Summer in Los Angeles may not officially start until June, but with the arrival of the L.A. County Fair (which in recent years has moved from September to the cooler month of May), summer sure feels like it’s already here.
Every year, thousands of people make the trip to the Fairplex in Pomona to eat fried foods, take a plunge on a carnival ride and maybe win a prize at one of the many game booths. But there are more attractions at the fair than just the food and rides—learn how to make the most of it with our guide to the L.A. County Fair.
When and where is the L.A. County Fair 2026?
The L.A. County Fair runs from May 7 to 31, 2026, at the Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave) in Pomona.
What are the fair’s hours?
The hours are 11am to 11pm from Thursday to Sunday (plus the Monday of Memorial Day).
How do I get there?
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, take the 10 East, get off at the Fairplex Drive exit, turn left and follow signs to the Fairplex. Another option is to exit at White Avenue, turn left and follow signs to the fair. If you’re not coming from L.A., you can find directions from various Southern California locations here.
Don’t want to drive or pay for parking? You can take the Metro A Line to the La Verne/Fairplex Station, located across Arrow Highway from the Fairplex. You can also take the Riverside line and get off at the Pomona Metrolink Station. From there, grab the Foothill Transit 197 bus to the Fairplex.
How much does the fair cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on when you buy your ticket and for which day—you have to pick a specific calendar date when it comes to ticketing. If you buy tickets at the fair gates, tickets will cost $32 regardless (or $17 for children and seniors), so you’ll definitely want to pick them up online ahead of time.
Tickets purchased online cost between $18 and $25 for adults (the first two weeks of the fair are the cheapest; the final week is $25 every day except Thursday). Kids and senior tickets purchased online cost $15. And on opening day, advance tickets are only $12 for everyone.
General admission parking is $22.50 in advance and $26 at the gate.
If you’re a fan of the fair and want to go multiple times, you can buy a value pass for the first two weeks of the fair ($25) or a premium pass, which allows you entry all 17 days of the fair ($59). A parking season pass costs $86.50.
Want to ride some rides? Of course you do. At the time of writing, carnival wristbands—which let you go on unlimited rides and play two games—cost $55. (Note that some attractions might have an additional cost.)
What is the theme of the 2026 L.A. County Fair?
This year’s theme is “Play Your Way.” It celebrates recreation, imagination and letting loose. Between the rides, a roller rink, an interactive “Sport-a-thon” expo hall, stunt shows from rescue dogs, silent discos, shows from Bob Baker Marionette Theater and more, the fairgrounds have been transformed into the county’s biggest playground.
What bands are playing?
The performers for this year’s concert series include WAR, Brad Paisley, the Driver Era, Zapp, Ramon Ayala and more. Comedian Jeff Dunham is headlining the penultimate night of the fair. Concert tickets start at $43 and include admission to the fair.
What about the food?
You’ll find all sorts of fun, over-the-top food at the fair (and the value menu with $10 items across the grounds helps to keep things within budget). The fair is known for things like deep-fried butter, chicken and waffle on a stick, french toast bacon bombs, truffle-gouda bacon fries, bacon-wrapped baked potatoes, portabello kabobs, vegan burritos, tacos and nachos. Plus there are some exciting new menu options this year, including a smoked blooming onion, a Dubai chocolate funnel cake, a kimchi quesadilla and a PB&J cheeseburger.
