THE BLUE RIBBON REIMAGINED: 2027 RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR OPENS
NEW COMPETITIONS
Students, families, makers, artists and first-time exhibitors are invited to bring something they are proud of
to the Fair & Date Fest
INDIO, Calif. — September 2026 — What could earn a Blue Ribbon at this year’s Fair & Date Fest? It
might be a home-baked recipe, photograph or garden creation—but now it could also be a student-built
robot, original 3D-printed design, brick-built creation, upcycled artwork or image developed through a
thoughtful generative-AI process.
Entries are now open to compete for a coveted Blue Ribbon and cash prizes at the 2027 Riverside County
Fair & National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. This year’s expanded program
invites students, families, makers, artists, growers and first-time competitors to become part of a beloved
local tradition.
New competitions for 2027 include Original 3D Design & Printing; Electronics, Robotics & Engineering;
Interlocking Brick-Building; Recycled & Upcycled Art; and Generative AI Art. These categories join Fair &
Date Fest favorites celebrating photography, fine art, crafts, baking, gardening and agriculture.
“There really is something for everyone in Competitive Exhibits, and you might even go home with a Blue
Ribbon and a cash prize,” said Patty Pickering, Business Operations Coordinator for the Fair & Date Fest.
“We have some really fun new categories this year, including Robotics & Engineering, Original 3D Design &
Printing, Interlocking Brick-Building, Generative AI Art and Recycled & Upcycled Art. I can’t wait to see what
everyone comes up with this year.”
The new STEM categories give middle and high school students opportunities to exhibit robotics,
electronics, circuits, microcontroller projects, engineering designs and prototypes. Original 3D Design &
Printing is open to grades K–12. Interlocking Brick-Building and Recycled & Upcycled Art include youth and
adult divisions.
Generative AI Art is open to ages 13–17 and adults. For this category, judges consider more than the final
image. Entrants must explain their prompts, process, editing and personal contribution. AI-generated work is
not allowed in the Fair’s traditional art, photography, digital art, crafts or creative writing competitions. The
Fair is also highlighting Fairy Gardens for grades K–12 and inviting everyone to create large-scale Feature
Exhibits celebrating Riverside County communities, agriculture and locally grown products.
Most entries must be submitted online by Monday, January 18, 2027, at 11:30 p.m. Deadlines and
requirements vary by department, and many youth entry fees begin at just $1. The fan-favorite Date Recipe
contest remains free of charge.
The 79th annual Fair & Date Fest will be held February 11–28, 2027 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds,
46350 Arabia Street in Indio.
Explore all categories at DateFest.org, review the official handbook and submit entries through the online
entry portal. Questions may be directed to blueribbon@datefest.org or 760-863-8247.
ABOUT THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR & NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL
The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is a longstanding tradition celebrating the people,
agriculture, creativity and culture of Riverside County.
MEDIA CONTACT
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
760-863-8247 | info@datefest.org
www.DateFest.org
