February Fairs in California

After several months of quiet, February launches the California Fairs season with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair, home of the First Fair in California, launched in 1892. What began as a typical country fair back then, still remains the earliest fair held in California each year. It was established as a way to celebrate the abundant citrus crop that was once part of the northern Sonoma County landscape.

Riverside County Fair and Date Festival is a long way from Cloverdale, but for those who sell lemonade, tasty treats and other things the public likes wants to buy at fairs, this next event in the fair season located 590 miles southeast of the season starter keeps the ball rolling and the Ferris Wheel spinning. Liked the first fair of the month which is focused on a food item (citrus fruit), the next fair showcases the beloved date that grows abundantly in the Indio's desert climate amongst the towering palms.

Specialized fairs in the month of February, a big deal to the farming industry, begin with Colusa's The Farm Show. The Granddaddy of Farm Shows is the ultimate gathering of farm equipment displays, vendors, services and materials. The behind-the-scenes business of food takes place here with farmers and manufacturers meeting each other and working to make farming more efficient and profitable.

While there aren't so many fairs in February compared to peak months like June, July, August and September, the fairs offer close to 30 days of entertainment and education and for fair lovers, that's great!

Finally, here's another fair we must mention.  California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta February 27-March 15,  2026 (closed Mon. & Tues.) at Imperial Valley Fairgrounds. Helm Brothers Carnival, wrist bands available. Location: 200 East Second Street, Imperial, CA