NEWMAN — The Newman Fall Festival returns Sept. 4–7 with a full weekend of carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment and community traditions as the celebration marks its 55th year.
The festival opens Friday at 4 p.m. in Pioneer Park with food booths, non‑alcoholic beverage vendors and the carnival. Family activities such as face painting, balloon twisting and the Westside Fiesta Mexicana dancers will fill the Gazebo area, while Lucha Libre wrestling returns to the south side of the park. The popular “Evening Under the Stars” tasting event will again take place at the Downtown Plaza from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a ticketed event for those 21 years and older.
Saturday brings a packed schedule across Pioneer Park and Densmore Park, including the annual volleyball tournament, Cruzin’ Critters, Pets on Parade, Kids’ Zone activities, fire‑department demonstrations, musical theater performances and the Little Mr. & Miss Newman and Miss Newman pageants. A Battle of the Bands competition and a Kids’ Dance Party round out the day’s entertainment.
Sunday’s centerpiece is the parade at 10 a.m. through Main and Fresno streets, followed by a full day of vendors, kids’ activities and live music at the Gazebo. A downtown historical walking tour will be offered at the Newman History Museum from noon to 4 p.m. One of the festival’s most beloved performers, Rob Ely — known for his Elvis tribute — will make his return Sunday afternoon after several years away.
The festival concludes Monday with the coed softball tournament at Barrington Park beginning at 9 a.m.
This year brings several notable changes, including expanded carnival options. For the first time, unlimited ride wristbands will be available each day. Festival organizers introduced the change after conducting a community survey to gauge interest in alternatives to the traditional ticket system.
“We heard loud and clear that families wanted more flexibility with the carnival,” said Newman Fall Festival Committee Chairman Brandon Melo. “We worked closely with our vendor to make unlimited ride wristbands possible, and we’re excited to offer something new that makes the experience easier and more affordable for many.”
Melo emphasized that the festival is entirely volunteer‑run and independent from the City of Newman, despite common misconceptions. “Contrary to popular belief, the festival is completely separate from the city,” he said. “We partner with the city on logistics, but every decision and every bit of day‑to‑day work is handled by our Executive Committee and volunteers who never see a paycheck.”
Funding for the festival comes from corporate and individual sponsors, the Evening Under the Stars fundraiser, and revenue generated during festival operations.
Food offerings will also expand this year, reflecting viral trends and broader culinary variety. “We’re bringing in Dubai‑inspired desserts, dirty sodas, more seafood options and expanded barbecue selections,” Melo said. “We want the festival to feel fresh while still honoring the traditions people love.”
With its blend of new attractions and familiar favorites, organizers say the festival continues to evolve while staying rooted in community spirit.
“It’s a celebration of everything that makes Newman special,” Melo said.
