For over a century, the LA County Fair has captivated generations with its unique mix of community spirit, cultural heritage, and classic fun. In 2025, the Fair breaks new ground with the theme Art Unleashed — a vibrant celebration of creativity that transforms Fairplex into Southern California’s most dynamic artistic hub.
From lively music beats to the finishing touch on a funnel cake, art surrounds every experience at the Fair, now proudly taking center stage.
A century of creativity: The evolution of the LA County Fair
The LA County Fair started in 1922 on a 43-acre farm, featuring harness racing, chariot duels, and daring wing-walking stunts. What began as a modest five-day agricultural event has since grown into one of Southern California’s largest celebrations, now spanning over 500 acres at Fairplex in Pomona.
Today, the Fair reflects the region’s diversity, creativity, and community spirit. From its agricultural roots, it has blossomed into a vibrant festival of art, music, food, culture, and innovation. The 2025 theme, Art Unleashed, highlights creativity’s boundless reach—showing that art thrives not just in galleries but in everyday moments that inspire us all.
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Art Unleashed: The heartbeat of the 2025 experience
Unleashing art means breaking barriers between disciplines, cultures, and experiences. This year’s theme invites visitors to discover creativity everywhere—from gourmet fair food to dazzling roller skate performances. The fairgrounds transform into a vibrant showcase where imagination thrives and artistic expression has no limits.
Whether savoring expertly crafted dishes, admiring the detail of vintage lowriders, or experiencing the nation’s largest spoken word festival, every corner of the LA County Fair inspires and celebrates the power of human creativity.
Concert series: Music as a masterpiece
This year’s concert series features a dynamic lineup of legendary and diverse artists at a new venue. With the main stage relocated to the north field during The Grandstand renovations, guests can enjoy open-air shows under warm spring skies.
Headliners include WAR, Shaggy, Common Kings, Los Ángeles Azules, The O’Jays, Tower of Power, Mariachi Vargas, Alicia Villareal, Chris Young, Zapp, Midnight Star, Dru Hill, Mýa, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Cheap Trick, Chris Janson, and Los Huracanes del Norte. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m.; attendees are advised to arrive three hours early for smooth entry and optimal seating. Tickets also grant full-day access to the LA County Fair, creating a complete celebration of music and creativity.
The return of fair favorites
At the heart of the fair’s culinary scene is Chicken Charlie, a 37-year innovator known for turning deep-fried treats into unforgettable experiences. His inventive menu, from deep-fried Oreos to crispy fried chicken, blends nostalgia with bold new flavors, showcasing the art of indulgence.
Starting as a teen selling charbroiled corn, Charlie now recommends guests try his signature trio: fried chicken, charbroiled corn, and deep-fried Oreos. Alongside the food, Ray Cammack Shows returns with over 40 thrilling rides and a full lineup of games, keeping the carnival spirit vibrant and exciting.
Immersive creative experiences
Art shapes the entire 2025 fair experience. The Skate-R-Cade, sponsored by Raising Cane’s and partnered with the Grand Park Foundation, returns bigger and more energetic, inviting guests to skate and groove in a vibrant roller-disco setting. At the Millard Sheets Art Center, the Before You Now exhibit, presented by LACMA and the Art Bridges Foundation, showcases stunning paintings, sculptures, and multimedia art.
The Flower & Garden Pavilion dazzles with vibrant floral displays blending nature and fantasy, while Clay Play offers hands-on pottery experiences for all ages. Expo Hall 6 features the Typewriter Connection, where visitors can craft letters and poems on classic manual typewriters—a nostalgic tribute to storytelling.
Competitions in photography, quilting, and culinary arts highlight local talent, with blue ribbons awarded for skill and creativity. Sponsored by Goya, the culinary kitchen invites guests to explore inspiring displays or enter their own dishes for a chance to win.
Cultural exhibits, community events, and heritage showcases
The Fairplex Garden Railroad, celebrating its 101st year, and the RailGiants Train Museum, now in its 70th, offer fascinating insights into California’s transportation history. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum remains open, showcasing American auto racing through immersive exhibits and classic cars.
Plaza de las Américas buzzes with Latin-inspired entertainment, while Redwood Street hosts the Culture of the Low and the Slow—a lowrider show featuring airbrushing and pinstriping demos. Community Stage performances spotlight diverse dance groups and martial arts, and Expo Hall 10 showcases student projects from over 50 regional schools in the 48th DAA Agriculture & Nutrition Fair.
