Celebrating 102 years, the Los Angeles County Fair is set to open May 3, promising big fun and more memories.
This year’s fair theme, Stars, Stripes, and fun, was announced in November and is filled with all things Americana celebrating the unique melting pot of our communities through crafts, food, memories and more.
“County fairs are a community celebration, and county and state fairs across the nation reflect the unique characteristics of all their communities. Fairs celebrate people in all our wonderful and intriguing variety,” Walter Marquez, president and CEO of Fairplex, said. “We are excited to embrace Southern California’s cultural mosaic with Stars, Stripes and Fun.”
The fair will keep many of the beloved attractions like the Big Red Barn and Marketplace while weaving in some new options, such as an exhibition from Mexican-American artist Rufino Tamayo in partnership with LACMA.
With opening day only a month away, here are some things to know and help you plan your trip to the fair:
Ticketing
The fair will keep with the shift to a cashless event and will accept only card payments for fair admission and parking. Tickets will again be sold online starting at $10 and can be purchased at the gate. Additionally, season passes for the first two weeks and the entire season can be purchased online.
What’s new for 2024
The fair will have some new attractions this season, including an indoor roller skating rink with a disco theme called Skate-R-Cade, which will be located in Expo Hall Four.
Art from Rufino Tamayo will feature works from his 60-year career as an artist, and there will also be examples of Mesoamerican sculptures included in the exhibit.
Music
Promoters have a full lineup of musical artists from various genres planned over the fair’s three-week run. Some performances included with fair admission include NextFest and an indie rock festival that will feature over 250 local emerging artists on stages throughout the fairgrounds.
Milestones
Both the Fairplex Garden Railroad and the Rail Giants Museum celebrate milestones this year. The Garden Railroad will celebrate 100 years as a fair attraction and the Rail Giants will celebrate its 70th year as a museum.
The Garden Railroad will have a celebratory exhibit for its 100 years showing different decades of the model trains and will also feature a special “birthday cake” made of trains.
Fair favorites return
A crowd favorite, The Big Red Barn, is back with an array of barnyard animals and a petting zoo. Cal Poly Pomona provides the animals, which are cared for by the Future Farmers of America 4H club chapter, which offers insights into the animals and enters them into competitions.
The Farm will also return, offering visitors the opportunity to wander its vast 5 acres and learn how to grow fruits and vegetables at home.
Keeping with the farm and outdoor spirits, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show and the Barnyard Racers Pig Racing return for new seasons.
Carnival rides at the midway are back, with Ray Cammack Shows providing 60 rides and 30 games for fairgoers to enjoy.
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.
Tickets: $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 are cheaper than gate prices.
Information: lacountyfair.com
