For over a century, the LA County Fair has delighted generations of fairgoers with its irresistible blend of community spirit, cultural heritage, and good old-fashioned fun. But in 2025, the Fair is breaking new ground. This year’s theme, Art Unleashed, isn’t just a tagline — it’s a full-blown celebration of creativity in all its forms, transforming Fairplex into Southern California’s most vibrant and eclectic canvas.
From the thumping rhythm of live music to the last swirl of whipped cream on a funnel cake, art is everywhere at the LA County Fair — and this year, it’s taking center stage.
A century of creativity: The evolution of the LA County Fair
The LA County Fair began in 1922 on a 43-acre plot of beet and barley fields. That modest five-day event was rooted in agriculture and local pride, featuring harness racing, chariot duels, and daredevil wing-walking stunts. Over the decades, the Fair evolved with the times, expanding to over 500 acres at Fairplex in Pomona and growing into one of the largest and most iconic events in Southern California.
Today, the Fair remains a powerful reflection of the region’s diversity, ingenuity, and community spirit. Its evolution from a small agricultural showcase into a multifaceted celebration of art, music, food, culture, and innovation is a testament to its enduring relevance. With the theme Art Unleashed, the 2025 Fair embraces the limitless nature of creativity — reminding guests that art is not confined to canvases or galleries but found in the everyday moments that move us.
Art Unleashed: The heartbeat of the 2025 experience
To unleash art is to break down the walls between disciplines, cultures, and experiences. This year’s theme invites guests to explore art in every form imaginable — from the sizzling artistry of gourmet fair food to the dazzling spectacle of a roller skate routine. The fairgrounds become a living, breathing exhibition space where imagination runs wild and creativity knows no bounds.
Whether it’s the expertly plated dishes served hot from the midway, the meticulous craftsmanship of a vintage lowrider, or the rhythmic poetry at the nation’s largest spoken word festival, every corner of the LA County Fair is designed to engage, inspire, and celebrate human expression.
Concert series: Music as a masterpiece
This year’s concert series brings a dynamic mix of legendary artists and genre-spanning acts to a new venue. With the main stage moved to the north field during ongoing renovations of The Grandstand, guests will enjoy an open-air concert experience that makes the most of warm spring nights and electric performances.
The lineup includes powerhouse names such as WAR, Shaggy, Common Kings, Los Ángeles Azules, The O’Jays, Tower of Power, Mariachi Vargas, Alicia Villareal, Chris Young, Zapp, Midnight Star, Dru Hill, Mýa, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Cheap Trick, Chris Janson, and Los Huracanes del Norte. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and fairgoers are encouraged to arrive at least three hours early to ensure smooth entry and ideal seating. Concert tickets include admission to the LA County Fair on the day of the performance, offering an all-day celebration of music and creativity.
The return of fair favorites
At the center of the culinary excitement is the legendary Chicken Charlie, who’s been innovating fair food for 37 years. Known for turning deep-fried dreams into reality, Charlie continues to push the boundaries of fair cuisine with inventive, crowd-pleasing creations that blend nostalgia with novelty. From deep-fried Oreos to perfectly crisped fried chicken, his menu is a testament to the artistry of indulgence and the joy of culinary experimentation.
Charlie, who began his fair journey as a teenager selling charbroiled corn, recommends every guest try his signature trio: fried chicken, charbroiled corn, and the ever-popular deep-fried Oreo. Beyond the food, Ray Cammack Shows returns with more than 40 thrilling rides and a full array of games and attractions, ensuring the carnival spirit is alive and well.
Immersive creative experiences
Art is the backbone of the 2025 fair experience. The Skate-R-Cade sponsored by Raising Canes, returns in partnership with the Grand Park Foundation, expanded in size and energy, inviting guests to roll, jam, and glide through a colorful roller-disco setting that turns motion into magic. Inside the Millard Sheets Art Center, visitors can explore Before You Now, an exhibition presented by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Art Bridges Foundation, showcasing a stunning collection of paintings, sculpture, and multimedia works.
