Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival 2025 in California

Each February, the Coachella Valley becomes a hot spot for fun and even dating. The annual Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival features lots of unique entertainment, special events, and culinary experiences. Here, you can witness agricultural exhibits, baking and other food competitions, and even camel and ostrich races.

Festival Program & Events

With more than 70 years behind the event's belt, Riverside County Fair annually offers a jam-packed program of entertainment, activities, and competitions. If you ever wanted to try your hand against the others in a niche contest, you have almost 40 competitions to choose from. From the dates contest to the school yearbook competition, there's plenty of fun to be had at the festival. There's even a pinewood derby, where you can witness an exciting race of hand-made miniature cars.

The fair features numerous strolling performers, like stilt walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, circus performers and more. The Family Fun stage showcases some of the most fascinating artists, ready to entertain the crowds with jokes, magician tricks, clown performances, and more. Pig races are also a highlight of the festivities. Food vendors offer traditional modern fair food, but also some special treats like creamy date shakes and sweet fruits of all varieties from the local date palms.

Music Lineup

Amazing music performances gather crowds each evening. In the past, the Riverside County Fair featured both budding music artists as well as renowned stars, which made a huge impact on the music industry. Previous lineups included Smash Mouth, Natasha Bedingfield, Voz De Mando, and Flo Rida.

Dates & Hours

This long-standing fair takes place annually in February, sometimes spanning into March. The fun unfolds from Thursday through Monday (February 13-17) during the first opening week and from Thursday through Sunday during the second and third weeks (February 20-23, February 27-March 2). The event opens its doors to visitors at 3 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and at 10 am on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Entry is not permitted after 9 pm, while the event itself ends at 10 pm.

Tickets & Parking

General admission costs $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $12 for children. Season Pass costs $35 and gives you access to all 13 days of the fair. To enjoy carnival midway rides, consider purchasing carnival wristbands, which will set you back $32 and are valid for one day until 10 pm. Parking is available on Oasis Street and costs $10. VIP parking can also be purchased for $20. Prices are due to increase on February 13.

If you're looking for a deal, tickets are discounted on Black Friday and some other special events. Additionally, children 12 and under can enter for free on Thursdays. First responders and veterans can also enter for free but need to purchase a complimentary ticket beforehand.

Location

Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival takes place in a vibrant city of Indio in Riverside County, California. Situated in the Coachella Valley, in the heart of Southern California, the city is known for hosting numerous events, including the famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The Riverside County Fair takes place at its regular venue, Riverside County Fairgrounds, across from Dr Carreon Park.