Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival to return next month in Indio

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival will return next month for its 78th year with fan-favorite attractions, live entertainment and new immersive spaces at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.

With this year's theme, "Return to the Oasis," the festival will run from Feb. 12 through March 1 at 46350 Arabia St.   

Organizers said there will be a refreshed look and new exhibits for this year's festival, including the debut of the National Date Festival museum inside the Sands of Time building, as well as the Oasis Lounge and Tiki bar.   

The museum will offer visitors information about date farming, the festival's history and the agricultural roots of the Coachella Valley. Nearby attractions will include the Hall of Ribbons, the Cave of Wonders and the Palm Pavilion, which highlights the valley's signature crop -- dates.

The Oasis Lounge and Tiki Bar will feature tiki-style drinks, tropical décor, Hawaiian music on the Balcony Stage, and Polynesian dancers and fire-spinning performances on the Luau Stage.

"We're always looking for ways to make the things people love even better, while adding new surprises to bring guests back and welcome those who haven't visited in a while,'' Chris Pickering, CEO of Pickering Events, said in a statement.

Scheduled entertainment includes monster truck shows on Feb. 12 and 13, a Monster X demo derby on Feb. 14, Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada featuring Roberto Tapia on Feb. 21, and PRCA rodeo performances from Feb. 28 through March 1.   

Additional attractions will include daily performances by all-Alaskan racing pigs, "Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show," a petting farm and other family-friendly acts.

The festival will also host an LGBTQ-inclusive day on Feb. 14 titled "Out at the Fair,'' featuring live music, dance-fitness programming and a drag show with performers from One Eleven Bar.

"The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival reaches communities across the county and supports programs that matter,'' Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez said in a statement. "Every visit helps sustain youth exhibits, arts and baking competitions, gem and mineral showcases, and the agricultural traditions that make Riverside County unique."  

More information on tickets, schedules and event details is available at datefest.org.