Your complete guide to the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, set to open Thursday

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival returns to the desert this week, opening Thursday, Feb. 12, for three weekends of carnival rides, arena shows, kids activities, food, history, and more.

The 78th edition of the fair will occupy the Riverside County Fairgrounds through March 1, operating Thursdays through Sundays along with a special opening on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 16.

Under the management of Pickering Events, which took over the fair’s operations in 2023 following a two-year pandemic hiatus, the festival arrives this year with a new theme: Return to the Oasis. 

History and heritage take center stage at the new National Date Festival Museum located inside the Sands of Time Pavilion. The museum features an exploration of date farming and vintage home movies curated by the nonprofit Deserted Films.

Nearby, the Coachella Valley Model Railroaders maintain their annual display, while the historic Arabian Nights stage—originally designed by MGM set designer Harry Oliver—will host community performances and the Date Pageant, California’s second-longest-running outdoor play.

The fair also hosts a petting farm and large livestock exhibits of goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, and hogs.

The Hall of Ribbons features competitive quilts, fine art, and baked goods, the Cave of Wonders hosts the gem and mineral showcase, and the Palm Pavilion highlights the date.

The fair’s namesake fruit remains the central attraction, with more than 40 date-based food items available to visitors. The menu includes diverse offerings such as date-infused burgers and chicken wings, bacon-stuffed dates, and of course deep-fried dates. For those seeking traditional fair fare, pick from dozens of booths offering cinnamon rolls, barbecue, tacos, and Dole Whip.

The fairgrounds will feature more than 100 vendors and community groups and nearly 50 carnival rides and attractions, including two Ferris wheels and multiple fun houses. For the first time, guests can also visit the Oasis Tiki Lounge, a tropical-themed retreat offering mid-century cocktails.

The Grandstand arena will host special events throughout the festival’s duration. Opening weekend kicks off with monster truck shows on Thursday and Friday, followed by a demolition derby on Saturday, Feb. 14. Later highlights include Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada on Feb. 21 and a professional PRCA rodeo scheduled for the final weekend of Feb. 28 and March 1.

Free programming is planned for nearly every day of the event. On Saturday, Feb. 14, the fair will host Out at the Fair, a day-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community featuring performances by Mariachi Arco-Iris de Los Angeles and a mid-century modern drag show, Atomic Glamor. The day also includes the Perfectly Paired contest at the Halls of Ribbons, where duos compete for prizes based on coordinated outfits.

Youth-focused activities are a major component of the schedule. On Feb. 12, local students will participate in High School Madness, a school spirit competition. Sunday, Feb. 15, features the Junior Department Pinewood Derby at Sinbad’s Bazaar, where participants will race handmade cars. On Feb. 16, the President’s Parade will march through the grounds at 9 a.m., headlined by the Battle of the High School Marching Bands competing for an $8,000 top prize.

Beyond the ticketed arena shows, 22 different free daily activities are included with general admission, such as pig races, sea lion shows, magicians, musicians, dance groups, a motorcycle stunt show, and camel rides. Additionally, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services will maintain a daily presence at the fair, offering dog adoptions to visitors throughout the 13-day event.

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The fairgrounds are open Thursday through Sunday, from Feb. 12 to March 1, with a special opening on Monday, Feb. 16. On Thursdays and Fridays, gates open at 3 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Presidents Day, the fair opens earlier at 10 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m, with admissions gates closing at 8 p.m. Double check hours online here.

General admission tickets range from $10 to $18 with discounts for pre-sale, seniors, and children, while parking is available for $10 to $20 at the Oasis Street lots. Visitors should budget extra for $32 carnival wristbands and arena and other special events, which require separate tickets in addition to fair entry. Special event tickets cost between $10 and $85. Get tickets online here.

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