As the sun sets over the Fresno State campus, the air is electric with excitement as students, faculty, and staff eagerly anticipate the return of Vintage Days – a beloved tradition that brings together the best of food, entertainment, and community spirit. This year’s festivities promise to be the most action-packed yet, with a fresh lineup of delectable eats, captivating attractions, and thrilling entertainment options that are sure to captivate even the most seasoned Vintage Days enthusiasts. From the savory aromas wafting from the food vendors to the pulsating rhythms of live music and dance performances, the campus is set to transform into a vibrant hub of activity that’s impossible to resist. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new and exciting at this year’s Vintage Days celebration.
Festival Overview
After two years of virtual events, Vintage Days is back on campus with a bang! The student-run festival that historically attracts about 50,000 attendees per year will return to an in-person, on-campus celebration at Fresno State this year. The 48th Vintage Days will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 1. Admission to Vintage Days is free and parking is not enforced.
Student clubs and organizations will host over 20 food booths alongside vendors such as A Taste of Paradise Hawaiian Shave Ice, Texas Twister Drinks, Gorilla Gurt-Dippin’ Dots, Old Tyme Kettle Korn, FURY Hot Chicken, Jay’s Specialty Ice Cream and Dutch Bros Coffee. Adults 21 and over can enjoy Fresno State wine and adult beverages in the Beer and Wine Garden. Proceeds benefit various campus organizations.
Food and Drinks Galore
Diverse Culinary Options
Explore the various food booths hosted by student clubs and local vendors. From traditional festival fare to unique and international cuisine, there’s something for every taste and dietary preference.
Beverages for All
From Fresno State wine to adult beverages, there’s something for everyone in the Beer and Wine Garden. Proceeds benefit various campus organizations.
Entertainment and Attractions
Game On!: Student organizations host game booths, while the Blue Shell Gaming Arena offers console gaming and tournaments. The Blue Shell Gaming Arena will feature an exhibit on the history of video games, photo opportunities with cosplay characters, and vendors with pop culture memorabilia and artwork in the Satellite Student Union all weekend long. Unlimited console gaming and the Mario Kart Live race track will be available with a $10 gaming wristband. Gaming tournaments are scheduled throughout the weekend and require a wristband and $5 registration per tournament. The schedule of the gaming tournaments will be available at fresnostate.edu/vintagedays.
Arts and Crafts
The Crafts Faire features over 100 booths of artisans selling unique, handmade goods. Attendees can explore the Crafts Faire, a marketplace of over 100 booths of artisans selling unique, handmade goods.
Family Fun
Kids Zone: Free arts and crafts, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, and more for kids of all ages. A $20 wristband will provide access to inflatables, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, a petting zoo, and a reptile exhibit as well as the Blue Shell Gaming Arena. The popular trackless train ride returns on Saturday and Sunday.
Story Time and Movie Night
Enjoy children’s book readings and a free outdoor movie screening of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” at 8 p.m. on the lawn near the Satellite Student Union. Photo opportunities with Spider-Man and Doctor Strange cosplay characters will start at 7 p.m.
Additional Events and Activities
Bulldog Block Party: A complementary event on Saturday, featuring a tailgating party, football Spring Preview, and more. Attendees can enjoy Fresno State wine and adult beverages in the Beer and Wine Garden. Proceeds benefit various campus organizations.
Music and Performance
Live entertainment from musicians, bands, DJs, and dancers on the concert stage. Musicians, bands, DJs, and dancers will entertain from the concert stage all weekend.
Conclusion
As the annual Vintage Days celebration returns to Fresno State, it brings with it a fresh wave of excitement and novelty. This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of new foods, attractions, and entertainment options that cater to diverse tastes and interests. From the introduction of a food truck festival to the return of beloved campus staples like the 5K run and festival games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond the surface-level festivities, Vintage Days represents a significant cultural and community-building event that highlights the values of Fresno State’s students, faculty, and staff. The event provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a sense of school spirit and camaraderie among attendees. The event’s growth and evolution also underscore the university’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and inclusivity, making it an essential component of the campus experience.
As Vintage Days continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and interests of the Fresno State community, it’s clear that this beloved tradition will remain a beacon of school pride and community connection for years to come. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to imagine the new ideas, initiatives, and experiences that will emerge from this vibrant event, cementing its place as a defining aspect of the Fresno State experience. With its contagious energy and infectious spirit, Vintage Days will continue to inspire, motivate, and bring people together in the years to come.