The LA County Fair returns Friday, May3, bringing fair favorites, spins on classic foods, and even a throwback trip to the roller rink.
This year’s theme “Stars, Stripes, and Fun” aims to celebrate the uniqueness of the community and the traditions they have created, organizers said.
A worker unpacks a ride on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Fairplex in Pomona. The LA County Fair begins Friday and runs through Memorial Day. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Workers at Fairplex in Pomona prepare hundreds of trash receptacles in preparation for the upcoming LA County Fair on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The LA County Fair begins Friday and runs through Memorial Day. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Alfredo Flores replaces a sign on a food stand at Fairplex in Pomona on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in preparation for the start of the LA County Fair. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Eduardo Lopez gathers firewood for a barbeque stand at Fairplex in Pomona on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The LA County Fair begins Friday and runs through Memorial Day. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Fairplex employee Maurice Smith adjusts a 3-tier fountain to spray properly in preparation for the start of the LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The LA County Fair begins Friday and runs through Memorial Day. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Erick Manuel sets up the Dizzy Dragon children’s ride for the upcoming LA County Fair on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Fairplex in Pomona. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
A preview of the pig races was seen at the LA County Fair during a special event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The fair is scheduled to open to the public on May 3, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
A preview of duck races was seen at the LA County Fair during a special event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
A preview of goat races was seen at the LA County Fair during a special event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
A preview of duck races was seen at the LA County Fair during a special event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
The LA County Fair windmill peeks out from the foliage on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The fair is scheduled to have its opening day on May 3rd, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
One of those traditions is a call back to the time when roller skating was a popular pastime. This year the fair has a Skate-r-cade in Expo Hall 9. Skate rentals and access to the rink are included with fair admission, meaning everyone can take a spin around the throwback-themed rink.
Classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Pinball are also available to play in Expo Hall 9.
Other non-wheel-oriented activities include the flower and garden expo, where vibrant floral displays celebrate all things Southern California and Los Angeles County.
Fairgoers can also visit resident cold-blooded creatures at the Reptile House in the Great Outdoors section.
Alfredo Flores replaces a sign on a food stand at Fairplex in Pomona on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in preparation for the start of the LA County Fair. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
If scales are not for you, perhaps cheering on piglets, ducks and goats at the barnyard animal races is a better alternative.
Food vendors offer new takes on old favorites, like a funnel cake chicken sandwich, but classic tacos and bacon-wrapped items can still be found.
This year’s fair has something for all to enjoy, from car shows to agricultural education, homemade items and wine tasting with wines from all over the world.
About the LA County Fair
Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
When: Friday, May 3, through Monday, May 27
Hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. opening day. After that, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, plus Memorial Day, May 27.
Cost: $17 to $25 for adults; $12 for children ages 6 to 12 and seniors 60 and older. Parking is $20.
Payment: Parking, admission and concert box office payments are cashless. Advance online purchases cost less than gate prices.
