Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The L. A.
County Fair, running from May 6 to May 31, 2027, in Pomona, California, is a vibrant celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community. Attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, live performances, and competitions that showcase local talent and produce.
Organised by Fairplex, this event promises fun for the whole family, making it a must-visit destination this spring.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The L.A. County Fair takes place from May 6 to May 31, 2027, in Pomona, California.
- 2Scale and Focus: This annual fair features attractions, competitions, and entertainment for families and visitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Fairplex, known for hosting various community events.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include families, local residents, and tourists seeking entertainment and agricultural exhibits.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available online, with special discounts offered during the promotional period.
Why visit
Visitors can experience a wide range of attractions, from thrilling rides to live entertainment. The fair also offers unique competitions and exhibits that highlight local agriculture and community talent. It's a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together while enjoying delicious food and engaging activities.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain access to a diverse audience eager to explore new products and services. The fair provides a platform for local businesses to showcase their offerings, connect with potential customers, and enhance brand visibility in a festive environment. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Local farmers showcasing produce and livestock, Artisans selling handmade crafts and goods, Food vendors offering a variety of cuisines. Position your offer across agricultural.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Southern California families and multi-generational groups planning a full day across the Fairplex midway, carnival rides and animal barns
Concert and grandstand entertainment buyers who come for the evening headline shows and rodeo or motorsport nights
Food and midway enthusiasts working the concession rows, wine, beer and farm-to-fair tasting pavilions
School, 4-H, FFA and community groups on agricultural-education field trips to the livestock and produce exhibits
Arts, crafts and shopping visitors targeting the Fairplex exhibit halls and pop-up market vendors
Out-of-town visitors pairing the fair with a wider Los Angeles, Inland Empire or Route 66 Pomona trip
Local Pomona, Claremont and Chino Valley residents using Foothill Transit or Metrolink fair services for a car-free visit
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food and beverage concessionaires running stands, trailers and tasting booths across the midway and pavilions
Carnival ride and game operators contracted for the outdoor midway
Arts, crafts, home-goods and gift vendors selling from the Fairplex exhibit halls
Agricultural, livestock, horticulture and农业-education exhibitors using the barns, show rings and demonstration plots
Commercial exhibitors and retailers activating booths or demo spaces for the full fair run
Sponsors and brands running sampling, activation or stage-integration programmes with Fairplex
Community, education and public-service organisations staffing information booths and recruitment tables
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Livestock and agriculture exhibits
Fairground carnival rides and midway games
Live concerts and grandstand entertainment
Local food and beverage concessions
Arts, crafts and vendor shopping
Family attractions and educational exhibits
Location & Facilities
Venue
LA County Fair
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
Facilities
Parking
LA County Fair, Pomona, USA in Pomona typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: LA County Fair, Pomona, USA in Pomona typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at LA County Fair, Pomona, USA for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Tickets are available online, with special discounts offered during the promotional period.
Who runs the show
Organisers
Fairplex
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Pomona, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-05-06 to 2027-05-31, L.A.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Ontario International Airport
Closest commercial airport to Pomona and the most convenient gateway; rideshare, taxi and rental car desks are on site
About 20 km east of Fairplex, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road in normal traffic
to venue
TBA
by car
Los Angeles International Airport
Largest international gateway for long-haul arrivals; allow extra time on weekday afternoons and Friday evenings
About 90 km west of Fairplex, typically 60 to 90 minutes by road depending on traffic
to venue
TBA
by car
Long Beach Airport
Smaller alternative serving domestic routes; useful when LAX fares or queues are unfavourable
About 70 km southwest of Fairplex, typically 60 to 80 minutes by road
to venue
TBA
by car
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Domestic-focused option for travellers arriving from the north; car or rideshare to Pomona is the practical connection
About 75 km northwest of Fairplex, typically 65 to 90 minutes by road
to venue
TBA
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center
4-star
Fairplex / McKinley Ave, PomonaAbout 1.2 km from the fairgrounds to venueUSD 175–220 / night
The only full-service property directly adjoining the Fairplex campus; book early for grandstand concert nights.
Breakfast (paid), Wi-Fi (paid), parking (paid), outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, pet-friendly, air conditioning
Travelodge by Wyndham Fairplex Pomona
2-star
Fairplex area, PomonaAbout 1.4 km from the fairgrounds to venueUSD 175–236 / night
Walking-distance budget option with free parking, which offsets the higher nightly band during fair weeks.
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, breakfast, air conditioning, accessible rooms
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona
3-star
PomonaAbout 5.1 km from the fairgrounds to venueUSD 115–145 / night
Good value for drivers using the I-10 corridor; parking is charged separately.
