Fair season is officially here, Los Angeles! And you know what that means — it’s time for outrageous food, heart-racing fair rides, and memories that’ll last until next year’s fair rolls around. I spent opening week at the LA County Fair, and let me just say… it was EPIC! If you’re on the fence about heading to Pomona this month, let me convince you why this should be at the top of your weekend plans.
Fun Biz Concessions Puts the ‘Comfort’ in Comfort Food
If you’ve read my previous coverage of the OC Fair, you know I have a special place in my heart (and stomach) for Fun Biz Concessions. The undisputed champions of fair food have brought their A-game to the LA County Fair this year, and my taste buds are still thanking me!
Bacon Nation
If you’re a fan of bacon, you need to stop by the Bacon Nation stand for an incredible lineup of pork-centric delicacies. I’m a pescatarian, so I sat this one out while my friend tried everything. He started with the award-winning Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly Bites – just imagine the most succulent pork belly, wrapped in crispy bacon, with a sweet glaze that creates this irresistible candy-like exterior. He then tried the Cheesy Bacon Bombs (fried cheese wrapped in baked dough and covered in bacon) and their infamous Bacon-Wrapped Corn Dog, which he loved. But the star of the show for him was the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños Stuffed with Cream Cheese, which he said delivered the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and savory bacon goodness!
To quench our thirst, we indulged in freshly made Agua Frescas, crafted with real fruit. We both opted for the mango flavor, which proved to be the perfect refreshing antidote to the scorching fair day. The sweet, tropical taste was so spectacular that I’m definitely sticking with mango on my next visit, though my friend is already planning to try the strawberry version!
Get Fried
After satisfying our initial cravings, we made our way to Get Fried—because what’s a fair experience without indulging in something gloriously battered and crispy? My friend opted for their impressive Pineapple Bowl, featuring succulent marinated pork nestled alongside steaming rice and chunks of sweet pineapple. The combination of savory and tropical flavors had him raving between each enthusiastic bite. Meanwhile, I couldn’t resist their Thin Fried Pickles, which delivered the perfect trifecta of tart, tangy flavor, satisfying crunch, and golden-fried perfection. One bite had me wondering why I don’t eat these delectable treats every day of my life!
Spud Ranch
Potato enthusiasts, prepare to meet your culinary soulmate at Spud Ranch! I kicked off my spud expedition with their mesmerizing Twister—spiralized potatoes perfectly fried on a stick, creating a golden, crunchy handheld masterpiece that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. But the true showstopper was The Cheese Gringo—a magnificent creation featuring a fluffy baked potato smothered in creamy mac and cheese, then crowned with a generous sprinkling of crispy bacon bits. This carb-on-carb symphony is comfort food elevated to art form, embodying everything decadent and wonderful about fair cuisine.
RCS Fun Fair Rides
For my fellow adrenaline junkies and coaster enthusiasts, the LA County Fair delivers an impressive lineup guaranteed to satisfy your thrill-seeking soul. The undisputed star of the show? RCS’s newest addition, the magnificent Heidi Coaster. As someone who has chased roller coaster experiences across the country, I can confidently declare this ride instantly captured my heart and became my absolute favorite at the fair. The engineering masterpiece combines hair-raising drops, whiplash-inducing turns, and that magical stomach-floating sensation that separates good coasters from legendary ones. Each moment had me alternating between uncontrollable laughter and exhilarated screaming. We were so captivated by the experience that we immediately jumped back in line for a second round!
The fair’s impressive RCS collection doesn’t stop there. Thrill-seekers will find paradise with pulse-pounding rides like The Aviator and G-Force that challenge even the bravest visitors. For those seeking extraterrestrial thrills, Alien Abduction provides a spinning cosmic adventure, while the towering Goliath Slide offers a gravity-defying plunge that leaves riders breathless. And when you need a spectacular aerial view of the fairgrounds, the majestic Royal Wheel stands ready to elevate your perspective, offering sweeping panoramic vistas that transform from sun-drenched daytime beauty to a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of lights as evening falls—truly the quintessential Instagram moment your followers are waiting for!
Between our ride adventures, we tested our skills at various RCS games, approaching with confidence but departing with humility. Our spectacular failures provided more entertainment than any actual win could have delivered, sending us into fits of laughter that made my stomach hurt. Consider this my public declaration: I’m returning with vengeance and practiced aim because that enormous stuffed Hello Kitty prize has been haunting my dreams since we left!
What truly elevates the LA County Fair beyond typical carnival experiences are the diverse attractions beyond traditional rides and games. The Skate-R-Cade offers a nostalgic roller-skating adventure for visitors of all ages. Animal lovers will delight in the charming petting zoo where friendly creatures await your gentle touch, while the hilariously unpredictable animal races provide family-friendly entertainment that creates lasting memories. Add to this the meticulously maintained gardens, star-studded concert series featuring both legendary performers and emerging artists, plus shopping pavilions filled with unique treasures and artisanal creations—and you’ll quickly realize why one day at the fair simply isn’t enough to experience everything this spectacular event has to offer!
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Go NOW
What makes the fair so special isn’t just any one thing — it’s the combination of nostalgic experiences and new surprises. It’s indulging in over-the-top food that would be impossible to justify any other time of year. It’s screaming your head off on rides alongside complete strangers who become your best friends for those 90 seconds of shared terror.
By the end of our day at the LA County Fair, my feet were sore, my stomach was full, and my face hurt from smiling. We ate until we couldn’t eat anymore, rode rides until we were dizzy, and made new friends waiting in line for attractions. It was, without exaggeration, the perfect day.
Experience the excitement of the LA County Fair, now open through 5/26. So what are you waiting for?! Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready for a fantastic day filled with classic fair fun. $18.50+; Thursdays – Sundays (through 5/26), 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768; 909.623.3111
