HIGH DESERT MEDICAL GROUP | FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
36th Annual HDMG Senior Health Expo:
Thursday, October 15, 2026
About High Desert Medical Group
High Desert Medical Group (HDMG) is a medical group serving patients across the Antelope Valley, including Lancaster and Palmdale, California. Together with Heritage Health Care, HDMG offers primary and specialty care, urgent care, a 24 Hour Nurse Advice Line, free health education classes, and Just for Seniors, a dedicated program for patients 65 and older. Learn more at hdmg.net.
The 36th Annual High Desert Medical Group (HDMG) Senior Health Expo is a free health and wellness event for seniors on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in Lancaster, California. Attendees can get a flu shot, bone density and BMI screenings, answers from Medicare representatives, and visit more than 100 senior resource vendors. This year's celebrity guest is Academy Award-nominated actress Ali MacGraw.
At a Glance
Event: 36th Annual HDMG Senior Health Expo
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
Cost: Free
Who can attend: Open to the community; you do not need to be an HDMG patient
Celebrity guest: Ali MacGraw
Hosted by: High Desert Medical Group and Heritage Health Care
More information: hdmg.net
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The Senior Health Expo brings free health services, wellness resources, and entertainment for older adults together in one place. Services at the 2026 Expo include:
Flu shots: annual flu vaccines on site, at no cost
Bone density screenings: a quick check related to bone health and osteoporosis risk
BMI screenings: body mass index measurements
Medicare representatives: answers about coverage and plan options
More than 100 vendor booths: senior services, health organizations, and community resources
Spa services, entertainment, activities, and giveaways
Celebrity appearance: actress Ali MacGraw
Community awards: the 2026 Senior of the Year and Veteran Community Service Award
-
Ali MacGraw is the celebrity guest at the 2026 HDMG Senior Health Expo. MacGraw earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Love Story (1970) and also starred in The Getaway (1972) and Convoy (1978). She is a longtime yoga practitioner who has embraced a life of mindfulness and simplicity.
Every year, the Expo features an appearance by a well-known film or television personality. Past guests include Debbie Reynolds, Rita Moreno, Shirley MacLaine, Barbara Eden, and Tony Orlando. See the full list of past guests below.
-
Yes. Medicare representatives will be at the Expo to answer questions. The timing is useful: October 15, 2026, is also the first day of Medicare Annual Enrollment, which runs through December 7. Annual Enrollment is the yearly window to review your Medicare coverage and change plans if your needs have changed.
-
Yes. Annual flu shots are available on site at no cost. An annual flu vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and it is especially important for adults 65 and older and anyone with a chronic health condition. If you can't attend, you can get a flu shot through your HDMG provider.
-
It honors an Antelope Valley resident, age 55 or older, who goes above and beyond for others. The 2026 Senior of the Year and the Veteran Community Service Award recipient are announced at the Expo.
-
The first Expo was held in 1991 as the Golden Generation Senior Expo, hosted by High Desert Medical Group and Heritage Health Care and envisioned by Dr. Richard Merkin. The 2026 Expo is the 36th annual event.