2027 NEW & FEATURED COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS

There are more ways than ever to compete at the Fair & Date Fest in 2027. Explore brand-new competitions along with a few featured favorites that are worth a closer look.

From 3D design and interlocking brick-building to Fairy Gardens and large agricultural Feature Exhibits, there is something here for makers, creators, builders and growers of all kinds.

See something that sounds like you? Open the competition information below for complete rules, classes, entry fees and deadlines.

ORIGINAL 3D DESIGN & PRINTING

Turn an idea on your screen into something you can hold! This new competition is for original three-dimensional designs created by the exhibitor using 3D modeling software and produced with a 3D printer.

The design itself must be your own. Downloading and printing a premade model does not qualify, but your entry can be printed at home, school, a library, makerspace or commercial print service.

Entries may include original functional designs, sculptures or decorative designs, characters, models and other original 3D creations.

Open to: Grades K–12
Entry Fee: $1 per entry

INTERLOCKING BRICK-BUILDING

Build something completely your own using LEGO®, compatible interlocking bricks or similar building systems.

Originality is the key. Entries assembled directly from commercial set instructions are not eligible, but you may use pieces from sets to create a substantially original design.

Classes include original builds, vehicles or machines, buildings or environments, characters or creatures, and other original brick creations.

Open to: Youth ages 5–17 and Adults 18+
Entry Fee: $1 Junior • $2 Adult

RECYCLED & UPCYCLED ART

Give something old a completely new life! Create original artwork or a one-of-a-kind project using reused, recycled, found or repurposed materials.

The transformation is what matters. Turn discarded materials into sculpture, functional pieces, mixed-media artwork, found-object art or another creative project. Simply decorating an unchanged recyclable container isn't enough — show us what you can turn it into.

Entries may weigh up to 50 pounds, with no size restriction, as long as the finished project is safe, stable and suitable for available exhibit space.

Open to: Elementary, Middle School, High School & Adults 18+
Entry Fee: $1 Junior • $2 Adult

GENERATIVE AI ART

Explore a new kind of creative competition! Generative AI Art gives exhibitors a dedicated place to enter visual work intentionally created using generative AI tools.

This competition is about more than generating an image. Judges will consider your creative concept, the direction and iteration you put into the work, your personal contribution, and the final presentation.

Exhibitors must identify the AI tools used and provide a short process statement explaining their concept, prompting or direction, major iterations, editing and personal contribution.

Open to: Juniors ages 13–17 & Adults 18+
Entry Fee: $1 Junior • $2 Adult

ELECTRONICS, ROBOTICS & ENGINEERING

Built a robot, programmed a device or engineered a solution to a problem? This new STEM competition gives young innovators a place to show what they can create.

Entries can include robotics, electronics and circuits, microcontroller projects, engineering designs, prototypes and other original projects designed, built, wired, programmed or assembled by the exhibitor.

Commercial components and kits are allowed when the exhibitor contributes meaningful assembly, programming, engineering or modification. Team projects are welcome, too.

Open to: Middle School & High School
Entry Fee: $1 per entry

FAIRY GARDENS

Think small and get creative! Fairy Gardens combine plants, miniature landscaping and imagination to create a tiny world inside a unique container.

Use small plants and decorative elements to create a fairy, fantasy or imaginative scene. Your container can be part of the fun — a wagon, toy truck, old planter, basket or other creative container can help bring the whole scene to life.

Fairy Gardens are part of Junior Crafts & Hobbies, with classes available for exhibitors from kindergarten through high school.

Open to: Grades K–12

FEATURE EXHIBITS

Go big! Feature Exhibits are large, creative displays celebrating Riverside County agriculture, communities and the products grown here.

You don't have to be an agricultural business to participate. Feature Exhibits provide opportunities for community organizations and other eligible exhibitors to create a display. If you have a great idea, don't assume this competition isn't for you just because you aren't a grower or agricultural business.

Exhibitors can compete with Variety, Citrus, Date or Agriculture/Horticulture Feature Exhibits. Displays are judged on design and composition, quality and variety of materials, educational value and labeling, and use of the 2027 Fair theme, Visit California's Sweet Spot.

Feature Exhibits also offer some of the largest premiums in Competitive Exhibits, including awards of up to $1,000 for first place in the Date Feature division.

Feature Exhibit Types: Variety • Citrus • Date • Agriculture/Horticulture

READY TO ENTER?

These are just some of the ways to compete at the Fair & Date Fest in 2027. Explore all Competitive Exhibits to find your category, or view the complete 2027 Competitive Exhibits Handbook for rules, classes, entry fees and deadlines.

Questions?
Email blueribbon@datefest.org and our team can help you find the right competition.