Location: Fairplex, Pomona, CA
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Hey AV explorers, Thomas here – if you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off the summer, the 104th LA County Fair opens its gates this Thursday, May 7th, and it’s just under 2 hours from the AV via the 14 South to the 210 East. Opening Day is a special evening run from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and it’s the cheapest ticket of the entire fair season – just $12 for Opening Day admission, the lowest price of the fair.
This year’s theme is “Play Your Way” – celebrating all the ways Southern California loves to play, from carnival thrills to music, sports, games, and food. From whirling rides and friendly contests to creative triumphs and big bites of deep-fried delight, the Fair is transforming its grounds into the county’s biggest playground.
The food alone is worth the drive. Chicken Charlie’s is back with a new Fried Mangonada – fresh mango with Tajín and chamoy, coated in pancake batter and fried golden. Other new bites include Mike’s Hot Honey turkey legs, Fruity Pebbles Korean corn dogs, and pickle lemonade, alongside returning legends like Pink’s Hot Dogs, King Taco, and After’s Ice Cream. Add carnival rides, a sports-themed Expo Hall, farm animals, art exhibits, and a live concert series launching May 9 – there’s genuinely something for every age in the group.
Making it a Full Day:
The Fairplex sits right in the heart of the Pomona/Claremont corridor. After the fair, the Claremont Village is a short drive east – a charming college-town strip of independent restaurants, breweries, and boutique shops perfect for a post-fair dinner. If you want to go deeper, the California Botanic Garden is nearby for a slower-paced afternoon before the evening gates open.
Thomas’s Local Tips:
- 🎟️ Buy tickets online in advance – Gate admission is $32, but Opening Day (May 7) is just $12 online. Don’t pay full price at the gate when a few clicks saves you $20.
- 🎡 Grab the carnival wristband – A $55 wristband gets you unlimited rides plus two games and one Titan ride – cheaper than paying per ride if your crew plans to stay on the Midway. Sale price ends May 6, so buy before you go.
- 🍟 Go straight to the food you came for – The booths fill up fast on weekends. Make a plan before you walk in and hit your must-try items (Fried Mangonada, we’re looking at you) while the lines are short.
- 🎵 Check the concert calendar – All shows start at 7:30 PM; arrive at least 3 hours before to ensure timely entry and good seating. Concert tickets bundle your fair admission, so they’re great value if you want a full day-to-night experience.
- 💵 Bring cash and a budget – Fair food adds up fast. Set a per-person food budget at home so you’re not surprised, and hit an ATM before you leave the AV – the onsite ATM lines get long.
Nature’s calling, it’s time to pick up… See you out there!
