The Los Angeles County Fair is about to return to Fairplex in Pomona with its 2026 theme “Play Your Way,” inviting fairgoers to tap into their inner child.
The fair runs Thursday, May 7 through Sunday, May 31, and just like in years past, will bring back old favorites but will also offer new delights.
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, with its shimmering midway lights and rip-roaring carnival rides.
“Play is universal,” Walter Marquez, president & CEO of Fairplex, said in a news release. “We’ll welcome guests back to experience joy, connection, and creativity in ways only the Fair can deliver.”
Fairgoers are invited to “play” in whatever way makes them happy as the county fairgrounds are once again transformed into the ultimate playground.
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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.
New in 2026
This year, the fair is bringing more entertainment and more food.
The Retro Row exhibit in Expo Hall 9, for instance, features throwback photo opportunities, including a giant version of the vintage toy “Wooly Willie,” and other interactive elements.
A pirate-themed play area for little fairgoers 10 and under is also new this year, located near the Lagoon.
A new show, “The Cutest Dog Show on Earth,” 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.
Back again
What would a county fair be without the beloved fair food 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.
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.
Skate-R-Cade is returning with free rollerskating 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.
The Garden Railroad also returns for its 102nd year and ever-popular massive maze of winding miniature railroad tracks for guests to admire and explore.
Traveling to the Fairplex
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.
Tickets and parking
Tickets 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.
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.
Carnival ride unlimited ride wristbands start at $55 online and include two free carnival game vouchers.
Parking 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.
Tickets and parking are cashless for the fair and payment options are a mixture of cash and cashless for vendors.
Operating days and hours
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.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://www.lacountyfair.com/