National Date Festival Expands 10-day Event

Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival Announces ‘More Dates’ in 2025

INDIO — Have you ever wished the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival could last just one more day, even two? Your wish has been granted,

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, announced its 2025 theme of ‘More Dates.’ In addition to celebrating the fruit of the date palm, event organizers are also expanding the traditionally ten-day event to 13 fun-filled days.

Set to open Thursday, Feb. 13 and run through Sunday, March 2, 2025, the 77th annual Fair & Date Fest will close Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, except Presidents Day. “Our community has demonstrated overwhelming support for the Fair & Date Fest in recent years,” Fair & Date Fest CEO Chris Pickering said in a statement. “Opening for three weekends allows more opportunities for everyone to come together in celebration.”

Now in their third year operating the county-owned 91-acre Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio, Pickering and his team attribute much of the signature event’s success to a focus on community—and dates. In addition to a dedicated date-tasting booth featuring ‘Date Flights’, the 2024 event required each food vendor to offer at least one date item on their menu, resulting in over forty unique date treats including date al pastor tacos, date-topped cinnamon rolls, and the new crowd-favorite: date beer-battered corn dogs.

Some $24,728 in cash prizes were awarded as part of this year’s Blue Ribbon competitions, with an 87% increase in entrants. Contest information for 2025 is now available on the Fair & Date Fest’s website, datefest.org.

Tickets to the 2025 Fair & Date Fest will go on sale Friday, November 29. As a one-day Black Friday promotion, Gate Admission tickets will be available online at half-price.

About the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival
The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival takes place every February at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio, California. The festival celebrates the agricultural history of the Coachella Valley, particularly its date production, with live performances, carnival attractions, culinary experiences, and cultural exhibits.

About Pickering Events LLC
Pickering Events LLC is the official manager and contractor for the 91-acre Riverside County Fairgrounds and producer of the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Known for delivering innovative and memorable experiences, Pickering Events helps bring cultural and community events to life.