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LA County Fair just opened its gates with the “Play Your Way” theme, inviting Southern Californians to explore rides, concerts, and attractions. The 97th edition runs May 7-31 at Fairplex in Pomona with opening day tickets at just $12. Discover what makes this year’s fair special.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Dates: May 7-31, 2026, Thursday through Sunday plus Memorial Day Monday
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily during the fair
- Opening Day Price: $12 admission on May 7 only, normally $18-$25 advance online
- Theme: “Play Your Way” celebrating freedom and imagination with interactive attractions
Ride into Spring with the 97th Los Angeles County Fair
The 2026 LA County Fair officially opened May 7 at the historic Fairplex in Pomona, California. This year’s “Play Your Way” theme celebrates the joy of stepping away from routines. The fair promises eight straight days of weekend entertainment over the next four weeks. Ray Cammack Shows operates the carnival for its 40th year with traditional rides, games, and the beloved Read to Ride program.
Opening day tickets sold out quickly at the special promotional price. Gate admission now runs $18-$25 for adults when purchased online in advance. Children ages 6-12 pay $15 advance, while kids five and younger enter free every day. The fair emphasizes cashless transactions for both admission and parking.
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LA County Fair opens in Pomona with ‘Play Your Way’ theme, runs through May 31
Immersive Attractions and Agricultural Celebrations
The Flower and Garden Pavilion transforms into “Bloomiverse,” an immersive floral world with large-scale installations celebrating the play theme. The Farm and Gardens showcases five acres of working farmland, animal demonstrations, and the Big Red Barn petting zoo. Guests can watch goat milking demonstrations, see baby chicks hatch, and interact with mini cows, sheep, and Arabian horses from Cal Poly Pomona’s Huntley College of Agriculture.
Barnyard Racers bring comedy and competition when pig racing returns on The Farm Road. The Budweiser Clydesdales parade daily at noon around the fairgrounds. Livestock and Horticulture competitions feature agriculture students and amateur gardeners competing for blue ribbons. California Dairy Day on Saturday, May 30, includes the LA International Dairy Competition with samples, demonstrations, and educational sessions.
Entertainment Lineups and Musical Performances
| Concert Date | Artist | Genre |
| Saturday, May 9 | WAR | R&B |
| Sunday, May 10 | Banda El Recodo, Banda Los Recoditos | Latin |
| Saturday, May 16 | Brad Paisley | Country |
| Saturday, May 30 | Jeff Dunham | Comedy |
The LA County Fair Concert Series delivers 8 nights of entertainment featuring Latino, Country, and R&B headliners. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. in the Grandstand. Concert tickets include fair admission but not parking. The Long Board Bar & Lounge opens nightly during concerts with live DJs and specialty drinks.
“Play is a celebration of freedom, a chance to step away from routines, embrace your curiosity, and let your imagination soar.”
— LA County Fair, Official Theme Statement
New Attractions and Community Programming
NextFest LA 2026 launches at the Plaza Stage, celebrating emerging independent artists from Los Angeles. Bob Baker Marionette Theater performs 3-4 shows daily at the Union Stage on The Hill. The Skate-R-Cade in Expo Hall 9 returns for its final year with expanded roller skating and arcade games. The Retro Row Exhibit features nostalgia-filled photo ops including a giant Wooly Willy and massive Boom Box photo opportunity.
Discovering Science exhibits offer hands-on STEM education with free family robotics build stations. Battle Bots-style shows debut on weekends with competing robots. The Pomona Valley Poetry Fest, the nation’s largest poetry gathering, takes over the Carousel Stage for the final two weekends. FairStars, a sensory-inclusive experience, runs May 28 from 9-11 a.m. for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Planning Your LA County Fair Visit: What Should You Know?
Purchase tickets online at lacountyfair.com to save money and skip registration lines. Parking costs $22.50 advance or $26 at the gate, purchased online through Foothill Transit or rideshare. Gate 9 and Gate 17 parking accommodate standard vehicles, while RV parking at Yellow Lot costs $43.50-$52. The fair allows small coolers (12×18 inches), outside food, backpacks, and clear purses.
Public transportation includes Foothill Transit Line 67 connecting to the La Verne Metro A Line Station with buses every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. The fair prohibits pets except certified service animals. Wheelchair and scooter rentals are available for accessibility. Family restrooms with changing tables sit at every exhibit hall for convenience.
Sources
- LA County Fair Official Website – Comprehensive information on attractions, schedules, ticketing, and special events
- KTLA 5 News – Coverage of opening day and “Play Your Way” theme announcements
- Daily Bulletin – Regional fair news and admission pricing details
