Cotton candy clouds, rattling coaster tracks, and the unmistakable scent of deep fryers are about to take over Pomona again, as the Los Angeles County Fair returns to Fairplex this spring. After a quiet offseason, the fairgrounds are set to fill up with families, food hunters, and live music fans for a run that stretches across mid-May weekends and Memorial Day.
Per the fair's official site, the 2026 run is scheduled for May 7 to 31 and will be open Thursdays through Sundays, plus Memorial Day, with daily hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. According to LA County Fair, opening day tickets start at $12 and the event blends concerts, agricultural exhibits and a full carnival midway.
Tickets, wristbands and deals
Single day admission generally ranges from $12 to $25, depending on the date, with opening day starting at $12. For repeat visitors, a Value Pass that covers the first two weeks is listed at $25, while a Premium Pass good for the full 17 day run is priced at $59. There is also a Mother's Day package at $39.99 that includes a food bundle for May 10, according to WhatNow.
Carnival vouchers that bundle an unlimited ride wristband with two free games are going for about $55 as a one-day package. Discounted voucher sales are set to run through May 6, and some vendors specify that vouchers must be redeemed in the carnival by 9 p.m. on Thursdays or by 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day. Exact terms can vary, so it pays to check vendor fine print, per AnyTots.
Concerts and late-night headliners
Concert tickets generally include same day fair admission, and the lineup runs through most nights of the fair. Current listings show WAR on May 9, Banda El Recodo with Banda Los Recoditos on May 10 and Brad Paisley on May 16, with Jeff Dunham and Ramón Ayala closing in on the end of the run. For specific show dates, seating options and ticket pricing, check event pages on Ticketmaster or individual listings such as JamBase.
Family attractions and agricultural roots
Beyond the flashing lights of the midway, the fair plays up its agricultural roots with livestock displays, petting farms and hands on exhibits geared toward kids. Organizers spotlight petting farms and family focused programming, and note that Ray Cammack Shows will once again handle rides and carnival games across the grounds. Exhibits and competitions will showcase art, crafts and photography, while shopping pavilions and concession stands stock local goods and a familiar lineup of deep fried specialties.
Plan your visit
Buying admission and ride vouchers ahead of time, and shopping around through third party outlets, is often the simplest way to keep costs in check. Parking, promo packages and coupon books can also trim the total. Some advance parking and admission bundles come in cheaper than gate prices, according to AnyTots. Weekends and concert nights are expected to be the busiest, so arriving early or leaning on transit options can help you dodge the longest lines.
The LA County Fair traces its history to the early 1920s and still shows up each spring as a SoCal staple, mixing old school agricultural exhibits with modern pop up style entertainment, per WhatNow. If you are eyeing those ride wristbands at a discount, compare official listings and major ticket sellers soon, since the current round of discounted vouchers is slated to end on May 6.