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, pet-friendly, air conditioning
Hilton Garden Inn Pomona
3-star
PomonaRoughly 6 km from the fairgrounds by road to venueUSD 115–145 / night
Mid-tier base with free parking; convenient if you plan to drive to a Fairplex gate lot each day.
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus (Foothill Transit)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forFoothill Transit local service to Fairplex, Pomona, from Pomona Transit Center and nearby communities
Foothill Transit publishes a dedicated LA County Fair page. Fares and fair-period line numbers change, so confirm live fares and schedules before travel.
Metrolink commuter rail
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forMetrolink San Bernardino Line to Pomona station, then local bus or shuttle to the Fairplex gates
Metrolink has previously run special LA County Fair trains; check the current timetable and any fair promotion before travel.
LA Metro rail plus local bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLA Metro rail to the eastern San Gabriel Valley, then Foothill Transit bus into Pomona and Fairplex
Slowest but cheapest option from central Los Angeles; allow well over an hour each way.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forPomona or Claremont hotel to the Fairplex rideshare drop-off at 1101 W McKinley Ave
Follow posted Fairplex traffic plans; the rideshare pickup zone is not at the same point as the drop-off.
Taxi or rideshare from Ontario Airport
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forONT airport terminals to Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona
Shortest airport transfer; confirm the fare estimate in the app before requesting the ride.
Taxi or rideshare from Los Angeles Airport
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLAX terminals to Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona
Long transfer across the LA basin; shared shuttles and Metrolink connections can cost far less.
Car and Fairplex general parking
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDrive to Fairplex gate lots, for example Gate 9 on White Avenue (Blue Lot) or the Gillette Road park-and-ride
Pre-purchase parking through the official Etix parking listing to avoid booth queues. Rates are approximate and confirmed at the gate.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forOntario International Airport (ONT) to LA County Fair, Pomona, USA
Closest commercial airport to Pomona and the most convenient gateway; rideshare, taxi and rental car desks are on site.
Weather
The fair sits in Pomona's warm, dry inland climate. Across the run expect long sunny days with afternoon highs typically around 24 to 29 C (mid 70s to mid 80s F) and much cooler evenings near 12 to 15 C, plus very little rainfall. An Open-Meteo air-quality forecast for the venue coordinates returned a US AQI around 28 with PM2.5 near 2.1 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 near 2.7, which is generally good, but sensitive visitors should check local advisories during heat waves or wildfire-smoke episodes. Outdoor midway, grandstand and parking lots offer little shade, so plan around midday sun.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The Fairplex campus and Pomona are well covered by US mobile networks. Visitors from outside the United States should arrange roaming or a travel eSIM before arrival, since prepaid SIM purchase usually needs a passport and a US address. Mobile data can get congested on the busiest midway and concert nights, so exhibitors and vendors should keep an offline payment backup. Public Wi-Fi is not a reliable assumption across the grounds; confirm any venue Wi-Fi with Fairplex if your stand depends on it.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
County fair culture
The Los Angeles County Fair is a consumer and agricultural fair rather than a trade-only expo. Expect families, school groups, 4-H and FFA families, and evening concert crowds sharing the same grounds, so daytime and evening atmospheres differ sharply.
Dress and sun
Dress is casual and practical: shorts, hats and walking shoes are normal on the midway. Business dress only applies if you have a scheduled meeting with Fairplex or a sponsor, and even then Inland Empire business casual is the norm.
Cash and cards
Cards and mobile wallets are widely accepted at Fairplex, but some small vendors and carnival games still prefer cash. Carry a little cash for tips, game booths and farm stand purchases.
Tipping
Tipping follows standard US practice: around 15 to 20 percent at table-service restaurants and a dollar or two for counter service or shuttle drivers is customary.
Crowd and queue etiquette
Security screening at the gates and lines for carnival rides and grandstand entry can be long on weekends. Arriving in the first hour after opening and using pre-purchased tickets noticeably shortens the wait.
Heat and hydration
Local visitors treat the May fair as a sun event: they bring refillable bottles, hats and sunscreen, and they pace outdoor midway time around the hottest midday hours. Follow the same pattern if you are not used to inland Southern California heat.
