The 96th Los Angeles County Fair began Friday at the Fairplex in Pomona with the theme of “Art Unleashed,” celebrating the world’s myriad of art forms.
The fair has partnered with Los Angeles County art institutions to bring programming and works of art to the fairgrounds, organizers said.
The Getty Museum has programming every weekend throughout the fair’s 16-day run May 2-26, featuring The Getty Pavilion, “which intersects well-being and art,” and a hands-on printmaking workshop with demonstrations by Boyle Heights-based artist Aceves of Kalli Arte Collective, according to fair organizers. Muralist and graffiti artist Fabian Debora will create a large mural based on the theme “Love for Los Angeles.”
The Center Theater Group is showcasing a new play starring fair mascot Thummer every weekend, and Bob Baker Marionettes performs each Sunday.
Flamenco dancers from The Music Center are set to perform on the fair’s Plaza Stage.
The Art of Music plays NextFest — world’s largest indie music festival — on four stages over 12 nights featuring rock, R&B, reggae, Latin and country styles. The Performing Arts Showcase, features school bands, orchestras and choirs from around the county at Expo Hall 4 on May 16 and 17.
Also on May 17, the LA Opera will instruct fair attendees how to sing like an operatic virtuoso.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art returns for its third fair to curate an exhibit for the Millard Sheets Art Center. “Before You Now” features self-portraits, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Diane Arbus and Man Ray.
The fair’s Flower and Garden Pavilion will celebrate floral artistry with the “BLOOM 2 ART.” This fair installation focuses on “the interplay and kindred spirit” shared among flowers, art and all people interpreted through creative and imaginative settings in the pavilion, organizers said.
“The LA County Fair aims to inspire our guests by showcasing the limitless possibilities of art and imagination takes center stage,” Fairplex President and CEO Walter Marquez said in a statement. “Art is a reflection of the creative spirit, and at the fair, it comes to life in countless forms, through crafts, culinary delights and even the excitement of the carnival.”
This year’s carnival includes two new roller coasters, a new swing ride and a new Ferris wheel.
A larger roller-skating rink at the fair’s Skate-R-Cade, a combined rink and video game arcade and a petting zoo with mini-horses, donkeys, cows, goats and pigs are also new attractions for 2025.
New food options include meatball mozzarella corndogs and chocolate strawberry cups, which are portions of plump strawberries covered in Belgian chocolate.
The fair’s concert series began Friday with the funk band War. Other artists scheduled to perform are Shaggy and Common Kings on Saturday and Los Angeles Azules on Sunday. Next weekend, The O’Jays and Tower of Power are set to play May 9, then Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and Alicia Villareal on May 10 and Chris Young on May 11; along with Zapp and Midnight Star, May 16; Dru Hill and Mya, May 17; Los Tucanes de Tijuana, May 18; Cheap Trick, May 23; Chris Janson, May 24; and Los Huracanes del Norte, May 25.
Tickets are available from ticketmaster.com.
The fair operated from 5-11 p.m. on opening day with tickets purchased online priced at $9.50. For the remainder of its run, Thursday through Sunday and Memorial Day, the fair operates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The fair will be closed Monday through Wednesday, except for its final day May 26.
Tickets for fairgoers ages 13-59 purchased in advance online are $19.50 Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for the three Thursdays, May 8, 15 and 22, will cost $18.50. Prices rise throughout the month with tickets purchased online costing $21.50 May 9-11, $24.50 May 16-18 and $27.50 May 21-26.
Tickets for children ages 6-12 and seniors 60 and older purchased in advance online are $15.50 throughout the fair’s run.
Parking costs $22.50 online and $26 at the gate. Recreational vehicle parking is $43.50 online and $52 at the venue. RV parking is at the Yellow Lot/Gate 17.
Payment for parking, admission and concert tickets is electronic only, cash is not accepted.
The fair “continues to be a source of joy and connection for residents of all ages,” District 1 county Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement. “As a longtime advocate for the arts, I’m especially excited about this year’s theme, Art Unleashed, which will feature a wide range of artistic experiences and collaborations with renowned institutions such as LACMA, the LA Opera and many more.”
More information on the fair’s many attractions and performance schedules is available at lacountyfair.com.
