From Midway to Oasis: A new era for the Fair & Date Fest

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival runs from Feb. 12 through March 1 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. Valley News/Courtesy photo
INDIO — The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino returns Feb. 12 through March 1, 2026, with a refreshed look, new immersive spaces, and a full lineup of entertainment celebrating tradition, community, and fun.Now in its 78th year, the Fair & Date Fest carries the theme “Return to the Oasis,” blending its classic 1001 Nights heritage with a mid-century style inspired by Greater Palm Springs’ iconic architecture. Beloved attractions return alongside new experiences designed to invite guests to explore, relax, and rediscover the magic of a shared desert fantasy.New for 2026 is the National Date Festival Museum, located inside the Sands of Time building, showcasing the history of the Festival, date farming, and the a
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