77th Annual Riverside County Fair & Date Festival in Full Swing

The 77th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is officially in full swing, offering 13 days of entertainment, history, and celebration of the region’s signature crop—the date. While doors opened yesterday, tonight marked the festival’s second day, featuring a variety of attractions despite facing windy conditions.

Organizers say they are always prepared for unpredictable weather, having endured extreme conditions in previous years. “We’ve gone through 10 days of rain, 10 days of record heat, and 10 days of extreme wind—it doesn’t faze this community,” they shared.

Beyond the fair’s carnival rides and live performances, the event holds deep historical significance. The festival was initially created to showcase the date harvest, a crop that shaped the eastern Coachella Valley due to America’s early 20th-century fascination with the Middle East. The tradition continues today with cultural displays and the beloved Arabian Nights pageant, featuring Queen Scheherazade and her court.

Maureen Boren of the Coachella Valley History Museum recalls the festival’s origins: “Retailers and shop owners would dress in themed attire for the duration of the festival, making it a truly immersive experience.”

For those interested in the history behind the celebration, a special museum dedicated to the date industry is located near the Coachella Valley History Museum, offering a deeper look into the crop’s impact on the region.

The festival continues daily, with doors opening at 10 a.m., welcoming visitors to experience a blend of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit.