns to Fresno State on Saturday, Oct. 24, bringing a day of food, music, and family-friendly activities.

The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Fresno State campus near Barstow and Woodrow avenues. Admission, parking, and activities in the Kids Zone are free.

The festival celebrates the region’s grape-growing heritage, from table grapes and raisins to wine grapes, while recognizing the farmers, students, and families behind the industry.

According to festival organizers, nearly every raisin produced in America is grown within about 60 miles of Fresno, while California produces 99% of the country’s commercially grown table grapes.

What’s New at This Year’s Festival?

This year’s celebration will spotlight five Valley grape-farming stories through a new heritage exhibit featuring banners and QR codes linking to each farmer’s story.

The exhibit will recognize raisin grower Steve Reitz, table grape grower George Rodriguez, wine grape growers Nick and Brian Davis and Randy Kazarian, and father-and-son raisin growers Albert and Maurice Smith.

The Fresno State Winery will also receive recognition during the festival’s 10 a.m. opening ceremony after its student-made wines earned four gold medals this year, including two double gold awards.

Families can expect new attractions in the Kids Zone, including a Scarecrow Contest and Movie Tent. The Fresno Discovery Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County, Fresno Metro Ministry, and a petting zoo will also participate.

With Halloween just around the corner, children are encouraged to dress in costume for a candy giveaway from 3 to 5 p.m.

Live entertainment will feature local performers We Got The Beat, the University High School Jazz Ensemble, Matthew Malcolm, Super Sonic, and In Kahootz.

The Raisin Administrative Committee will also host its first booth at the festival.

Food, Wine, and Family Fun

Visitors can sample grapes, raisins, ice cream, and cookies while enjoying offerings from Valley food trucks competing in a grape-themed food competition.

Adults 21 and older can visit the Wine & Beer Garden, featuring Valley wines and locally brewed beers. Identification is required, and tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket table.

Organizers encourage guests to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy live music and picnicking on the lawn.

Free parking will be available off Woodrow Avenue and along Maple Avenue. Accessible parking will be located near the entrance, with level pathways throughout the festival grounds.

A Festival Rooted in the Valley

Founded in 2023 by Fresno-area community leader Vickie Goudreau, the Whole Vine Festival is organized by The Whole Vine Inc., a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the Central Valley and building pride in the region.

The festival is supported by Vineyard Master sponsors The Spencer Family, Farm Credit, American Vineyard Magazine, Industry Standard, Fresno State, the California Table Grape Commission, and the Raisin Administrative Committee.

Additional Wine Connoisseur sponsors include Fresno Equipment Company, Dumont Printing, Core Business Interiors, and Electric Motor Shop.

For more information, visit thewholevine.com or visit the festival’s Facebook page.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.