It's "Out at the Fair" Special LGBTQ+ events all day.
This is a meet up event. We plan to be at the gate at 10am for the opening. You can meet us there. You can purchase tickets in advance or at the gate. Presale online price $14 Adults and $11 Senior Veterans and their guest get in free, bring military Id.
After you register we will send out additional information and contact information for meeting up inside the gate.
HISTORY and heritage take center stage at the new National Date Festival Museum located inside the Sands of Time Pavilion. The museum features an exploration of date farming and vintage home movies curated by the nonprofit Deserted Films.
Nearby, the Coachella Valley Model Railroaders maintain their annual display, while the historic Arabian Nights stage—originally designed by MGM set designer Harry Oliver—will host community performances and the Date Pageant, California’s second-longest-running outdoor play.
The fair also hosts a petting farm and large livestock exhibits of goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, and hogs.
The Hall of Ribbons features competitive quilts, fine art, and baked goods, the Cave of Wonders hosts the gem and mineral showcase, and the Palm Pavilion highlights the date.
The fair’s namesake fruit remains the central attraction, with more than 40 date-based food items available to visitors. The menu includes diverse offerings such as date-infused burgers and chicken wings, bacon-stuffed dates, and of course deep-fried dates. For those seeking traditional fair fare, pick from dozens of booths offering cinnamon rolls, barbecue, tacos, and Dole Whip.
The fairgrounds will feature more than 100 vendors and community groups and nearly 50 carnival rides and attractions, including two Ferris wheels and multiple fun houses. For the first time, guests can also visit the Oasis Tiki Lounge, a tropical-themed retreat offering mid-century cocktails.
The Grandstand arena will host special events throughout the festival’s duration. Opening weekend kicks off with monster truck shows on Thursday and Friday, followed by a demolition derby on Saturday, Feb. 14. Later highlights include Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada on Feb. 21 and a professional PRCA rodeo scheduled for the final weekend of Feb. 28 and March 1.
Free programming is planned for nearly every day of the event. On Saturday, Feb. 14, the fair will host Out at the Fair, a day-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community featuring performances by Mariachi Arco-Iris de Los Angeles and a mid-century modern drag show, Atomic Glamor. The day also includes the Perfectly Paired contest at the Halls of Ribbons, where duos compete for prizes based on coordinated outfits.
New Attractions and Highlights for 2026:
- National Date Festival Museum: Located in the Sands of Time building, this new exhibit showcases the history of date farming, the Coachella Valley's agricultural roots, and vintage, restored home movie footage of past festivals.
- Deserted Films will debut an exhibition of vintage home movies starting Feb. 13, featuring footage captured in the Coachella Valley between 1948 and 1974.
- Oasis Tiki Lounge & Bar: A new tropical-themed area offering specialty drinks, tiki décor, and entertainment including Polynesian dancers and fire-spinning on the Luau Stage.
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New Entertainment Events:
- Love on the Wheel: A Valentine's-themed event featuring Ferris Wheel rides, drinks, and mingling.
- Bingo, Honey!: A high-energy comedy show with lounge vibes and prizes.
- Refreshed Areas: The "Cave of Wonders" gem and mineral show, the "Hall of Ribbons" for baked goods and arts, and the "Palm Pavilion" highlighting local dates.
- Live Acts: Returning favorites including All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show, and the Globe of Death motorcycle act.
The 2026 festival emphasizes a "reimagined" classic experience with updated, immersive spaces.
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