AROUND TOWN: AUGUST 2026
“Sahara Nights” is the theme for this year’s Summer Soirée, hosted by Salt +Light.
Photographer Erin Householder
August 3rd to 7th & 10th to 14th
Summer 2026 Art Academy
Fresno Art Museum
www.fresnoartmuseum.org
Two of FAM’s four weeks of visual art workshops will take place during August. A morning (9:00AM to 12:30PM) and afternoon (1:00PM to 4:30PM) class is open daily for children ages 8 to 15. For Week 3, “Monsters, Dragons, & Wild Things” and “Stop-Motion Animation” are offered. For Week 4, “Re-Imagining Story through Illustration” and “Graphic Design without a Computer” are the options.
August 7th
F1rst Friday
Arts Consortium
Downtown Visalia
www.artsconsortium.org
F1rst Friday is a free, monthly, family-friendly program that takes place every first Friday from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. All sites are within walking distance from each other in Downtown Visalia. Each hosts artwork from local and regional artists, authors, or interactive activities. Maps are available at participating venues, where attendees may be entered into the opportunity drawing.
August 7th and 21st
ArtHop
Fresno Arts Council
Downtown Fresno
www.fresnoartscouncil.org
ArtHop takes place during the first and third Thursday of the month from 5:00PM to 8:00PM in Downtown Fresno. It features free entry to exhibitions, gallery shows, special performances, and unique art experiences for art lovers of all ages. This is the most active and anticipated monthly public arts experience in the Fresno Metro area and offers everyone the opportunity to celebrate art, music, and food together.
August 15th
41st Annual Tōrō Nagashi
Shinzen Garden
www.shinzenjapanesegarden.org
Traditionally, this Japanese ceremony honors the memory of loved ones and symbolizes peace and gratitude. Limited quantities of lanterns are available. Each lantern purchase includes the lantern and up to four names to be read by the event emcee during the lantern launch. Lantern pick-up begins at 4:00PM. Food trucks will be on-site starting at 5:00PM. The ceremony and launch commence at 7:00PM.
August 22nd
Summer Soirée 2026
Salt + Light
Tulare Veterans Memorial Building
www.saltandlightworks.org
Salt + Light will host their sixth annual summer fundraising event with a “Sahara Nights” theme this year. The organization walks alongside our neighbors experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and isolation, building spaces rooted in dignity, belonging, and restoration. Tickets are priced at $150 or $1,200 for a table of eight. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
August 23rd
Chukchansi Heritage Night 2026
Chukchansi Park
www.milb.com/fresno
Celebrate the rich heritage of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians during the Fresno Grizzlies’ Chukchansi Heritage Night. Presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, the evening honors the tribe’s enduring traditions, cultural legacy, and lasting contributions to the Central Valley through a memorable celebration of community, culture, and America’s pastime.
August 28th to October 18th
The Cemetery Club
Good Company Players
2nd Space Theatre
www.gcplayers.com
Three widows find friendship and laughter as they grapple with love and loss in their monthly visits to their husbands’ graves. But when one tries to move on, the other two sabotage her budding romance. This performance by the Good Company Players is rated PG-13. The Cemetery Club performs at the 2nd Space Theatre from the end of August to mid-October.
For more information contact event organizer as events may be subject to change.