Accessibility
Fairplex provides accessible parking, restrooms and scooter or wheelchair rental; ask at guest services or check the accessibility page before your visit if you need step-free routes between halls and the grandstand.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ONT
Compare fares into Ontario International (ONT) first, since it is roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Fairplex, then check Los Angeles (LAX), Long Beach (LGB) and Hollywood Burbank (BUR) if fares or schedules are better. Long-haul international visitors usually arrive through LAX and should budget 60 to 90 minutes of road transfer to Pomona. Book refundable or changeable tickets where possible, confirm baggage rules, and arrange airport to hotel transport before arrival. Airfare ranges shown here are planning estimates in US dollars, not live quotes.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Ontario International Airport (ONT): Closest commercial airport to Pomona and the most convenient gateway; rideshare, taxi and rental car desks are on site; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Largest international gateway for long-haul arrivals; allow extra time on weekday afternoons and Friday evenings; Long Beach Airport (LGB): Smaller alternative serving domestic routes; useful when LAX fares or queues are unfavourable; Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Domestic-focused
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near LA County Fair: Fairplex / McKinley Ave, Pomona: Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center; Fairplex area, Pomona: Travelodge by Wyndham Fairplex Pomona; Pomona: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Pomona and the Inland Empire, with rideshare pickup and drop-off following posted Fairplex traffic plans during the fair. Expect surge pricing when the grandstand show ends, and walk to the designated pickup zone rather than hailing on McKinley Avenue. From Ontario Airport the ride is typically 20 to 30 minutes; from LAX plan for 60 to 90 minutes and a fare in the high double or low triple digits in US dollars.
Public transit: Foothill Transit runs LA County Fair bus service to Fairplex, and Metrolink has previously operated special fair trains to Pomona station with an onward shuttle or local bus to the gates at 1101 W McKinley Ave. Approximate local fares are USD 2.00 for a Foothill Transit one-way ride and roughly USD 4.25 to 6.50 for a Metrolink one-way trip depending on origin zone, with day passes costing more. Use the LA Metro trip planner or Moovit for live Pomona routings, and check the official lacountyfair.com transportation page for current fair-period shuttles, park-and-ride points and any promotional transit tickets.
Parking: On-site parking is available across Fairplex gate lots, including Gate 9 on White Avenue and park-and-ride arrangements at the Gillette Road lot. General parking is typically in the region of USD 15 to 25 per vehicle per day, with premium, valet and oversized-vehicle options priced higher; rates are set by Fairplex and confirmed at the gate. Pre-purchase through the official Etix parking listing to shorten booth queues, arrive before late afternoon on concert nights, and note that accessible spaces are limited.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027
Temperature: May daytime highs in Pomona typically run around 24 to 29 C (mid 70s to mid 80s F), dropping to roughly 12 to 15 C in the evening. Midday sun on the outdoor midway, grandstand and parking lots feels stronger than the air temperature suggests.
Seasonality: May falls in Southern California's dry season, so rain is unlikely across the fair run and most days are clear and sunny. The bigger seasonal factors are afternoon heat, strong sun exposure on unshaded walkways, and occasional wildfire-smoke episodes that can affect air quality in the Pomona basin.
Packing: Light breathable clothing, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen for the outdoor midway; a light jacket or layer for evening concerts and the grandstand; comfortable broken-in walking shoes for the Fairplex grounds; a refillable water bottle; a small bag for fair purchases; and a power bank for a long day out. Check the fair's bag policy before you travel.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at L.A. County Fair usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Choose your arrival mode: Foothill Transit fair bus, Metrolink to Pomona station with a local connection, rideshare, or driving to a Fairplex gate lot. — Check foothilltransit.org/lacf and the Metrolink timetable in the week before you travel.
Day 2
If driving, pre-purchase a Fairplex parking pass through the official Etix parking listing and note which gate (for example Gate 9 on White Avenue) matches your lot. — Parking is ticketed separately from admission.
Day 3
Book lodging in the Fairplex or central Pomona zone and confirm whether parking and breakfast are included in the rate. — Properties within walking distance of McKinley Avenue fill first on concert weekends.
Day 4
Map the grounds you most want to cover: carnival midway, livestock barns, flower and garden exhibits, shopping halls, and the grandstand. — The Fairplex campus is large; pick two or three priority zones rather than trying to walk everything.
Day 5
Plan meals around peak concession queues and check whether outside food and drink or refillable bottles are allowed under current fair rules.; Check the weather and air quality forecast for Pomona and adjust your day: sun protection and hydration for the outdoor midway, a light layer for evening shows. — Sensitive visitors should watch local advisories during heat or wildfire-smoke episodes.
Day 6
If travelling with children, agree a meeting point near a named gate or the guest services booth and note ride height requirements before buying wristbands.; For school, 4-H or FFA groups, confirm the livestock show and auction timings and the barn access rules with the fair's agricultural programmes office. — Group arrivals should use the designated bus drop-off rather than general parking.
Day 7
Reserve an accessible parking space or scooter/wheelchair rental in advance if needed, and review the Fairplex accessibility map. — Accessible spaces are limited on concert nights.
