NEWBERRY SPRINGS, CA — The Mojave Desert’s favorite nutty tradition is back and bigger than ever. The 28th Annual Pistachio Farm Festival will take place November 7–8, 2026, at CSD Park in Newberry Springs, marking the first time the event expands to a full two-day weekend .
The free, family-friendly festival runs from 9 AM to 4 PM both days at 30884 Newberry Rd., Newberry Springs, CA 92365 . Hosted by the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, the event has grown from a small gathering of local growers into a regional destination that draws hundreds of attendees each year .
A Community Tradition with Deep Roots
The Pistachio Festival has been a staple of Newberry Springs since 1997, when a small group of local growers first hosted the celebration at Big Al’s Pistachios processing plant to toast that year’s harvest . The unincorporated community’s unique access to groundwater and consistent climate created ideal conditions for pistachio farming, and the festival grew alongside the industry .
The event is organized entirely by volunteers through the Chamber of Commerce, with support from local organizations including the American Legion . The chamber also uses proceeds to award scholarships for Silver Valley High School students, Alternative Education Center students, homeschoolers, and Ironwood camp attendees .
What to Expect
The 2026 festival promises a full weekend of activities:
- Food vendors offering a variety of cuisine, plus plenty of pistachios to taste and purchase
- Craft and merchandise vendors for shopping
- Live entertainment and music
- Kickball and cornhole tournaments for some friendly competition
- Main St. Murals Art Show & Contest — open to adults and K-12 students
The art show has become a festival highlight in recent years. Organizers are now accepting applications for artists of all ages, with separate categories for adults and K-12 students. Artists interested in participating should visit the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page to download the application and guidelines.
Pistachio Farming in the High Desert
Newberry Springs sits about 20 miles east of Barstow off Interstate 40 . The area’s agricultural heritage is deeply tied to pistachio cultivation — a crop that thrives in the region’s dry climate with access to groundwater . The festival showcases this local industry, allowing visitors to taste-test and purchase pistachios from area growers.
If You Go
What: 28th Annual Pistachio Farm Festival
When: November 7–8, 2026 — 9 AM to 4 PM both days
Where: CSD Park, 30884 Newberry Rd., Newberry Springs, CA 92365
Cost: Free admission
Parking: Free
Vendor applications opened August 3. Interested vendors can apply through the Newberry Springs Chamber website.
Art show applications are also available through the Chamber website and Facebook page. Artists are encouraged to review the guidelines carefully and submit by the deadline.