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IMPERIAL, CA – The 2025 California Mid-Winter Fair is set to be bigger and better than ever, stretching over three weeks for the first time in its 117-year history. With the vibrant theme “Valley Gras,” the fair will run from February 28 to March 16, giving attendees an additional weekend and 27 more hours to enjoy thrilling carnival rides, games, vendors, shows, and deep-fried delights.
Expanded Schedule & New Features
For the first time, the fair will span three weekends, closing on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow for maintenance and ensure the best possible experience for attendees. This expansion aims to provide more access to the community while supporting the fair’s daily operations.
“We’re always looking to provide the best experience possible for our community,” said Alan Phillips, CEO of the fair. “By adding an extra weekend, fairgoers will have more opportunities to enjoy their favorite attractions, and we’ll have more flexibility to accommodate unpredictable weather.”
This year, the carnival will be larger than ever, featuring additional rides that increase total seating capacity by 30%. Two special ticket promotions will make the fair even more accessible:
- Wacky Wednesdays: $20 admission includes all carnival rides.
- BOGO Thursdays: Buy one wristband, get one free when redeemed onsite at the carnival kiosk.
Discounted Presale tickets go on sale now till 2/28 at ivfairgrounds.com (admission) and helmandsons.com (carnival tickets).
Food, Livestock, and Thrilling Events
Fairgoers can look forward to exciting new food concessions, including a mac and cheese stand and a tamale trailer, in addition to classic fair treats. The junior livestock program will also benefit from the extended schedule, with showmanship, market, and auction events spread across three weekends:
- First weekend: Small animal showmanship.
- Second weekend: Large animal showmanship.
- Final weekend (March 14-15): Livestock auctions.
“This new schedule will be a huge benefit to families and 4H/FFA leaders managing multiple children and animals,” said Phillips.
The Heritage Foundation will once again sponsor thrilling dirt track events, including USAC CRA Sprint Cars, Go-Carts, and Heritage cars, promising action-packed entertainment for motorsports fans.
Dirt Track Event Schedule:
- Saturday, March 1st – Heritage Dirt Karts: Grandstands open at 5 pm, racing starts at 5:30 pm. o Saturday, March 8th – Demolition Derby : Grandstands open at 6 pm, event starts at 6:30 pm. o Friday, March 14th – USAC CRA Sprint Cars and USAC Midgets: Grandstands open at 5:30 pm., Hot Laps at 6 pm followed by qualifying then Opening Ceremonies at 7 pm.
- Saturday, March 15th – USAC CRA Sprint Cars and USAC Midgets:
Grandstands open at 4 pm., Hot Laps at 4:30 pm followed by qualifying.
Sunday, March 16th – Heritage Cars (Heritage 500) o Grandstands open at noon., Hot Laps at 12:30 pm. o Opening Ceremonies at 1:00 pm.
Star-Studded Entertainment Lineup
Music lovers can expect a diverse range of performances at the Mechanics Bank Stage, spanning multiple genres. The 2025 lineup includes:
- 28: Yachty By Nature – Smooth yacht rock hits.
- March 1: Country Music Fest – Tributes to Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, and more.
- March 2: The Bayou Brothers – Authentic Cajun and Zydeco music.
- March 2: Checker’d Past – New Wave and MTV classics.
- March 6: 7 Summers – A tribute to Morgan Wallen.
- March 7: The Olivia Show – A dazzling homage to Olivia Newton-John.
- March 8: Red Hot Tribute – High-energy Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute. March 9: Rafael Kelley (Dia de la Familia)
- March 12: Elroy – Local fan-favorite rock band.
- March 13:S. Navy Blue Angels & Navy Destroyers Rock Band. ● March 14: Big Bad Wolf – High-energy rock and roll.
- March 15: Capitol ’64 & BetaMaxx – Nostalgic ‘80s rock and pop.
- March 16: Valley Jazz & Pure Majik – Closing day performances.
A Community Tradition Continues
Fair Board Chair Cherisse Alford expressed enthusiasm about the changes, stating, “Our board, management, and staff, along with our dedicated contractors, are fully prepared for this exciting new format. We appreciate the strong values and support of the Imperial Valley community.”
As the countdown begins for the 2025 California Mid-Winter Fair, locals and visitors alike can prepare for an unforgettable celebration filled with music, food, and family fun. Don’t miss out on this historic year for one of California’s most beloved traditions!
For tickets and more information, visit https://www.ivfairgrounds.com/
