{"id":6729103,"date":"2026-05-01T06:00:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T13:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dailynews.com\/?p=6729103&preview=true&preview_id=6729103"},"modified":"2026-05-03T14:57:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T21:57:22","slug":"the-2026-la-county-fair-starts-may-7-heres-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dailynews.com\/2026\/05\/01\/the-2026-la-county-fair-starts-may-7-heres-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 LA County Fair starts May 7 \u2014 here\u2019s everything you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles County Fair<\/a> is about to return to Fairplex<\/a> in Pomona with its theme \u201cPlay Your Way,\u201d inviting fairgoers to tap into their inner child.<\/p>\n

The fair runs Thursday, May 7 through Sunday, May 31, and just like in years past,\u00a0will bring\u00a0back old\u00a0favorites\u00a0but will also offer new delights.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fair, celebrating its 104th anniversary, attracts more than 750,000 people annually, and is ranked No. 26 out of 50 in the nation for popular state and county fairs, according to carnivalwarehouse.com,<\/a> with its shimmering midway lights and rip-roaring carnival rides.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlay is universal,\u201d Walter Marquez, president and CEO of Fairplex, said in a news release. \u201cWe\u2019ll welcome guests back to experience joy, connection, and creativity in ways only the Fair can deliver.”<\/p>\n

Fairgoers are invited to “play” in whatever way makes them happy as the county fairgrounds are once again transformed into the ultimate playground.<\/p>\n

Related coverage: LA County Fair 2026 concert lineup runs the gamut from War to Ram\u00f3n Ayala<\/a><\/h4>\n

This year, the fair will feature 70 rides, including two new ones, Sound Storm and Air Raid, and 30 game booths, along with a vast assortment of food and merchandise vendors on over 500 acres.<\/p>\n

\"Guests
Guests ride the spinning chairs ride at the LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Friday, May 2, 2025. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun\/SCNG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

New in 2026<\/h4>\n

This year, the fair<\/a> is bringing more entertainment and more food.<\/p>\n

The Retro Row exhibit in Expo Hall 9, for instance, features throwback photo opportunities, including a giant version of the vintage toy “Wooly Willy,” and other interactive elements.<\/p>\n

A pirate-themed play area for little fairgoers\u00a010 and under is also new this year, located near the Lagoon.<\/p>\n

A new show, \u201cThe Cutest Dog Show on Earth,\u201d will also be located in the lagoon area and will feature rescue pups showing off their best tricks. Shows are held at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on fair days.<\/p>\n

\"A
A young goat sticks out its head waiting to be petted at the LA County Fair on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Pomona. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun\/SCNG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Back again<\/h4>\n

What would a county fair be without the beloved fair food<\/a> favorites, including everything deep-fried. The popular $10 value menu items will be back at participating vendors this season. Items and locations participating will be added to the fair’s website closer to opening day, according to fair officials.<\/p>\n

Also returning are the fast-moving Barnyard Racers, where you can cheer on your favorite pigs, ducks, and even lambs to victory as they race along a special racetrack just their size.<\/p>\n

Skate-R-Cade is returning with free roller-skating and skate rental included with fair admission and an even bigger rink. Sessions are 15 minutes each, but on less busy days, skaters can keep going, fair officials said.<\/p>\n

The Garden Railroad returns for its 102nd year and ever-popular massive maze of winding miniature railroad tracks for guests to admire and explore.<\/p>\n

\"Fairgoers
Fairgoers enjoy a ride on the Timber Mountain Slide during the 2024 LA County Fair at Pomona Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise\/SCNG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Traveling to the Fairplex<\/h4>\n

The Fairplex is east of the 57 Freeway, off Arrow Highway and White Avenue. From the 10 Freeway, exit Fairplex Drive and head north. From the 210 Freeway, exit Fruit Street and continue south onto White Avenue.<\/p>\n

\"Crowds
Crowds rush through the gates of the LA County Fair for opening day on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Pomona. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun\/SCNG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tickets and parking<\/h4>\n

Tickets<\/a> are on sale now and available online starting at $12 for opening day. Online tickets for ages 13-99 start at $18, and seniors’ and kids 6-12 tickets start at $15. Tickets cost $32 at the gate for adults and $17 for seniors and kids.<\/p>\n

Season passes are also available starting at $25 for a value pass with fair admission for the first two weeks and $59 for a premium pass with fair admission for the duration of the fair.<\/p>\n

Carnival ride unlimited ride wristbands start at $55 online and include two free carnival game vouchers.<\/p>\n

Parking<\/a> starts at $22.50 online and is $26 at the gate for single-day parking. Parking season passes are also available for $86.50 online and include parking for the duration of the fair.<\/p>\n

Tickets and parking are cashless for the fair and payment options are a mixture of cash and cashless for vendors.<\/p>\n

\"Ethan
Ethan Herrera takes a bite of the fruity pebbles covered corn dog on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 ahead of the LA County Fair\u2019s opening day at the Pomona Fairplex on Friday, May 2, 2025. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun\/SCNG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Operating days and hours<\/h4>\n

The fair opens May 7 and runs until May 31, Thursday through Sunday, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.<\/p>\n

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https:\/\/www.lacountyfair.com.<\/a><\/p>\n