Summer in Los Angeles maynot officially start until June, but with the arrival of the L.A. County Fair (which has moved from September to hopefully-cooler May)summer sure feels like it’s here.
Every year, thousands of people make the trip to the Fairplex in Pomona to eat fried foods, take a plunge on acarnival ride and maybe win a prize at one of the many game booths. But there are more attractions at the fair than just the food and rides—here’s how to make the most of it with our guide to the L.A. County Fair.
When and where is the L.A. County Fair 2023?
The L.A. County Fair runs from May 5 to 29, 2023 at the Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave)in Pomona.
The hours are 11am to 11pm from Thursday to Sunday (plus the Monday of Memorial Day, the closing day of the fair). The opening day hours are 5 to 11pm.
How do I get there?
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, take the 10 East, get off at the Fairplex Drive exit, turn left and follow signs to the Fairplex. Another option is to exit at White Avenue, turn left and follow signs to the fair. If you’re not coming from L.A., you can find directions from various Southern California locations here.
Don’t want to drive or pay for parking?Metrolinkoftenoffers free shuttles and a special stop right by the fair (on a platform between the Pomona-North and the Covina stations). If, for whatever reason, that’s not running, take the Riverside lineand get off at the Pomona Metrolink Station. From there, grab theFoothill Transit 197 bus to the Fairplex.
How much does the fair cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on when you buy it and for which day—you have to pick a specific calendar date this year when it comes to ticketing. If you buy them at the fair, tickets will cost $30 regardless, so you’ll definitely want to pick them up online.
Ticketspurchased online cost between $15 and $25 for adults (the first few weeks of the fair are the cheapest; the final week is $25 every day). Kids and senior tickets purcahsed online cost $10 to $12.
General admission parking is $17 in advance and $22 at the gate; preferred parking info isn’t available quite yet.
Carnival tickets aren’t on sale quite yet. But for reference, in 2022 it was $20 for 16 FunPass tickets, $50 for 40 and $100 for 80(and $50 for a carnival ride wristband). Note that some attractions might have an additional cost.
What bands are playing?
This year’s performances include John Fogerty, Lady A, Jelly Roll, Chaka Khan, the Isley Brothersand more.
What about the food?
You’ll find all sorts of belly bombs(we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the return of the value menu across the grounds). The fair is known for things likedeep-fried hot sauce, deep-fried butter, chicken and waffle on a stick, french toast bacon bombs, truffle-gouda bacon fries, bacon-wrapped baked potato, portabello kabobs, vegan burritos, tacos and nachos.
