What the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival Is
The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio is the Coachella Valley's winter fair, built around the date, the valley's signature crop, and a long-running Arabian Nights theme. The 2026 edition was the 78th year, ran February 12 to March 1, and carried the theme "Return to the Oasis," which blends the festival's 1001 Nights legacy with a mid-century look inspired by Greater Palm Springs architecture. It is presented with Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
What You Can See and Do
- National Date Festival Museum, new in 2026 inside the Sands of Time building, covering date farming, festival history and the agricultural roots of the valley.
- Palm Pavilion, which highlights dates.
- Hall of Ribbons, the competitive exhibits hall for quilts, fine art and baked goods, and the Cave of Wonders gem and mineral showcase.
- Animals: a petting farm and livestock exhibits where kids learn how animals are cared for and how agriculture shapes the fair.
- Daily entertainment included with admission, such as racing pigs, a dog show, a motorcycle stunt show, a sea lion show and roaming performers.
- Oasis Lounge and Tiki Bar, new in 2026, with Hawaiian music and Polynesian dance on its stages.
The 2026 Arena Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 12-13 | Monster Trucks |
| February 14 | Monster X Demo Derby |
| February 21 | Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada |
| February 28 and March 1 | PRCA Rodeo |
Ticketed extras included a Valentine's sunset Ferris Wheel event, a comedy bingo show and a cocktail workshop. Saturday, February 14 was Out at the Fair, an LGBTQ-inclusive day with live music and a drag show.
How to Enter the Competitive Exhibits
Competitive exhibits are entered online through FairOS: Compete, on a phone or computer.
- Review the Competitive Exhibits Premium Book or the department guide for your category.
- Create a FairOS account. You must be 18 or older to create one, and you enter for yourself, your children or a school, club or organization. Your date of birth tells the system which categories you can enter.
- Choose "+ New entry" and follow the prompts: Exhibitor, Area, Department, Division, Class.
- Save each entry as a draft, then choose Review and Submit.
- Pay entry fees through Square. A saved draft is not submitted, and fees must be paid by your department's deadline.
A 2027 Competitive Exhibits Handbook is already posted for the next fair.
Why It Matters to the Community
A Riverside County supervisor said each visit helps sustain youth exhibits, arts and baking competitions, gem and mineral showcases and the agricultural traditions of the county.
Where
Riverside County Fairgrounds, Indio, California (82-503 Highway 111). The fair office is at 46350 Arabia St., Indio, CA 92201, phone 760-863-8247.
Questions
When is the next one?
The most recent edition ran February 12 to March 1, 2026. The fair is held every winter in the Coachella Valley.
Can children enter exhibits?
Yes, a parent or guardian creates the FairOS account and enters on their behalf.
Official Links
- Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival
- How to enter competitive exhibits
- Patch: Fair and Date Fest kicks off 78th year
California Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
California county and district fairs are where most 4-H and FFA members show and sell market animals. CDFA counts 80 fair organizations: District Agricultural Associations, county fairs, citrus fairs and Cal Expo.
Timing
Fairs run nearly all year. CDFA's 2026 list had Riverside in February and March, Salinas Valley in mid-May, the State Fair from July 17 to August 2 and Big Fresno in October.
Rules to watch
State and 4-H rules require 60 consecutive days of ownership for market sheep, swine and goats and 120 for market beef, per the 4-H handbook. Junior livestock exhibitors must also complete YQCA training each year.
Auctions
Monterey's 2025 livestock rules describe a terminal sale with a 9.0 percent selling charge and required thank-you letters. Other fairs differ.
Next steps
Get your fair's exhibitor book from the fair office or Extension 4-H office and mark ownership, entry and YQCA dates. Dates and weights change each year.
Read the full guide: California Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Colorado River Fair
Colorado River Fair in Blythe, Riverside County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Mar 12-15, 2026. The fair serves the Palo Verde Valley on the Colorado River.
Blythe, CA Official event details - Southern California Fair
Southern California Fair in Perris, Riverside County. Held each year; the most recent dates were Oct 8-11, 2026. An October fair at the Southern California Fair & Event Center.
Perris, CA Official event details - CCPRA Finals Rodeo
Season-ending finals of the CCPRA circuit in Red Bluff, November 27-28, 2026.
Red Bluff, CA | Organizer: California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Official event details - San Joaquin County Fair
Winter holiday-season fair at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, scheduled December 3-20, 2026. Family entertainment and local exhibits.
1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, CA Official event details - NYE Kick-Off CCPRA Rodeo
New Year's Eve rodeo in Red Bluff, December 31, 2026, that starts the next CCPRA season.
Red Bluff, CA | Organizer: California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.