Competition season for the 2026 Los Angeles County Fair, which opens May 7 and runs through May 31, is open.

• Folks interested in showing their creative side during the fair’s home arts contests must apply by Thursday, February 12 at lacountyfair.com/competitions. Contests showcase do-it-yourself projects such as yarn art, quilting, photography, painting, and other mediums.
• Thursday, February 12 is the deadline for the preserved foods category in the culinary competition. Home bakers and industry professionals can enter updated categories related to their profession by April 2. Children and adults interested in participating in live cooking competitions at the Fairplex can email stoner@fairplex.com for information.

• All are invited to apply by April 20 for the fair’s horticulture competitions. Enter your prized plants in varying categories like “tallest weed.”
• Applications for the fair’s livestock competitions are due April 30. The contest welcomes farm workers and students who have raised animals for the annual showcase. Applicants must fill out the 2026 LA County Fair Livestock Exhibitor Waiver and Release of Liability, viewable at lacountyfair.com/competitions.
• The deadline to enter the mullet and afro hairstyle competitions is May 14.

Visit lacountyfair.com/competitions for entry details.