August 3, 2025 — Clovis is more than just a place to live; it’s a place where every season brings a new reason to celebrate. Our town thrives on community, and that spirit is most visible in the incredible lineup of festivals and events that fill our calendar year after year. From the thunder of hooves to the colorful spectacle of hot air balloons, there’s always something happening that brings families and neighbors together. It’s these uniquely Clovis events that make our city feel like home.
Clovis Rodeo: The Dust, The Denim, The Delight
If you’re not a Clovis native, you might think the Clovis Rodeo is just a bunch of cowboys wrestling with some really large animals. And, you’re not wrong, but you’re also missing the point entirely. The Clovis Rodeo is a full-body experience. It’s the smell of tri-tip on the grill, the thump of a country-western bassline, and the roar of a crowd as a bronco rider hangs on for dear life. It’s an ode to our city’s “Gateway to the Sierras” roots, and it’s the place where our kids can watch real-life heroes in hats. Even if you’re not into the main event, the parade is a must-see, with floats, marching bands, and local legends making their way through the streets.
Big Hat Days: Hats Off to a Good Time
Speaking of Old Town, our charming historic district becomes a sea of humanity (and very large hats) for Big Hat Days. It’s the official unofficial kickoff to spring, a two-day festival that brings together craft vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. It’s the kind of event where you can buy a hand-carved wooden spoon, eat a funnel cake the size of your head, and listen to a local band rock out, all while dodging strollers and trying not to get a rogue piece of kettle corn in your hair. It’s a delightful, organized chaos that we look forward to every year.
Freedom Fest: A Patriotic Party with a Purpose
And as the summer reaches its peak, the Clovis Kiwanis Club presents Freedom Fest, a true community celebration of American independence. This isn’t just a fireworks show; it’s an entire day dedicated to patriotism and family fun. The event is a vibrant tapestry of local food trucks, live music that gets everyone on their feet, and a dedicated kids’ zone with bounce houses and games. As the sun sets, the sky becomes the canvas for a spectacular fireworks display, a breathtaking finale that brings the entire community together under a shower of light and color. It’s a reminder of what makes our town, and our country, so special.
ClovisFest: Hot Air Balloon Celebration
As the heat of summer begins to fade, ClovisFest swoops in like a beautiful, multi-colored phoenix. The sight of hot air balloons dotting the morning sky is a truly magical experience and a visual feast that reminds us to look up from our phones and appreciate the world around us. After the balloons have drifted away, the festival itself is a smorgasbord of local vendors, from artisans selling their wares to the most delicious food stalls you’ll find all year. The International Village is a personal favorite, offering a taste of global cultures right here in the heart of the Central Valley.
Clovis Night Out: The Best Kind of Block Party
And then, as the days get shorter, we get one last hurrah with Clovis Night Out. This isn’t just an event; it’s a giant community-wide slumber party where nobody actually sleeps. Held at David McDonald Park, it’s a free, family-friendly extravaganza with bounce houses for the kids, live music that makes you want to dance, and an insane number of food and boutique vendors. It’s our town’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s all get together one more time before the holidays, eat some good food, and remind ourselves why we love living here.”
The Old Town Farmers Market: Our Weekly Dose of Community
Let’s start with a year-round classic. Every weekend, rain or shine, the heart of our city beats to the rhythm of the Old Town Farmers Market. It’s a place where you can get your hands on fresh, local produce, listen to a busker strum a happy tune, and run into three of your neighbors while you’re at it. It’s not just a place to buy groceries; it’s a living, breathing social hub that reminds us of the small-town charm we all cherish. The evening market during the warmer months, with its live music and delicious food trucks, is the perfect way to wind down a long week.
Old Town Motorama: All Shine and No Rust
If the roar of a bull isn’t your speed, maybe the rumble of a classic V8 is. The Old Town Motorama transforms our historic streets into an open-air museum of chrome, steel, and brilliant paint jobs. This is where car enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike can get up close and personal with some of the most beautifully restored and customized vehicles around. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a fantastic showcase of automotive artistry.
One Enchanted Evening: Old-Fashioned Holiday Magic
As the year winds down, Clovis gets downright cozy. One Enchanted Evening is an old-fashioned holiday open house that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas card. Old Town lights up, carolers fill the air with festive songs, and the charming horse-drawn carriage rides are a must-do. It’s a perfect evening of warm cocoa, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer, and it’s the official start to our town’s most magical season.
Children’s Electric Christmas Parade: A Moving Display of Holiday Joy
And what would the holidays be without a parade? The Children’s Electric Christmas Parade is a truly special event where floats, cars, and even the marching bands are decked out in thousands of tiny, twinkling lights. It’s a dazzling procession of holiday spirit that brings out the inner child in all of us. Just be sure to find your spot early, the crowds for this one are legendary!
From the farmers’ markets every weekend to our beloved seasonal events, Clovis has a special knack for turning a gathering into a memory. So next time you’re looking for something to do, check the local calendar. Chances are, Clovis has a party going on, and you’re invited. Just remember to wear your comfy shoes and, for Big Hat Days, bring a very, very big hat.