Los Angeles County California Fairgrounds Events
The Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California, are home to the Los Angeles County Fair, one of Southern California’s best-known annual fair traditions. The site, operated as part of Fairplex, also hosts motorsports, trade shows, cultural festivals, agricultural education programs, public exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.
Unlike smaller rural fairgrounds that open mainly for a few days each summer, the Pomona grounds operate as a large, year-round event campus. Visitors can come for carnival rides and fair food, while exhibitors, youth agricultural participants, vendors, and event organizers use the facilities for a much wider range of activities.
The next Los Angeles County Fair is scheduled for May 6–31, 2027. People planning a visit should check the specific operating days, admission options, entertainment schedule, and parking arrangements before traveling.
Overview of Los Angeles County Fairgrounds
Location and address
The fairgrounds are located at:
- Address: 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768
- City: Pomona, Los Angeles County, California
- Venue: Fairplex
- Main telephone: (909) 623-3111
Pomona sits in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, east of central Los Angeles. The grounds are accessible from major regional routes, including Interstate 10 and State Route 57, although the most convenient approach depends on the entrance assigned to a particular event.
Size, layout, and management
Fairplex describes its campus as approximately 500 acres. It includes exhibition halls, outdoor event areas, agricultural facilities, hospitality spaces, and the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. The scale allows several different events to operate across the property during the same season.
Fairplex is a nonprofit organization operating through a public-private partnership with Los Angeles County. It manages the broader campus and hosts the annual Los Angeles County Fair.
The grounds are not simply a collection of carnival rides. Their combination of exhibition buildings, livestock facilities, event spaces, and motorsports infrastructure makes them an important gathering place for residents and organizations across the county.
Why the grounds matter locally
Los Angeles County contains dense urban neighborhoods, suburban communities, industrial districts, and agricultural operations. The fair provides a public setting where visitors can encounter livestock, farming demonstrations, youth competitions, local food traditions, and creative exhibits alongside modern entertainment.
For families, the attraction is the mixture of activities in one visit. For exhibitors and small businesses, the grounds provide access to a large regional audience.
Upcoming Events at Los Angeles County Fairgrounds
Year-round event calendar
Fairplex hosts hundreds of events and programs throughout the year. Its calendar includes exhibitions, specialty markets, seasonal celebrations, educational workshops, and major sporting events.
Examples listed in the 2026 calendar include:
- California Overland Adventure & Power Sports Show: October 24–25, 2026.
- Cali Cup: November 6–8, 2026.
- In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals: November 12–15, 2026.
- SoCal Fiber Fair: November 21–22, 2026.
- Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show: December 6, 2026.
These are examples of scheduled events, not a complete calendar. Dates and details can change, so visitors should confirm each event before making plans.
Seasonal patterns
Spring brings agricultural education activities and preparations for the main fair. Late spring is dominated by the Los Angeles County Fair, while summer and autumn can include outdoor attractions, motorsports, exhibitions, and seasonal festivals. Indoor halls support events during cooler months as well.
Fairplex also hosts activities at The Farm at Fairplex, where gardening education and agricultural programs connect visitors with food production and sustainable growing practices.
Private events and facility rentals
Fairplex offers event spaces for outside organizers. Depending on the venue and event requirements, these can accommodate trade shows, corporate gatherings, public expos, meetings, and private functions.
Organizers should contact Fairplex directly to discuss availability, venue capacity, catering, equipment, accessibility, insurance, and setup requirements. Availability for a particular date must be confirmed with the venue.
The Los Angeles County Fair
2027 fair dates and opening information
The next Los Angeles County Fair is scheduled for May 6–31, 2027. These are the announced fair dates; the exact days of operation, daily hours, special-event dates, and ticket offers should be checked against the final schedule.
The fair’s seasonal move to spring places it in a different calendar window from the September dates many longtime visitors may remember. Anyone relying on an older travel guide or past admission schedule should confirm the current year’s details.
Exhibitions, agriculture, and creative competitions
Agriculture remains part of the fair’s identity, even though Los Angeles County has changed substantially since the early twentieth century. Fair visitors can expect the program to combine farming-related displays and animal experiences with entertainment, food, shopping, and creative exhibits.
Depending on the year’s published entry program, competitive categories may include livestock, poultry, rabbits, photography, visual arts, crafts, gardening, floral displays, and home-produced goods. Check the official exhibitor rules before assuming a particular category is accepting entries.
The fair also provides opportunities for families to learn about animals and farming without needing to participate in a competition.
Carnival rides, food, and entertainment
The midway is a major draw, with traveling carnival attractions, games, and rides for different age groups. Ray Cammack Shows has been associated with the fair’s carnival operation. The number of rides and the availability of unlimited-ride wristbands depend on the year’s arrangements.
Food is another central part of the visit. Fair menus commonly feature classic American fair fare, fried snacks, sweet treats, specialty drinks, and dishes reflecting Southern California’s varied food cultures. Individual concessionaires and nonprofit food stands may vary from one year to the next.
