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The beloved Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is returning to Indio with an expanded format for 2025. The festival will run for 13 days from February 13 to March 2, featuring classic carnival rides, monster trucks, rodeo events, and countless culinary experiences celebrating the region's date industry.

The Date Festival is expanding beyond its traditional 10-day schedule, giving you more opportunities to experience this cherished cultural celebration. Located at 46350 Arabia Street in Indio, this year's event promises an exciting mix of entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities under the theme “More Dates.”

Mark your calendar for this unmissable celebration of Coachella Valley‘s heritage, where you can enjoy world-class entertainment while sampling delicious date-based treats. The fair will operate Thursday through Sunday each week, plus Presidents Day, ensuring flexible scheduling for all visitors.

Guide to the 2025 Riverside County Fair: Dates, Events, and Essential Information

History of the Riverside County Fair

The Riverside County Fair combines agricultural heritage with cultural celebration, transforming from a modest community gathering into a major regional event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Origin of the Date Festival

The Riverside County Fair began in 1921 in Indio, California. The integration of dates into the fair's identity emerged from the area's flourishing date palm industry.

The event evolved into the National Date Festival to showcase the Coachella Valley's agricultural significance, particularly its date production. You'll find this unique focus has remained central to the fair's identity for over 75 years.

The fair's growth led to significant expansions. In 2025, you can experience an extended 13-day format, replacing the traditional 10-day schedule.

Through the decades, the festival has maintained its commitment to educating visitors about date cultivation while celebrating the region's Middle Eastern cultural influences.

Dates and Location

The 2025 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival runs for 13 extended days at the historic fairgrounds in Indio, California, operating Thursday through Sunday each week.

Opening Day

The 77th annual festival kicks off on February 13, 2025 and continues through March 2, 2025. You can visit Thursday through Sunday each week, plus Presidents' Day on Monday, February 17.

The fair will be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during its run, except for the Presidents' Day holiday.

This expanded schedule marks the first time the festival has run for 13 days instead of the traditional 10 days.

Fairgrounds Venue

You'll find all the festivities at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, located at 46350 Arabia St in Indio, California.

The fairgrounds serve as the perfect venue for this celebration of Coachella Valley's agricultural heritage and cultural traditions.

The expansive facility provides ample space for carnival rides, food vendors, entertainment stages, and agricultural exhibits.

Access to the fairgrounds is convenient from major highways, with plenty of parking available for visitors.

Attractions and Events

The 2025 Riverside County Fair offers diverse entertainment options spread across its expanded 13-day schedule from February 13 to March 2. The fair grounds come alive with thrilling rides, cultural performances, and special programming.

Main Attractions

Carnival rides and games fill the midway, providing excitement for all ages. You'll find classic favorites alongside new thrill rides that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Live entertainment stages feature daily performances, including music acts and cultural shows celebrating the region's heritage.

The livestock pavilion lets you get up close with farm animals through interactive exhibits. You can watch competitions and learn about agricultural practices.

Monster truck shows deliver high-energy entertainment with massive vehicles performing spectacular stunts and races.

Special Events

Out at the Fair takes place February 15, featuring Bingo with Deven Green, drag performances, and a dance party in the Shalimar Building.

Traditional Jaripeo shows showcase Mexican rodeo skills with bull riding exhibitions and musical performances.

Date-themed contests highlight local agriculture, where you can taste unique date-based treats and watch cooking competitions.

The fair operates Thursday through Sunday, with a special opening on Presidents' Day. Your visit can be planned around specific showtimes posted at entrance gates.

Agricultural and Livestock Exhibitions

The fair celebrates the region's agricultural heritage through hands-on exhibits featuring locally grown dates and livestock displays that showcase the area's ranching traditions.

Livestock Showcase

You can experience up-close encounters with various farm animals at the extensive livestock exhibits. Local ranchers and youth organizations display their prized cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals.

Live demonstrations give you opportunities to learn about animal care, feeding practices, and breeding programs directly from experienced handlers.

Agricultural students and 4-H club members compete in showmanship competitions, demonstrating their skills in presenting and handling livestock.

Agricultural Education

Interactive displays teach you about the Coachella Valley's date palm industry, from growing techniques to harvesting methods. Expert growers provide daily demonstrations of date palm cultivation.

You can sample different date varieties and learn cooking techniques featuring this regional crop. Food vendors offer creative date-based dishes and treats.

Agricultural Commissioner staff members are available on select days to answer questions about local farming practices and regulations. Their booth provides resources about sustainable agriculture and pest management.

Gastronomic Experience

The culinary offerings at the 2025 Riverside County Fair celebrate both traditional fair foods and unique date-inspired creations, with local vendors showcasing the region's agricultural heritage.

Local Cuisine

The Riverside County Fair features an extensive selection of food stalls serving fresh, locally-inspired dishes. You'll find the innovative Date Al Pastor Tacos, which blend sweet Medjool dates with traditional Mexican flavors.

Food vendors set up throughout the fairgrounds offer a mix of classic fair treats and regional specialties. Your visit won't be complete without trying the legendary Date Shake, a creamy dessert beverage that perfectly captures the essence of Coachella Valley's date farming heritage.

Signature Dishes

The Food Festival portion showcases unique date-infused creations:

• Date Shakes (made with local Medjool dates)
• Date Al Pastor Tacos
• Date-spiced cookies
• Honey-date glazed kebabs

Daily cooking demonstrations teach you how to incorporate dates into your home cooking. Local chefs showcase innovative ways to use dates in both sweet and savory dishes.

The fair's food court operates during all open hours, with most vendors accepting both cash and cards.

Competitions and Demonstrations

Thrilling competitive events await at the 2025 Riverside County Fair, where skilled athletes and daring competitors showcase their talents in high-energy performances.

