The 5th Annual San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival, presented by the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America, is set to return to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds April 19 – 21, 2024.

The event, sponsored by the Carlos Vieira Foundation, has free entry and is a celebration open for all to discover the heritage of the Portuguese people and honor their contributions to the San Joaquin Valley and the state of California.

The festival kicks off on April 19 with carnival rides by Butler Amusements, ‘Bull on a Rope’ by Joe and Melissa Vaz, followed by a special performance by Rodrigo Leal and his full band in a tribute to his father, Roberto Leal. Gates open at 4:30pm on April 19.

On April 20, events begin with a parade at 10 a.m. Other features include a cultural exhibit, wine and cheese tastings, along with other food and craft vendors. Live entertainment will be available all day with philharmonic and folklore performances on the Simplot Stage and musical performances in the exhibit hall. To celebrate the 5th annual event, RTP (Radio &Television Portugal) will be at the fairgrounds from 12 noon to 5 p.m. to film a five-hour special live show from the festival grounds and transmitting all over the world.

To end the night of April 20, Vavo Brito will MC on the 51FIFTY stage and introduce performances by Sara Cruz, Ana Malhoa, and Jose Malhoa with his full band. An after-party will feature DJ Brown Sugar.

On April 21, events will begin with a traditional Bodo de Leite (oxcart parade), followed by an animal auction, and a Portuguese Bloodless Bullfight in the Pacific Ag Rentals Arena. Fairgrounds gates open at 10 a.m. and arena gates open at 2 p.m. The bullfight starts at 4 p.m. and will be followed by an after-party with DJ Marcos Shalom. Tickets for the bullfight arena are $15.

Admission to the festival is free but there will be opportunities at the gate to support local autism programs. All proceeds go directly towards helping local kids with autism through the Carlos Vieira Foundation’s Race for Autism grant program.

For vendor, sponsor, parade, entertainment, or other additional information, visit SJVportuguesefestival.com or call 209-394-1444. For more information about the Carlos Vieira Foundation, visit carlosvieirafoundation.org.