Day 8
Charge phones and power banks, download the fair map and schedule, and save the return transit or rideshare plan for after the evening show. — Late-night rideshare demand spikes when the grandstand lets out.
Day 9
Pack a small bag: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, comfortable shoes and a light jacket for the evening. — Check the fair's clear-bag or bag-size policy before you leave.
Day 10
Pick your fair date and check the official lacountyfair.com schedule for gate opening hours, grandstand concert line-up and any ride or barn closures that day.; Re-confirm gate times, transit schedules and your ticket confirmations on the morning of your visit, then arrive early to clear security before peak entry. — Arriving in the first hour after opening avoids the longest security and ticket queues.
Day 11
Buy gate admission in advance through the official lacountyfair.com and Etix channels, and decide whether you need a separate carnival wristband or grandstand concert ticket. — Keep the confirmation on your phone; gate scanning is faster with a digital ticket.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at LA County Fair, Pomona, USA
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2L.A. County Fair registration concourse
LA County Fair, Pomona, USA
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
LA County Fair, Pomona, USA
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether L.A. County Fair fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For L.A. County Fair, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Agricultural products and livestock and Arts and crafts from local artisans solutions and benchmarking suppliers at L.A. County Fair in Pomona.
Min. budget
$622.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Agricultural products and livestock and Arts and crafts from local artisans products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,799.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Pomona show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is the LA County Fair held?
At Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, California. The Fairplex site is the permanent home of the fair and hosts the expo halls, grandstand and carnival grounds.
How do I get to the LA County Fair without a car?
Foothill Transit operates LA County Fair bus service to Fairplex, and Metrolink has run special fair trains to Pomona with onward connection to the grounds. Rideshare drop-off follows posted Fairplex traffic plans.
Where can I park at the fair?
Fairplex operates on-site lots including the Blue Lot at Gate 9 (2000 N White Ave) and a Park & Ride at 1819 Gillette Rd. Parking is ticketed through the official Fairplex/Etix parking listing, so pre-purchase to skip gate queues.
Which hotels are closest to Fairplex?
Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center is about 1.2 km from the fairgrounds, and Travelodge by Wyndham Fairplex Pomona is about 1.4 km away. Both are within a short walk or rideshare of the gates.
What are the LA County Fair dates?
The official site lists May 6-31, 2027 for the next edition at Fairplex in Pomona. Confirm day-by-day opening hours on lacountyfair.com before booking travel.
Glossary
- Fairplex
- The 487-acre Los Angeles County fairgrounds campus at 1101 W McKinley Ave in Pomona, home to the fair's halls, grandstand, carnival lots and on-site parking gates.
- Midway
- The outdoor carnival zone at Fairplex where ride operators, game booths and food concessionaires cluster; most families plan their day around this area and the adjoining kids' ride section.
- Grandstand
- The seated entertainment venue inside Fairplex used for headline concerts, rodeo and motorsport nights; separate or bundled tickets may apply depending on the show.
- Concessionaire
- An independent food, beverage or retail vendor operating a stand or trailer on the grounds under a Fairplex contract, rather than a hall exhibitor.
- 4-H and FFA exhibits
- Youth agricultural programmes whose members show livestock, produce and crafts at the fair; their barns and auction areas drive much of the daytime family and school-group traffic.
- Livestock auction
- The sale at the end of the fair where youth-raised animals are bought by local buyers; timing is published in the fair schedule and is a key draw for agricultural visitors.
- Blue ribbon or premium
- The award and small cash premium given to winning entries in the fair's competitive exhibits for baking, preserves, crafts, horticulture and livestock classes.
- Carnival wristband
- A dated pass that unlocks unlimited rides for one session, sold separately from gate admission; compare it with per-ride ticket pricing before buying.
- Park and Ride
- Off-site Fairplex lot (for example the Gillette Road lot) where visitors park and take a shuttle to the gates, useful on busy weekends and concert nights.
- Gate admission
- The general entry ticket to the fairgrounds, distinct from parking, grandstand concert tickets and carnival ride credits; buy in advance through the official lacountyfair.com ticketing channel.
- Fairplex parking lot
- Ticketed on-site vehicle parking accessed through numbered gates such as Gate 9 on White Avenue; pre-purchased parking passes reduce queue time at the booth.
- Metrolink fair service
- Special or regular Metrolink trains to Pomona station that have been run for fair patrons, usually combined with a local shuttle or bus connection to the Fairplex gates.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Pomona fair 2027
- California county fairs
- family fun events in Pomona
- agriculture fair USA
- L.A. County Fair 2027
- L.A. County Fair Pomona 2027
- Pomona United States
- Agricultural products and livestock
- Arts and crafts from local artisans
- Food and beverage offerings
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.