Riverside County Fair And National Date Festival Announces 2026 Theme: Return To The Oasis

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival has officially announced its 2026 theme: Return to the Oasis. The new theme pays tribute to the American dream built in the Coachella Valley and highlights the rich cultural and agricultural heritage that has shaped the region.

Festival organizers say guests can expect all the beloved traditions, including the outdoor play, carnival rides, midway games, community performances, and the popular date pageants. The iconic Arabian Nights Stage will once again host local entertainment throughout the event.

Food lovers can look forward to festival favorites such as classic date shakes and the crowd-pleasing date beer–battered corn dogs. While unusual in name, many fans say they taste even better than expected.

This year also marks the opening of the brand-new National Date Festival Museum, which will feature restored home movie footage from past festivals. Local nonprofits helped curate the historic collection, giving visitors an inside look at the event’s evolution over the decades.

Tickets go on sale Black Friday with a special one-day-only 50 percent discount. Organizers encourage attendees to take advantage of the limited-time deal. The 2026 festival will run from February 12 through March 1.

Many families are already looking forward to returning attractions— including the monster truck ride that drew big crowds last year.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.