Evan Nebeker, Event Organizer, Co-Founder of Grizzly Fest, and Founder of Grand Rising Sober Parties

What does it really take to build community in Fresno — and why does alcohol sit at the center of so many of our public spaces?

On this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Evan, entrepreneur and founder of Grizzly Fest, to talk about food, festivals, sobriety, and the hidden structures that shape life in the city. Evan shares why The Mad Duck remains his go-to Fresno restaurant.

The conversation digs deep into the rise and fall of Grizzly Fest, the politics of noise complaints, downtown development, and why Fresno struggles to support long-term cultural projects. From there, the episode pivots to Evan’s current work with Grand Rising, a daytime, sober community event that blends music, movement, wellness, and social connection — and challenges the idea that alcohol is necessary for people to gather.

Along the way, Jordan and Evan explore:

• Why younger generations are drinking less — and what that means for restaurants and events

• The economics of alcohol, mocktails, and sober nightlife

• Weed culture, potency, and the shift from “event” use to everyday ambient use

• Overrated vs. underrated

• Why Fresno may be leaving money — and cultural energy — on the table by making events so hard to produce

The episode closes with a look ahead to the next Grand Rising event and a reflection on what Fresno could become if it invested more seriously in public life, creativity, and inclusive community spaces.