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friday, august 21st - Special Access day tickets

Koi Fest 2026 – 2-Day Special Access Pass
Special Access Day Tours | August 21st 10am - 4pm
Special Access Sushi Hibachi Dinner | August 21st 5pm-9pm
Koi Fest Event VIP Access | August 22nd 9am- 5pm

Kick off Koi Fest 2026 with a behind-the-scenes experience designed for serious hobbyists, collectors, vendors, and industry insiders. The 2-Day Special Access Pass offers early access, premium experiences, and meaningful connections—setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend.

Private & Semi-Private Koi Buying Tours

Throughout Special Access Day, guests will participate in guided private and semi-private koi buying tours led by the Fitz’s Fish Ponds team. This exclusive access allows attendees to view and purchase high-quality koi before the main festival opens to the public. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, these tours provide insight, access, and opportunity you won’t find during general admission hours.

Vendor & Sponsor Early Access

Special Access Day also serves as an ideal setup and networking opportunity for vendors and sponsors. With a quieter, more intimate environment, participants can set up booths, explore the festival layout, and connect directly with fellow industry professionals and early-arriving attendees ahead of the weekend crowds.

Welcome Dinner – Sushi & Hibachi Night

As the day winds down, join fellow guests for the Welcome Dinner: Sushi & Hibachi Night. Enjoy fresh sushi and sizzling hibachi prepared on site in a relaxed, high-energy atmosphere—an evening designed to celebrate great food, great people, and the official start of Koi Fest.

Bonfire & Community Gathering

Following dinner, the night continues with a bonfire and casual community gathering. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, swap koi stories, and connect with hobbyists, vendors, sponsors, and the Fitz’s Fish Ponds team in a laid-back setting.

Saturday VIP Koi Fest Access Included

In addition to Friday’s exclusive programming, the 2-Day Special Access Pass includes admission to Koi Fest on Saturday through 4:00 PM, giving pass holders continued access to vendors, koi exhibits, and festival activities as the event comes fully to life.

Tri-State ZNA Banquet – Separate Ticket Required

Please note that Saturday night’s Tri-State ZNA Banquet & Awards Ceremony is not included with this pass. If you wish to attend the ZNA Banquet on Saturday evening, a separate banquet ticket must be purchased (See Below).

Limited Availability

The 2-Day Special Access Pass delivers early access, exclusive experiences, and a front-row seat to the heart of Koi Fest—before the gates officially open and well into the weekend.
Spots are limited. Secure your place and start Koi Fest 2026 the VIP way.

GET Tickets Here!

Check out last year’s special access Day ~ dinner!

special access faqs

The Special Access Tour is a limited-capacity, behind-the-scenes experience at Fitz’s Fish Ponds, where guests explore koi facilities, holding systems and operations that are not typically open to the public.

Both packages include access to the same areas of the farm; however, the premium package offers a one-on-one koi buying experience and the ability to request your preferred guide. The Koi Fest team will do their best to accommodate all guide requests.

Our farm is stocked with thousands of high-quality Japanese koi across a wide range of varieties, sizes and price points. If you are searching for something specific, you’ll have the opportunity to share your preferences after registration.

Yes. The Special Access Tour requires a separate ticket, as space is limited and each group is paired with an experienced Fitz’s Fish Ponds guide.

Each group is paired with an experienced Fitz’s Fish Ponds team member who will guide you through the farm and answer questions along the way.

Very limited. This is an exclusive experience designed to provide a more personal, in-depth look at the farm—tickets are expected to sell out.

Guests will enjoy exclusive access to the farm, guided tours through koi systems, opportunities to purchase koi, and an immersive look into the operations behind one of the largest koi importing facilities in the U.S. The ticket also includes VIP status for Koi Fest.

The Special Access Dinner is an exclusive Friday evening experience featuring a high-energy sushi and hibachi night, bringing together guests, collectors and the Fitz’s Fish Ponds team to kick off Koi Fest in style.

No problem. A Special Access Dinner-Only ticket is available for $150, making it a great option for guests who want to join the evening festivities without participating in the tour.

The evening features a full sushi and hibachi experience. Guests will enjoy a dynamic dining atmosphere with fresh, high-quality offerings.

Yes. Please indicate any dietary restrictions at the time of ticket registration so accommodations can be made.

This experience is perfect for koi enthusiasts, collectors, vendors and guests looking for a more elevated, social kickoff to Koi Fest.
Is the dinner included with the tour ticket?
Depending on your selected package, the dinner may be included. Please review your ticket details at checkout.

For any additional questions, please email koifest@fitzfishponds.com.

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