In partnership with LionLike MindState, the Pomona Valley Poetry & Fest returns Fridays through Sundays, bringing live poetry, readings, and literary celebrations with more than 120 poets and authors from across the nation.
Special events and signature celebrations
May at the Fair is packed with special events. On Saturday, May 10, Pride at the LA County Fair invites guests to celebrate in rainbow gear, culminating in a Pride Dance Party in Expo Hall 8. Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, features a \$44.99 brunch at Picnic Hill, including admission, buffet, entertainment, a return ticket, and concert seating for Chris Young.
Thoughtful Thursday on May 15 offers a sensory-friendly experience for guests seeking a quieter environment, alongside a leadership conference for junior and high school students with keynote speaker Viliami Tuivai.
May 17 welcomes back Black on the Block, highlighting over 100 Black-owned businesses with food, music, art, and fashion. On May 18, the Girl Scout G.I.R.L. Takeover provides a full day of activities, including a parade and community fun for scouts and their families.
Know before you go
The LA County Fair runs from May 2 to May 26, open Thursdays through Sundays and on Memorial Day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Opening night, Friday, May 2, starts at 5 p.m. Fairplex operates as a cashless venue, with all gate admissions and parking requiring debit or credit cards. Some vendors may accept cash, but card payments are preferred.
Advance online tickets cost \$18.50 to \$27.50 for adults, \$15.50 for children (ages 6-12) and seniors. Gate prices are \$32 for adults and \$17 for children and seniors. Children five and under enter free. Parking is \$22.50 in advance or \$26 at the gate. RV parking is available online for \$43.50 and \$52 at the gate, located in the Yellow Lot at Gate 17.
Thummer: A legacy of joy
No visit is complete without meeting Thummer, the Fair’s beloved mascot for 75 years. Originally created from a naming contest as a hitchhiking pig, Thummer now warmly welcomes guests with a smile and wave. His home near the Big Red Barn remains a favorite spot for families and fairgoers of all ages.
Experience the art of it all
The 2025 LA County Fair is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of art in every form. From music and food to performances and handcrafted creations, Art Unleashed invites every guest to ignite their own creative spark.
Join the celebration at Fairplex in Pomona, where creativity comes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Art Unleashed” celebrate?
Showcases boundless creativity across music, food, visual arts, performance and hands-on workshops—transforming Fairplex into an interactive masterpiece.
When and where is the 2025 LA County Fair?
Runs May 2–26 at Fairplex in Pomona, open Thursdays–Sundays (11 a.m.–11 p.m.) and Memorial Day, with a 5 p.m. opening on Friday, May 2.
Which art experiences should I not miss?
Explore the Skate-R-Cade roller-disco, Before You Now at Millard Sheets Art Center, Flower & Garden Pavilion installations and the Typewriter Connection in Expo Hall 6.
How do I purchase tickets?
Buy online for adult admission ($18.50–$27.50) or children/seniors ($15.50). Gate prices rise to $32 (adults) and $17 (kids/seniors). Kids under five enter free.
What special events connect to “Art Unleashed”?
Attend Pride Day (May 10), Mother’s Day Brunch (May 11), Black on the Block (May 17), Girl Scout G.I.R.L. Takeover (May 18) and sensory-friendly Thoughtful Thursday (May 15).
Can I participate in competitions or workshops?
Enter photography, quilting and culinary contests for blue ribbons; join Clay Play pottery sessions; or submit student projects in the DAA Agriculture & Nutrition Fair.
Is parking and admission cashless?
Yes. Pay gate and parking fees by debit/credit. Advance parking runs $22.50 (gate $26); RV spots book online at $43.50 (gate $52) in the Yellow Lot, Gate 17.
How can I stay updated on lineup changes?
Follow the LA County Fair’s official website and social channels for real-time announcements, ticket bundles and exclusive “Art Unleashed” previews.
Conclusion
The 2025 LA County Fair’s Art Unleashed theme redefines the fair experience by celebrating creativity in every form. From vibrant performances and innovative cuisine to immersive art exhibits and community events, the Fair invites everyone to explore, inspire, and connect. Join the celebration at Fairplex in Pomona and discover how art truly comes alive.