The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is back for 2025—don’t miss out!

Running from February 13 through March 2, 2025, at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio, you can enjoy food, games, live music, farm animals, the annual Presidents' Day Parade (set for Monday, February 17), and plenty more action! 

 

riverside fair and date fest

Mark Your Calendars for Exciting Arena Events at the Riverside County Fair

  • Monster Trucks: Feel the adrenaline on Friday, February 14, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, February 15, at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at just $10.

  • Demolition Derby: Experience the thrill of crashing cars on Sunday, February 16, at 6:00 PM. Tickets range from $10-$40. 

  • Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada: Enjoy live music and rodeo on Saturday, February 22, at 4:00 PM, featuring Mexican regional bands like Banda Maguey, Hijos de Barron, and Cohuich. Tickets start at $35, with VIP options available.

  • PRCA Rodeo: Enjoy bareback and bull riding, team roping, and much more on Friday, February 28, at 6:30 PM and Saturday, March 1, at 5:30 PM. Tickets start at $10. 

Entertainment Lineup

From local Riverside artists to your favorite cover acts, this year’s live stage will be packed with performances like:

  • Queen Nation: A tribute to Freddy Mercury and Queen on Saturday, February 15, at 8:00 PM.

  • Def Leppard Revisited: Rock out your tour favorite hair metal on Sunday, February 16, at 8:00 PM.

  • Twist on Taylor: A Tribute to Taylor Swift! Sing along to Taylor's hits on Monday, February 17, at 5:00 PM.

  • The Outlaw Mariachi: Experience a blend of mariachi and rock on Saturday, February 22, at 8:00 PM.

  • “512” The Selena Experience: Celebrate Selena's legacy on Sunday, February 23, at 7:00 PM.

Your fair ticket covers these performances; however, seating is first come, first served—get there early to grab a good spot!

Family-Friendly Activities

Got kids in tow? The fair is packed with family-friendly fun, from carnival rides (think Ferris wheels and tilt-a-whirls) to crowd-pleasing pig races. 

Stop by the livestock shows to meet farm animals and learn about agriculture, or catch the Arabian Nights Pageant for music, dance, and storytelling. And of course, don’t miss the chance to try over 40 unique date recipes—this is the Date Festival, after all!

At Balloonacy, you’ll witness awe-inspiring balloon art, while the Bright Heart Circus is packed with amazing stunts and tricks that’ll keep everyone entertained. Kids can visit the petting zoo or watch talented dogs showcase their skills at “Woof Woof!” 

And straight from TV’s America’s Got Talent, don’t miss “Magic of Rafael,” an award-winning magician and illusionist known for pulling off mind-blowing tricks. 

This Year’s Competitions

The fair’s competitions highlight everything from agriculture and culinary arts to fine arts and livestock. Featured competitions include:

  • Agriculture – Citrus fruits, dates, vegetables, and more

  • Culinary – Baked goods, date recipes, and preserved foods

  • Fine Arts & Crafts – Photography, painting, woodcarving, and textiles

  • Livestock – Sheep, swine, goats, llamas, and rabbits

  • Junior Exhibits – School art, creative writing, and industrial education

Ticketing Information 2025

To make the most of your visit, we suggest purchasing tickets in advance:

  • General Admission: $12 pre-sale; $18 at the gate.

  • Children (6-12 years): $10 pre-sale; $12 at the gate.

  • Seniors (62+): $11 pre-sale; $15 at the gate.

  • Season Pass: Enjoy all 13 days for $35.

  • Carnival Wristbands: $32 online; $42 at the gate, valid for unlimited rides on any single day.

Parents take note! Kids five and under get into the fair for free!

Parking Information

  • General Parking: $10 per vehicle.

  • VIP Parking: $20 per vehicle, located on the north side of the property with quick access to the fair’s entrance and amenities.

Note: VIP parking is included with the purchase of a box seat for any grandstand show.

Tips for a Great Experience

To make the most of your day at the fair, always plan ahead! With so much going on, checking the schedule in advance will help you map out your day.

Arriving early is a good idea since popular events can fill up fast. Also, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed—February in Indio tends to be warm and sunny. 

Although most vendors accept cards, it’s always wise to carry some cash just in case! And, of course, don’t forget to snap plenty of selfies—because if you don’t post it, did it even happen?


Learn more about the Riverside County Fair here and start planning your next adventure now! See you out there!