National California Date Month is a month-long nationwide celebration designed to:
- Showcase the exceptional taste, quality, versatility, and heritage of California Dates
Savor the sweetness knowing that California Dates are all-natural, packed with nutrients, and heart healthy
- Honor the hardworking farmers and producers who bring this delicious fruit from farm to table
- Celebrate the bountiful harvest and the vibrant date industry that contributes to California’s agricultural landscape
Buy Local. Buy American. Choose California Grown!
CALIFORNIA DATE MONTH 2026
HIGHLIGHTS A NATIONAL “BUILD A BETTER BITE” CONTEST,
A TIMES SQUARE TAKEOVER AND A
FREE, HEART-HEALTHY, DIABETES-FRIENDLY RECIPE BOOK
National Consumer Contest
Starting October 1 through November 29, the California Date Commission will be holding a national consumer contest with the following prize:
- The grand prize winner will receive a California Dates VIP package to the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival in March 2027. Prize includes a two-night hotel stay, tickets to the James Beard Luncheon (March 19) and two tickets to the Saturday Grand Tastings event (March 20).
Consumers can follow California Dates on Facebook and Instagram (@datesaregreat).
Get Ready for a Month of Date-Filled Fun!
Leading up to and throughout October there will be several exciting events and promotions to help people discover the wonders of California Dates including:
- Culinary Experiences: Restaurants and bars throughout Palm Desert and Palm Springs will feature date-inspired menus throughout the month. From sweet and savory main dishes, sides, and desserts to creative cocktails, dates will be showcased in innovative and delicious ways, allowing patrons to experience the diverse culinary potential of this versatile fruit.
- Virtual Spotlights: Chefs, mixologists, and nutritionists will be featured online, providing valuable insights to viewers, no matter where they are located.
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE ‘SWEET & SAVORY’ DIGITAL RECIPE BOOK
As part of our commitment to support balanced eating and optimal health, California Dates is offering a free digital recipe book filled with heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly dishes—from savory recipes such as California Dates and Harissa Salmon or California Date, Pear, & Mozzarella Pizza, to sweet, satisfying desserts and snacks such as California Date Truffles and California Date & Avocado Pudding—demonstrating how whole California dates can naturally fit into everyday meal and snack planning.
All recipes in this collection were created for California Dates by Registered Dietitians or by Dr. Sonali Ruder (The Foodie Physician), and were approved by the American Diabetes Association® Diabetes Food Hub.
