The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

Celebrating its 70th year February 12 – 21, 2016!

You won’t want to miss all of the exciting entertainment and activities lined-up for this 70th anniversary year at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.  Running February 12-21, 2016, this Fair has concerts, an adult and kiddie carnival, and everything you can imagine in between.

As always, included with the price of Fair admission, is the headliner entertainment on the weekends at the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion.  Starting off the Fair, Latino music superstar Ezequiel Peña takes the stage on Saturday, February 13th.  Country artist Trace Adkins will perform on Valentine’s Day. His trademark baritone has powered countless hits to the top of the charts and sold over 10 million albums, cumulatively. Morris Day and the Time will wow the crowds with hits like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird” on Friday, February 19th.  KC and the Sunshine Band will rock the house with disco favorites like “That’s the Way (I Like It)”, on Saturday, February 20th.  And of course, we have the always popular Super Fiesta on closing Sunday, February 21st.

Daily on the fairgrounds, entertainment is scheduled from open to close.  Live magic acts, hypnotist shows, cooking shows, comedians, performers, and interactive exhibits are available every day.  New in 2016, enjoy the Butterfly Encounter and meet and greet with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, both in the Junior Arts Building. With Hilby the German Juggle Boy, Karaoke with Freddie Prez, the Marvelous Mutts, and the Nightly Musical Pageant, there is something to enjoy throughout the whole day.  Let’s not forget about the ever-popular Camel & Ostrich races, you never know what will happen at this hilarious and unpredictable event!

Don’t miss the participating food vendors who are creating new date inspired dishes to incorporate into their menus that are sure to have you coming back for more. Last year, fairgoers enjoyed date shakes, cinnamon rolls topped with dates, deep fried dates wrapped in bacon and let’s not forget Pink’s delicious and very unique Indio Date Dog.

Make sure to stop by and see the thousands of exhibits from rare gems and minerals to contest entries by the community.  The Miniature Operating Trains exhibit expanded in 2015. This exhibit is sure to excite young and old with the precision, detail and sheer amount of time put into this magnificent hobby.

Monster Trucks are returning again this year!  Crowds are amazed at these Trucks as well as the Junior Outlaw Sprints, Mini Dwarf racing, Freestyle Motocross and the ever exciting Demolition Derby.  Be sure to come to the Grandstand Arena to see these shows on select dates.

The 70th Annual Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the desert’s leader in gaming and entertainment. The Fair, in Indio, runs February 12-21, 2016. Gates open at 10a.m. and close at 10p.m. Purchase your tickets early and receive them at a discounted price: $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for youth, $7 for group tickets or bus tours (minimum of 25), and $22 for unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands. For more information, call 800-811-FAIR or visit www.datefest.org where you can buy and print your Fair tickets at home.