The Flower & Garden Pavilion bursts with vibrant floral installations that blur the lines between nature and fantasy. Clay Play offers hands-on experiences where guests of all ages can mold their own pottery for a small fee. In Expo Hall 6, the Typewriter Connection allows visitors to write letters, poems, or personal reflections on classic manual typewriters — a nostalgic nod to the written word and the art of storytelling.
Competitions across photography, quilting, culinary arts, and more bring out the best in local talent, with blue ribbons awarded to entries that demonstrate skill, imagination, and heart. This year’s culinary kitchen is sponsored by none other than Goya. Guests can admire the displays for inspiration or submit their own entries in hopes of winning that coveted ribbon.
Cultural exhibits, community events, and heritage showcases
The Fairplex Garden Railroad, celebrating its 101st year, and the RailGiants Train Museum, now in its 70th, continue to provide educational and awe-inspiring glimpses into California’s transportation history. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum remains open to fairgoers, chronicling the rich heritage of American auto racing with immersive exhibits and classic vehicles.
Plaza de las Américas comes alive with Latin-influenced entertainment, while Redwood Street hosts the Culture of the Low and the Slow — a lowrider show with demonstrations in airbrushing and pinstriping. Community performances at the Community Stage highlight diverse dance groups and martial arts studios, while Expo Hall 10 hosts student projects from more than 50 regional schools in the 48th DAA Agriculture & Nutrition Fair.
In partnership with LionLike MindState, the Pomona Valley Poetry & Fest returns on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with live poetry, readings, and literary celebration at the Community Stage, featuring over 120 poets and authors from around the country.
Special events and signature celebrations
Throughout May, the Fair is packed with special programming. On Saturday, May 10, Pride at the LA County Fair invites guests to wear their favorite rainbow gear for a day of celebration, capped off by a Pride Dance Party in Expo Hall 8. Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11) features a special brunch at Picnic Hill for $44.99 per person, including Fair admission, a buffet, entertainment, a return ticket, and a concert seat to see Chris Young.
Thoughtful Thursday, May 15, offers a sensory-sensitive experience for guests who prefer a quieter environment, while junior and high school students will have the opportunity to attend a leadership conference hosted by keynote speaker Viliami Tuivai.
May 17, marks the return of Black on the Block, showcasing over 100 Black-owned businesses with food, music, art, and fashion activations. The Girl Scout G.I.R.L. Takeover on May 18, offers scouts and their families a full day of programming, parade participation, and community fun.
Know before you go
The LA County Fair runs from May 2 to May 26, open Thursdays through Sundays and Memorial Day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with opening night (Friday, May 2) beginning at 5 p.m. Fairplex is a cashless venue, and all gate admissions and parking must be paid with debit or credit card. Select vendors and exhibitors inside may still accept cash, but the use of cards is encouraged.
Advance online tickets are available for adults at $18.50 to $27.50, children ages 6 to 12 and seniors at $15.50. At the gate, tickets are $32 for adults and $17 for children and seniors. Children five and under are free. Parking in advance is $22.50, or $26 at the gate. RV parking is available online for $43.50 and $52 at the gate, with designated parking in the Yellow Lot at Gate 17.
Thummer: A legacy of joy
No visit is complete without saying hello to Thummer, the Fair’s beloved mascot of 75 years. Born from a naming contest and originally imagined as a hitchhiking pig, Thummer is now the friendly face of the Fair, welcoming guests with a smile and a wave. His home across from the Big Red Barn is a favorite stop for families and fair lovers of all ages.
Experience the art of it all
The 2025 LA County Fair is more than an event — it’s a declaration that art lives in everything around us. Whether through music, food, performance, or handcrafted wonders, this year’s theme of Art Unleashed invites every guest to discover their own creative spark.
Let the celebration begin at Fairplex in Pomona. Creativity awaits.
For more information visit LACOUNTYFAIR.COM