LA County Fair extended by one day in 2026, a slight increase
Fans of the Los Angeles County Fair will be delighted to hear that in 2026, the fair will run for an additional day. In the past, the fair used to operate five days a week for 18 to 24 days in September. However, after it returned in 2022, it was reduced to four days a week and only 17 days in total. For the past three years, it further declined to just 16 days. This year, from May 7 to 31, the fair is still four days a week but has been extended to 17 days. Notably, the fair is kicking off on a Thursday, which hasn’t happened in four years.
Renee Hernandez, a spokesperson for the fair, shared some insights into this year’s schedule. She mentioned that the fair will open at 11 a.m. and run until 11 p.m. every day from Thursday to Sunday and including Memorial Day. This shift aligns closely with the fair’s historical schedule dating back to the 2000s when it ran Wednesday through Sunday for 18 days. In the 2010s, the fair even expanded to 24 days to include Labor Day.
Opening the fair for 17 days in May poses various logistical challenges. For instance, in 2022, the fair coincided its opening with Cinco de Mayo, but its carnival company, Ray Cammack Shows, was busy with operations in Arizona’s Pima County Fair just days before. Consequently, they faced a time crunch setting up rides on opening day. To accommodate this, in 2023, the fair decided to commence a day later to give the carnival company more time to prepare. This year, with Cinco de Mayo falling on a Tuesday, the fair chose not to extend its schedule to include the holiday.
Fortunately, the fair in Tucson ended in late April this year, giving the carnival company ample time to prepare for the LA County Fair. Thus, Hernandez mentioned that these favorable circumstances allowed them to revert to the tradition of starting on a Thursday and having a 17-day fair once again.
Fair consultant Lucas Rivera expressed his enthusiasm for the extended duration, emphasizing the joy of having another full day of fun right from the start. He humorously quipped about delving into fair delicacies like fried turkey legs as soon as the fair kicks off.
A significant change in the fair’s schedule is its shift to May, from the traditional late summer timing. This move was prompted by the milder weather conditions in May, as opposed to the scorching temperatures of late summer. Impressively, after a couple of overcast days, the fair’s opening day is forecasted to be sunny and 83 degrees. This adjustment reflects a strategic decision to enhance visitor experience and comfort.
In conclusion, as the LA County Fair unfolds its 2026 edition with an extra day on the calendar, visitors can look forward to more exciting attractions, tasty treats, and memorable experiences. Remember to mark your calendars for this extended fair extravaganza and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of this iconic event.