What Happened to Los Angeles County Fair?

The Los Angeles County Fair, officially known as the LA County Fair, originated on October 17, 1922, in a former beet field in Pomona, California. Its initial purpose was to showcase California's burgeoning agriculture industry and provide a community gathering place, quickly growing in popularity and scale. The fairgrounds, now known as Fairplex, expanded from an initial 43 acres to 543 acres, becoming a hub for various year-round events in addition to the annual fair.

Throughout its history, the fair has experienced significant disruptions. It was first canceled for six years during World War II (1942-1947), during which the Fairplex facilities were utilized by the U.S. Army as a Japanese American relocation camp and later a prisoner-of-war camp for German and Italian soldiers. Following the war, the fair reopened in 1948 with a substantial $2 million construction program and a 49-year lease agreement with Los Angeles County, quickly regaining its status as one of the largest fairs in the United States, regularly attracting over a million visitors annually.

A major turning point in recent history occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 fairs. This marked only the second time in its nearly 100-year history that the fair was entirely called off. The cancellations resulted in significant economic losses, as the fair typically generates hundreds of millions in economic activity and supports numerous jobs. In May 2021, Fairplex announced that the fair would permanently shift its dates from September to May, citing milder weather and improved attendance prospects.

The fair successfully returned in May 2022, celebrating its 100th anniversary with the new spring schedule. This shift has been well-received, with attendance figures showing improvement from 2022 to 2023, though still working to recapture pre-pandemic numbers that often exceeded one million. For instance, the 2024 fair, themed "Stars, Stripes and Fun," saw approximately 787,843 attendees. The 2025 fair, themed "Art Unleashed," ran from May 2-26, continuing the spring tradition.

As of May 7, 2026, the Los Angeles County Fair is currently in full swing, having opened today, May 7, and scheduled to run through May 31, 2026. The theme for 2026 is "Play Your Way," emphasizing recreation, imagination, and diverse forms of fun. Fairplex, the non-profit organization that operates the fair, continues to host over 200 year-round events and is exploring redevelopment plans for its nearly 500-acre site in partnership with the city of Pomona, aiming for potential mixed-use projects including affordable housing, retail, and parks, while preserving historic elements.