Live entertainment, concerts, animal presentations, and themed attractions are also part of the fair experience. Specific performers, showtimes, grandstand programs, and ticket arrangements must be confirmed in the current entertainment schedule.
Youth programs and junior exhibitors
Youth agricultural programs help connect the fair to the region’s farming and animal-care traditions. Young exhibitors may prepare animals for judging, learn showmanship, and display projects developed through agricultural education or community youth programs.
Livestock species and competition categories depend on the official year’s rules. Families should obtain the current premium book, entry deadlines, animal-health requirements, and check-in instructions before transporting an animal to Pomona.
Admission, parking, and discounts
Admission prices, ride packages, parking charges, promotional days, and child or senior discounts can change annually. The advertised price of an admission ticket may not include parking or midway rides.
Before visiting, check whether the chosen date requires advance tickets, whether a concert needs separate admission, and whether a promotional ticket has restrictions. Do not assume that a ticket from a previous year remains valid.
Visitors exploring Los Angeles County California Fairgrounds Events can also discover community gatherings through Lassen County California Fairgrounds Events. Exploring both counties helps visitors learn about local traditions, discover seasonal activities, and enjoy regional celebrations throughout California.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition halls and event spaces
The approximately 500-acre Fairplex campus contains multiple exhibition halls and outdoor spaces rather than one single fair building. These facilities support consumer shows, commercial exhibitions, hobby conventions, conferences, public markets, and special events.
Individual event layouts determine which entrances are open and where visitors should park. The gate used for a motorsports event may differ from the entrance assigned to a convention or the county fair.
Livestock facilities and arena areas
The agricultural side of the fair uses animal display and competition areas when included in the program. Exhibitors should verify barn assignments, stall availability, bedding requirements, feed arrangements, veterinary paperwork, and arrival windows directly with fair management.
The campus also includes the Pomona Dragstrip, which hosts major motorsports events. This is a dedicated racing venue, not a livestock arena, so visitors should check their event’s location carefully.
Accessibility and visitor amenities
Fairplex provides accessible parking, wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, and designated drop-off and pick-up arrangements. Accessible parking is available in event lots, with locations depending on the venue and event layout. Visitors who need specific accommodations should contact guest services before arrival.
Food concessions and other amenities vary according to the event. Do not assume every ATM, first-aid point, concession stand, or visitor service is operating during a smaller exhibition.
Camping and RV stays
The Fairplex RV Park is a separate accommodation facility associated with the campus. RV visitors should confirm reservation availability, length-of-stay rules, hookups, and whether their intended event ticket includes any parking privileges. Overnight camping inside the fair’s public event area should not be assumed to be permitted.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Applying for a commercial booth
Businesses interested in selling at the Los Angeles County Fair should contact the fair’s commercial sales team. Potential vendors include specialty food businesses, craft sellers, retailers, service providers, and makers whose products fit the event’s requirements.
Applications may require product descriptions, booth dimensions, photographs, insurance documents, health permits for food service, and payment of applicable fees. Acceptance is not automatic, and space availability can differ by category.
For other Fairplex exhibitions, contact the organizer of the individual event. A booth application for the county fair does not necessarily provide permission to exhibit at a separate trade show.
Entering competitive exhibits
Livestock exhibitors and people entering arts, crafts, gardening, photography, or other competitions should obtain the applicable entry rules and premium book. These documents establish eligible categories, submission dates, judging standards, and any awards or premiums.
Because deadlines and requirements vary, prospective exhibitors should contact the fair office before preparing an entry or purchasing an animal specifically for competition.
Getting to Los Angeles County Fairgrounds
Driving directions
The fairgrounds are in Pomona, in eastern Los Angeles County. Interstate 10 and State Route 57 are useful regional approaches, while local streets such as West McKinley Avenue and Fairplex Drive help drivers reach the appropriate entrance.
From downtown Los Angeles, visitors generally travel east toward Pomona using the regional freeway network. From Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, the most suitable route depends on the starting point and traffic. Drivers coming from Orange County may find State Route 57 a useful approach.
Always follow event-specific directions rather than navigating to a random gate. Large events can use different entrances and traffic patterns.
Public transportation and rideshare
Public transit options in the Pomona area include rail and bus connections. During the 2026 fair, transportation information included connections from the La Verne/Fairplex station and Pomona North station using local bus services. Shuttle arrangements are event-specific and should not be assumed to operate for every Fairplex event.
Rideshare passengers should use the designated drop-off area provided for their event. During major events, heavy traffic around McKinley Avenue can make an agreed pickup location more practical than requesting a car from a crowded gate.
4-H and FFA at Los Angeles County Fairgrounds
Youth agricultural education
The fair’s agricultural heritage makes youth livestock and project exhibitions an important part of its traditional role. Across Los Angeles County, 4-H programs and school-based agricultural education give young people opportunities to develop practical skills in animal care, leadership, horticulture, and project management.
