The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival returns this week with a refreshed look, immersive new spaces, and a full lineup of entertainment.
The annual event presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino runs from Feb. 12 to March 1 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.
Celebrating the fest’s 78th year with the theme “Return to the Oasis,” organizers are refreshing the event’s 1001 Nights legacy while combining it with a mid-century style that was inspired by Greater Palm Springs’ architecture.
“We’re always looking for ways to make the things people love even better, while adding new surprises to bring guests back and welcome those who haven’t visited in a while,” Chris Pickering, CEO of Pickering Events which manages the festival, said in a statement.
This year’s festivities features the debut of the National Date Festival Museum inside the Sands of Time building, offering an engaging look at date farming, Festival history and the Coachella Valley’s agricultural roots. Nearby, each space offers a unique experience — competitive quilts on display in the Hall of Ribbons, fine art and baked goods, the Cave of Wonders gem and mineral showcase and the Palm Pavilion highlighting CV’s signature crop: dates.
Another highlight for the 2026 fair is the new Oasis Lounge & Tiki Bar, which organizers describe as “a relaxed hideaway within the fairgrounds that transports guests into a world of classic tiki drinks and tropical vibes. Designed as a true escape from the midway, it’s an ideal place to cool off, recharge, and enjoy Hawaiian music on the Balcony Stage or Polynesian dancers and fire spinning performances on the Luau Stage.”
The arena schedule offers entertainment throughout the event’s entire run, including Monster Trucks on Feb. 12-13, the Monster X Demo Derby on Feb. 14, Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada featuring Roberto Tapia and more on Feb. 21 and PRCA Rodeo performances on Feb. 28 and March 1, according to the Festival. Special ticketed attractions include Love on the Wheel, a Valentine’s-themed sunset Ferris Wheel dating event; Bingo, Honey!, a comedy bingo show; and Shaken Midway, an interactive cocktail workshop.
Also on Feb. 14 is Out at the Fair, an LGBTQ-inclusive day featuring live music, dance-fitness programming and a high-energy drag show with performers from One Eleven Bar. Out at the Fair celebrates “visibility, joy and community,” organizers said.
The chance to interact with animals remains an integral part of the Fair & Date Fest experience, “grounding the midway in agriculture and education,” according to the Festival. “Guests can enjoy hands-on learning at the petting farm and livestock exhibits, where kids see what it takes to care for animals and understand the role agriculture plays in Fair tradition and daily life.”
Daily entertainment is included with standard admission, spanning stages, midways and strolling zones, organizers said. Highlights include All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show, the Globe of Death motorcycle stunt show, Magic of Rafael, Science Wizard, Sea Lion Splash, the Petting Farm, livestock exhibits and family-friendly performers who roam the grounds.
“The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival reaches communities across the county and supports programs that matter,” V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County 4th District Supervisor, said in a statement. “Every visit helps sustain youth exhibits, arts and baking competitions, gem and mineral showcases, and the agricultural traditions that make Riverside County unique.”
Tickets, schedules and additional event details are online at datefest.org.
