Carnival & Fair News

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival returned to Indio for its 78th year, running from February 12 to March 1.

This year's theme, “Return to the Oasis,” brought a fresh vibe by blending the fair's iconic 1001 Nights motif with a tribute to the Palm Springs area's mid-century architectural style throughout the grounds.



Chris Pickering, CEO of Pickering Events, which operates the fair, said the event continually seeks new ways to surprise guests and welcome those who haven't attended in years.

In line with that goal, the fair debuted the National Date Festival Museum in the Sands of Time building. The exhibit highlights the festival's history, date farming, and the agricultural roots of the Coachella Valley. Other attractions ranged from competitive exhibits in baked goods and fine arts to the “Cave of Wonders,” featuring gems and minerals. Visitors could also stop by the Palm Pavilion to sample the festival's signature dates.

A new addition this year was the Oasis Lounge & Tiki Bar, designed as a relaxing escape from the midway. Guests enjoyed tiki drinks in a tropical setting, complete with Hawaiian music, dance performances, and fire spinners.

Entertainment options were plentiful, including monster trucks, the Monster X Demo Derby, the PRCA Rodeo, and the Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada.

Valentine's-themed events added a festive touch, such as “Love on the Wheel,” a sunset Ferris wheel dating experience, and a comedy bingo show titled Bingo, Honey! There was also an interactive cocktail workshop, Shaken Midway.

The fair hosted “Out at the Fair” on Valentine's Day, an LGBTQ event featuring a drag show and live music. Additional attractions included hands-on animal encounters and performances by the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, Sea Lion Splash, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show, and the Globe of Death motorcycle stunt show. Magic and science acts - Magic of Rafael and the Science Wizard - along with Balloonacy's balloon artistry, rounded out the lineup. Livestock exhibits remained a staple, featuring cattle, llamas, sheep, goats, cavies, rabbits, swine, and poultry, alongside a petting zoo, camel rides, and pony rides.

The carnival, provided by Butler Amusements, offered a wide range of rides. Thrill-seekers gravitated toward the Super Shot Drop Tower, Inversion, Freakout, Invader, and the new ride, Soundwave - a freshly themed ARM Ali Baba style ride. Younger guests enjoyed tamer favorites like the Puppy Roll and Wacky Worm Coaster.



Food was a major highlight, with an array of date-inspired treats including date lemonade, date al pastor tacos, date elote, date churros, bacon-wrapped dates, and the classic deep-fried dates. In total, more than 40 date-centric items were available. Other crowd favorites included D & D Country Fair cinnamon rolls and funnel cakes. New offerings this year featured Giant Baby Bottles, Magg's Mac Shack, Wahlburgers, and T Willy's Sliders and Bites.



Presale admission was $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for children, with a $35 season pass covering all 13 days. At-the-gate admission was $18. Carnival ride wristbands cost $32 online or $42 onsite.

Despite several high-heat days, periods of rain, and concerns over immigration enforcement activity, attendance remained strong, according to marketing manager Raffi Frinsley. Opening day attendance nearly tripled compared to last year, though final numbers are still being tallied.

Frinsley noted that the first three days drew exceptionally large crowds, driven by new attractions, an expanded entertainment lineup, and strong community support.

For the second consecutive year, more than 35,000 fourth-grade students from 143 Riverside County elementary schools received complimentary admission. Additionally, a new STEM-focused educational guide brought another 3,071 students on field trips.

Participation in competitions also increased, with 200 more entries across all categories compared to last year, and numerous awards and cash prizes distributed.

The Junior Livestock Auction raised $328,714 for local youth exhibitors, with 100 more animals sold than the previous year.

The City of Indio Celebration Stage once again featured the historic Arabian Nights set (circa 1948) as the backdrop for the Date Pageant, the state's second-longest-running outdoor play. This year's production highlighted traditional dance routines performed by costumed Middle Eastern dancers.

Closing day drew packed grandstand crowds for the rodeo, with highlights including saddle bronc riding, timed roping, and bareback riding.

Pickering emphasized that the fair “continues to stand out not only as the county's premier celebration of community achievement, but as a powerful economic driver in the valley.”