FFA participation is associated with agricultural education programs at participating schools. However, a current list of participating Los Angeles County clubs and chapters, along with their numbers, should be confirmed through the relevant program coordinators rather than estimated.
Junior livestock auction
When a junior livestock auction is included in the fair program, eligible young exhibitors present animals raised and prepared according to the competition rules. Buyers may bid to support youth agricultural education and recognize the time spent caring for an animal.
Auction rules determine eligible species, buyer registration, payment procedures, and whether the buyer takes possession of the animal or participates through another approved arrangement. Families should consult the current auction rules before entering.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Fairplex’s calendar extends well beyond the main fair season.
- Motorsports: The Pomona Dragstrip hosts major drag-racing events, including the NHRA Finals.
- Automotive gatherings: The Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show brings together vehicle enthusiasts, parts sellers, and collectors.
- Specialty markets: Hobby conventions, craft-focused gatherings, and themed markets use indoor exhibition space.
- Seasonal celebrations: Oktoberfest and other food or cultural events appear on the year-round calendar.
- Educational programs: The Farm at Fairplex hosts gardening and agriculture-related activities.
- Public exhibitions: Trade shows, consumer expos, and conferences make use of the campus’s large halls.
Not every event is a traditional county fair activity. Visitors interested in a specific show should check its admission rules, venue, operating hours, and age restrictions before attending.
History of Los Angeles County Fairgrounds
The Los Angeles County Fair began in Pomona in 1922, when local business and civic leaders established an agricultural and commercial exhibition. The original fair occupied a roughly 43-acre beet and barley field, with a racetrack, grandstand, livestock buildings, and temporary exhibition structures.
The first fair ran from October 17 through October 21, 1922, and attracted approximately 49,000 visitors. Its early program included agricultural displays, livestock, harness racing, chariot races, and aviation stunts. The success of the event led to additional land purchases and permanent construction.
The grounds expanded over subsequent decades as the fair added exhibition facilities and responded to changing public interests. The site was renamed Fairplex in 1984, reflecting its growing role as a year-round event complex.
The history also includes a difficult chapter during World War II. In 1942, the Pomona fairgrounds were used as an assembly center where thousands of Japanese Americans were incarcerated before being transferred to other camps. This history is an important part of the site’s past and should not be overlooked when discussing the grounds’ development.
The fair resumed after the war and continued for decades, but it was canceled in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its centennial celebration took place in 2022. The event’s evolution from an agricultural gathering to a large entertainment and exhibition destination reflects the transformation of Pomona and the wider Los Angeles region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Los Angeles County Fair in 2026–2027?
The 2026 fair ran from May 7 through May 31. The next fair is scheduled for May 6–31, 2027. Confirm operating days and hours before visiting.
What time do Los Angeles County Fairgrounds open?
Opening times depend on the event. The annual fair has its own daily schedule, while conventions, motorsports events, and markets may open at different times. Check the schedule for the specific event.
Is there camping at Los Angeles County Fairgrounds?
Fairplex has an RV park, but accommodation availability, hookups, reservations, and event-related restrictions must be confirmed directly with the facility. Do not assume overnight camping is allowed in general fair parking lots.
How do I enter livestock in the Los Angeles County Fair?
Obtain the current livestock entry rules and premium book from the fair office. Review species eligibility, registration deadlines, animal-health documentation, arrival times, and judging requirements before submitting an entry.
Are dogs allowed at Los Angeles County Fairgrounds?
Pet policies vary by event. Do not assume ordinary pets are permitted at the annual fair or at every exhibition. Check the applicable event rules and accessibility policy before bringing an animal.
Where do I park at Los Angeles County Fairgrounds?
Fairplex uses event-specific parking lots and entrances. Follow the directions provided with your ticket or event information. Accessible parking is available, with locations determined by the event layout.
Who do I contact to rent Los Angeles County Fairgrounds?
Contact Fairplex’s main office at (909) 623-3111 or [email protected] to ask about venue rentals, event spaces, and booking procedures.
How much does it cost to get into the Los Angeles County Fair?
Admission prices vary by year, ticket type, promotional offer, and event date. Ride access, parking, and some entertainment may involve additional charges. Check current ticket details before purchasing.
Does Fairplex host events outside fair season?
Yes. The campus hosts motorsports, swap meets, trade shows, seasonal festivals, hobby conventions, educational activities, and other exhibitions throughout the year.
How do I become a vendor at the Los Angeles County Fair?
Contact the fair’s commercial sales team and request the current vendor application. Be prepared to provide information about your products, booth requirements, permits, and insurance where applicable.
Can I take public transportation to Fairplex?
Public transportation serves the Pomona area, and special connections or shuttles may operate during major events. Confirm the route and service dates before traveling because transit arrangements differ between events.
Is the Los Angeles County Fair suitable for children?
The fair offers family-oriented attractions, animal experiences, food, rides, and entertainment. Families should review height restrictions, ticket requirements, event hours, and any age-specific rules before their visit.
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