The LA County Fair is home to beloved attractions such as the Big Red Barn and midway, but fairgoers looking for something off the beaten path should check out these hidden gems in the fair’s final days.
From train cakes to roller skates, there’s something for every fair fan to enjoy before the gates close on the 2024 season for the final time on Memorial Day.
Children use the U.S. Forest Service lookout tower in America’s Great Outdoors at Fairplex in Pomona during the 2024 LA County Fair on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Mares, 12, of of Ontario
Tree Circus safety director Grayson Keating climbs a tree at The Hill at the Fairplex during the 2024 LA County Fair in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Children pose for a photograph with a display on The Hill during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
America’s Great Outdoors offers hidden gems at Fairplex in Pomona during the 2024 LA County Fair on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Mares, 12, of of Ontario
Children use the U.S. Forest Service lookout tower in America’s Great Outdoors at Fairplex in Pomona during the 2024 LA County Fair on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Mares, 12, of of Ontario
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America’s Great Outdoors
With over 3 acres, America’s Great Outdoors on The Hill at the fairgrounds brings together several agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Los Angeles County Fire Department, offering exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
Nature trails lead to attractions such as the simulated Tongva Village and the General Land Office, which offer glimpses into the past. Visitors can pan for gold near the entrance of America’s Great Outdoors, and visit with friendly burros and horses and learn how to adopt one from the BLM. The ranger’s office has a map with a scavenger hunt and visitors who collect all the location stamps can return to the office for a prize.
A lumberjack from Paul Bunyan LumberJack Show works on his log-rolling skills between shows during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Holly Mares, left, and daughter Daphne Mares, 12, cut a log with a saw in America’s Great Outdoors at Fairplex in Pomona during the 2024 LA County Fair on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Mares, 12, of of Ontario
Ann Berkley of U.S. Forest Service lets children pet Monty, a Mountain King Snake, in America’s Great Outdoors at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A U.S. Forest Service employee holds a Rosy Boa for children to pet as see in America’s Great Outdoors at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Magician Paul Cash performs with the help of an audience member during his show at the Magic Show Amphitheater in America’s Great Outdoors at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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The daily Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show presents timberland skills including log rolling, axe chopping and more. The tree circus, located steps away from the lumberjack show, features tree climbing demonstrations and information.
Those who are brave enough can also meet new scaly friends at the Reptile House, where native snakes, lizards and even a tortoise on display.
The Flower and Garden Pavilion with the colorful “We Are LA” display during the 2024 LA Fair at Pomona Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The Flower and Garden Pavilion with the colorful “We Are LA” display during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The Flower and Garden Pavilion with the colorful “We Are LA” on display during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The Flower and Garden Pavilion with the colorful “We Are LA” display during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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Flower and Garden Pavilion
Dazzling displays of all things floral are tucked away in the Flower and Garden Pavilion near The Hill. This year’s exhibit celebrates the multicultural beauty that makes up Los Angeles.
Garden Railroad Coordinator Rick Bremer, who has been a volunteer with the Fairplex model railroad at Fairplex in Pomona for 24 years, holds a 102-year old Pacific Electric trolly car which was used on the model railroad 100 years ago Tuesday April 30, 2024. The Garden Railroad celebrates it’s 100th year at Fairplex during this years LA County Fair. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Garden Railroad Coordinator Rick Bremer, who has been a volunteer with the Fairplex model railroad in Pomona for 24 years, shows off a new attraction within the railroad grounds of a steam spewing volcano Tuesday April 30, 2024. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the popular Garden Railroad. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Garden Railroad Coordinator Rick Bremer, who has been a volunteer with the Fairplex model railroad in Pomona for 24 years, adjusts a banner depicting the early years of the railroad which marks it’s 100th anniversary at this years LA County Fair. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
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The Garden Railroad
The Garden Railroad is celebrating its 100th anniversary and features a birthday cake made of trains along with a massive train landscape with everything from trolleys, locomotives, and even a tiny cemetery.
Visitors look at a caboose and locomotive 3450 from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway donated to RailGiants Historical Trains in 1955 on display at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Children wait in line to pull the trail horn of locomotive 3450 from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway donated to RailGiants Historical Trains in 1955 on display at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Children pose for a photo in front of wheels of locomotive 3450 from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway donated to RailGiants Historical Trains in 1955 on display at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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Rail Giants
Ever wanted to know what the inside of a locomotive looks like? Now is the chance to learn more at the Rail Giants Museum. With several restored engines, passenger cars and cargo cars, guests can step back in time to the golden days of rail.
Fairgoers roller skate in Expo Hall 9 which has been turned into a roller rink and arcade during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A fairgoer plays pinball in Expo Hall 9 which has been turned into a roller rink and arcade during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Fairgoers roller skate in Expo Hall 9 which has been turned into a roller rink and arcade during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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Skate-r-cade
The newest attraction in Expo Hall 9 brings retro fun to the fairgrounds. Admission and skate rentals are included with fair admission.
Vegetables and more grow at The Farm during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Artichokes grow in the gardens with many other vegetables at The Farm during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Vegetables and more grow at The Farm during the 2024 LA County Fair at Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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The Farm
Located near the Big Red Barn, home to animals cute and fluffy, is the Farm and Gardens. The Farm offers tours of its vast 5 acres with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Wander your way past the artichokes and learn how to start your own urban farm.
About the LA County Fair
Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
When: Through Memorial Day, May 27
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and Memorial Day
Cost: $17 to $25 for adults; $12 for children ages 6 to 12 and seniors 60 and older. Parking is $20.
Payment: Parking, admission and concert box office payments are cashless. Advance online purchases cost less than gate prices.