PRCA Pro Rodeo

Professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in heart-pounding rodeo events featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and roping competitions. You'll witness elite athletes in action as they vie for substantial prize money and qualifying points toward the National Finals Rodeo.

The PRCA-sanctioned events include:

• Bareback Riding
• Steer Wrestling
• Team Roping
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Tie-Down Roping
• Bull Riding

Arrive early to secure prime viewing spots near the chutes where the action begins. The rodeo takes place in the main arena during prime evening hours.

Demo Derby

Experience the raw power and mechanical mayhem of full-contact automotive competition. Skilled drivers battle it out in modified vehicles, competing to be the last car running in this crowd-favorite demolition event.

Your ticket includes access to the pit area before the derby, where you can meet the drivers and inspect the specially reinforced vehicles up close. Watch as drivers employ strategic hitting techniques and defensive maneuvers to protect their engines while disabling their opponents.

The derby features multiple vehicle classes:

• Full-Size Cars
• Compact Cars
• Trucks

Cultural Significance

The Riverside County Fair celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Coachella Valley region through immersive exhibits and performances that highlight local traditions.

Cultural Exhibits

At the extended 2025 festival, you'll discover authentic cultural displays showcasing the area's Middle Eastern influences and agricultural legacy.

The Shalimar Building transforms into a vibrant cultural hub where you can experience traditional dance performances, music, and art demonstrations reflecting the region's diverse heritage.

You can explore educational exhibits detailing the history of date farming in the Coachella Valley, including vintage farming equipment and historical photographs that tell the story of this important local industry.

Interactive cultural workshops let you try traditional crafts and sample Middle Eastern cuisine. Local artisans demonstrate their skills in pottery making, weaving, and other traditional crafts throughout the festival grounds.

Special Days and Discounts

The 2025 fair offers targeted savings through holiday specials and community programs to help you maximize your festival experience during its expanded 13-day run.

Presidents Day Special

Mark your calendar for February 17, 2025, when the Presidents' Day Parade kicks off at 9:00 AM. You'll receive special admission pricing on this federal holiday, making it an ideal time to bring the whole family.

The parade features local marching bands, decorative floats, and community groups celebrating the region's heritage. Plan to arrive early as this tends to be one of the busiest days at the fair.

Community Discounts

You can save money by planning your visit strategically. The fair is closed on Mondays, but Tuesday visits offer reduced admission rates for seniors and students with valid ID.

Military personnel receive discounted entry with proper identification throughout the 13-day festival. Groups of 15 or more qualify for special rates when tickets are purchased in advance.

Consider buying a multi-day pass if you plan to attend multiple times – it provides significant savings compared to single-day tickets.

Planning Your Visit

The festival takes place at 46350 Arabia Street in Indio, California, running from February 13 to March 2, 2025. For a comfortable experience, plan your accommodations early and familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

Accommodations

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino offers premium lodging just minutes from the fairgrounds. Their rooms provide convenient access to both the festival and casino amenities.

Several hotels in Indio and nearby Palm Desert cater to festival visitors. Book your stay well in advance, as rooms fill up quickly during the 13-day event.

Consider vacation rentals in neighboring communities for extended stays or group accommodations. Many offer full kitchens and additional living space.

Parking and Transportation

The fairgrounds provide ample parking spaces with clear signage to guide you. Arrive early on popular days like weekends and during special events like the monster truck rallies.

Local shuttle services connect major hotels to the fairgrounds. Check with your accommodation for availability.

Ride-sharing services operate throughout the area, offering a convenient alternative to driving. Drop-off and pick-up zones are clearly marked on festival maps.

ADA-accessible parking spots are available near the main entrance. Display your valid placard or license plate for access.

Community and Economic Impact

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival generates substantial economic benefits for Indio and the entire Coachella Valley region while fostering strong community bonds through local participation and cultural celebration.

Local Economy Boost

The extended 2025 festival schedule from February 13 to March 2 brings increased revenue opportunities for local businesses in Indio and surrounding areas.

Your local restaurants, hotels, and retail shops can expect significant customer traffic from the 250,000+ visitors who attend the fair.

Local date farmers and agricultural vendors benefit from direct sales and increased exposure during the festival, strengthening the Coachella Valley's reputation as a premier date-growing region.

Community Involvement

You can participate in numerous cultural events and educational programs that celebrate the rich heritage of the Coachella Valley region.

Local schools and community groups take active roles in fair activities, performing arts showcases, and agricultural demonstrations.

The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino partnership enhances community engagement through sponsored events and entertainment offerings that highlight local talent.

Volunteer opportunities allow you to contribute to your community while being part of this historic celebration that has brought people together since 1921.

Safety and Accessibility

The Riverside County Fairgrounds maintains strict safety protocols to protect all visitors. You'll find first aid stations strategically placed throughout the venue, with trained medical personnel available during all operating hours.

Security checkpoints are positioned at all entrance gates. Bag checks and metal detectors help ensure a safe environment for everyone. Clear bags are recommended for faster entry.

Your comfort and accessibility needs are carefully considered at the Riverside County Fairgrounds. Wheelchair rentals are available at the main entrance, and all major pathways are paved and ADA-compliant.

Free parking is available in designated lots with dedicated accessible spaces near entrance gates. If you need special accommodations, contact the fair office in advance.

Emergency exits are clearly marked throughout the grounds. You'll see detailed maps at information kiosks showing evacuation routes and meeting points.

Service animals are welcome at the fair. You must keep them leashed and carry proper documentation. Water stations for service animals are available throughout the grounds.

Lost and found services are located at the main information booth. You can also register your children for identification wristbands at this location for added security.