The L.A. County Fair is set to return to Fairplex this May with a scaled-back but still eclectic slate of concerts, plus a mix of music-driven events happening across the fairgrounds.
Unlike the OC Fair, which hosts nightly performances, the L.A. County Fair limits its concert series to Saturday and Sunday evenings, offering just eight shows throughout its run May 7-31. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets include same-day admission to the fair. Organizers recommend arriving at least three hours early to account for parking, entry and seating. Fairplex also operates as a cashless venue for parking, admission and box office purchases.
This year’s lineup blends legacy acts with contemporary names and regional favorites, with several shows now featuring supporting artists that were not previously announced earlier this year.
The series kicks off Saturday, May 9 with funk and soul staples War, followed by a Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, May 10 with Banda El Recodo and Banda Los Recoditos.
Country star Brad Paisley takes the stage Saturday, May 16, joined by rising artist Avery Anna. The following night, Sunday, May 17, indie-pop duo The Driver Era headlines with support from Southern California band Almost Monday, filling what was previously an unannounced slot.
Memorial Day weekend continues with Common Kings and Sammy Johnson on Saturday, May 23, followed by a funk-forward bill on Sunday, May 24 featuring Zapp and Evelyn Champagne King.
Comedian Jeff Dunham brings his Artificial Intelligence tour to the fair on Saturday, May 30, before norteño icon Ramón Ayala closes out the series on Sunday, May 31.
Beyond the ticketed grandstand shows, fairgoers can also catch a variety of music-centered special events, included with admission. On select Saturdays (May 9, 16, 23, and 30), the All Hands On Decks Silent Disco transforms the fairgrounds into an open-air dance floor from 4-6 p.m., featuring three DJs spinning house, EDM and ’90s R&B sets.
Student musicians will take the spotlight during the Performing Arts Showcase on May 15 and 16, a noncompetitive event highlighting junior high and high school bands and orchestras from across the region.
Meanwhile, the 5th Annual Pomona Valley Poetry & Book Festival, presented by LionLike Mindstate, returns across the final two weekends on May 22–25 and May 29–31, with daily spoken word performances, author readings and live music on the Carousel Stage.
All special events can be found at lacountyfair.com/specialevents
Single-day tickets, season passes and add-ons, including carnival ride wristbands and tasting room classes, are available now through the fair’s website. For more information, visit lacountyfair.com/concerts