Fairplex (LA County Fairgrounds) in Pomona: Year-Round Events, Car Shows & More
Located at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona, Fairplex is far more than the home of the annual LA County Fair. This 500-acre campus operates year-round and hosts hundreds of events, making it one of the most active entertainment and gathering destinations in the Inland Empire and greater Los Angeles area.
The LA County Fair
The flagship event is the LA County Fair, typically held in May. It features carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, food, competitions, and family activities under the theme of “Play Your Way” in recent seasons. It remains one of Southern California’s largest and most traditional county fairs.
Car Events & Automotive Culture
Fairplex is a major hub for car enthusiasts:
- Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show – Held about seven times per year (including dates in January, March, April, June, August, October, and December). This long-running event features thousands of classic and specialty vehicles on display and for sale, plus more than 2,000 vendor spaces filled with hard-to-find parts, accessories, and automobilia. Gates typically open early (around 5 a.m.), with general admission around $15 (cash) and kids 12 and under free.
- Specialty car and truck shows such as Bimmer Invasion (BMW-focused), the Grand National Truck Show, and other marque or themed gatherings.
- Drag racing at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, including the prestigious NHRA Finals (usually in November).
These automotive events draw enthusiasts from across Southern California and beyond.
Other Year-Round Attractions & Events
Beyond cars and the fair, Fairplex hosts a steady mix of activities:
- RailGiants Train Museum – A collection of historic locomotives and railroad exhibits open on select weekends.
- Fairplex Garden Railroad – Model train displays and related events.
- Consumer and specialty shows (gem & jewelry shows, thrift and craft events, pet fairs).
- Fitness and fun runs such as the Bubble Run / Black Light Run.
- Concerts, festivals, sports events, and private gatherings across the expo halls, outdoor spaces, and unique venues on campus.
The grounds also support educational programs, agricultural experiences at The Farm at Fairplex, and venue rentals for a wide range of private and public events.
Planning Your Visit
Fairplex is easily accessible from much of the Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, and greater LA via the 10 and 57 freeways. Parking is available on-site (fees vary by event; many require credit card payment). Because the calendar is packed with more than 500 events annually, checking the official Fairplex website for the latest schedule, ticket information, and gate details is recommended.
From classic car swap meets and drag racing to the big county fair and family-friendly museums, Fairplex delivers consistent, large-scale entertainment right in Pomona.
I.E. Xperience — Your Guide to Events, Car Culture, and Year-Round Fun Across the Inland Empire.