Lunar New Year season brings one of the biggest cultural shows in Southern California. The Asian American Expo returns on January 16–17, 2027, at the Pomona Fairplex. It draws large crowds, hundreds of vendors, and a long list of performers. Therefore, a little planning goes a long way. This guide covers tickets, events, food, shopping, and travel tips. Additionally, it offers simple ideas to help you enjoy both days.
Please note that organizers had not posted every 2027 detail at the time of writing. However, the show follows a steady pattern each year. This guide uses past editions to help you plan. Always check the official website for final prices, hours, and schedules before you go.
Asian American Expo 2027 at a Glance
The table below gives you the key facts in one place.
| Detail | What to Know |
| Dates | Saturday, January 16, and Sunday, January 17, 2027 |
| Location | Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, California |
| Typical hours | 10 AM to 7 PM (based on recent years) |
| Format | In-person, two-day public show |
| Main hub | Hall 4, with more halls nearby |
| Typical parking fee | About $21 (based on recent years) |
| Expected crowd | Tens of thousands of visitors |
| Best for | Families, food lovers, shoppers, and culture fans |
What Is This Event?
The show began in 1982. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest Lunar New Year festivals in the United States. Last year marked the 44th edition. Visitors come to celebrate heritage, meet local businesses, and enjoy music, dance, and food.
The event also works as a business showcase. Hundreds of companies take part, and some listings mention more than 1,000 vendors. Consequently, the halls feel like a giant marketplace and a street festival at the same time.
Dates and Hours
The event runs for two days. Saturday, January 16, and Sunday, January 17, are the dates to mark on your calendar. Past editions opened at 10 AM and closed at 7 PM. Organizers may adjust the times, so confirm them online.
Here is a simple tip about timing. Saturday draws the biggest crowds, especially in the afternoon. Sunday tends to feel a little calmer in the morning. Therefore, if you dislike long lines, plan your visit for early Sunday.
Location and How to Get There
The Pomona Fairplex sits in eastern Los Angeles County. It has large halls, wide walkways, and plenty of open space. The show usually fills several exhibition halls, with Hall 4 as the main hub. Information centers, restrooms, and ATMs sit near that hub.
Driving and Parking
Most visitors drive. The Fairplex lies close to several major freeways, so the trip is simple from many parts of the region. In recent years, Gate 17 served as the main parking entrance for attendees. Parking cost about $21 per car. Shuttle trams then carried guests from the lot to the halls.
However, parking lots fill quickly on busy days. Arrive early, and you will save time. Additionally, consider sharing a ride with friends to split the fee.
Public Transit and Rideshare
Some visitors use regional transit and then finish the trip by rideshare. Rideshare drop-off zones can get busy in the late afternoon. Therefore, build in extra time for the ride home.
Accessibility
Past editions offered wheelchair-accessible trams. The grounds are large, so wear comfortable shoes. Families with strollers should also plan for a lot of walking.
Tickets: What You Need to Know
The show requires paid admission. Organizers sell tickets online, and most guests buy them ahead of time. Prices change from year to year, so check the official site for the current rates.
Where to Buy
Use only the official event website or the official ticket partner it links to. Fake listings appear every year, and resellers sometimes add steep fees. Therefore, never buy from a stranger on social media.
Ticket Types to Look For
Past editions offered several choices. Expect something similar in 2027.
| Ticket Type | Who It Suits | Notes |
| Single-day pass | Visitors with a tight schedule | Choose Saturday or Sunday |
| Two-day pass | Fans who want the full show | Often a better value per day |
| Child or senior rate | Families and older guests | Rules and ages vary, so read the details |
| Group or special offer | Clubs, schools, and large parties | Offers appear at times, so watch the website |
Smart Ticket Tips
- Buy early, because early pricing may cost less.
- Save your e-ticket on your phone, and screenshot it in case of weak signal.
- Check the child age rules before you pay.
- Read the refund policy, since most event tickets have limits.
Events and Entertainment
The show offers far more than shopping. Stages run all day, and the schedule changes between days. Past editions featured music, dance, martial arts, and cultural showcases. Moreover, the Lunar New Year theme adds a festive mood to every hall. The 2027 lunar year is the Year of the Goat, so expect themed décor and traditional symbols.
Stage Shows and Performances
Live performances sit at the heart of the event. You may see lion dances, folk dances, singing contests, and modern pop acts. In addition, local community groups often take the stage. Arrive early for the best view, because popular shows draw big crowds.
Cultural Displays
Some areas focus on art, tradition, and history. Visitors can learn about calligraphy, tea customs, and festival traditions. These displays make a good break from the busy aisles. They also suit children who like to watch and learn.
Business and Community Booths
Many booths come from banks, travel firms, real estate agents, health providers, and tech companies. Additionally, community groups share news about local services. If you run a business, this part of the show helps you meet customers face to face.
Nearby Fan Events
The Fairplex often hosts other fan-focused events on the same weekend. For example, a K-pop festival and a collectors show shared the grounds in 2026. However, those events may need separate tickets. Therefore, check what your ticket covers before you walk in.
Food and Drinks
Food is a top reason people attend. The show brings a wide range of Asian cuisines under one roof, along with outdoor food areas. Because of this variety, you can eat something new every hour.
What You Can Expect to Eat
Past guests found these favorites:
- Skewers and grilled meats
- Dumplings, buns, and noodle bowls
- Bubble tea, fruit drinks, and fresh juice
- Sweet treats such as mochi, pastries, and shaved ice
- Street snacks from many regions
Vendors change each year. Nevertheless, the mix of savory and sweet stays strong.
Food Tips
First, go to the popular stalls before the lunch rush. Second, bring a few friends and share dishes, so you can taste more. Third, carry small bills, although many vendors take cards. Finally, bring wet wipes and a water bottle, since the halls can feel warm.
Guests with allergies should ask vendors about ingredients. Many dishes contain nuts, shellfish, or soy. Consequently, a quick question can prevent a big problem.
Shopping and Vendor Booths
Shopping is the second big draw. The aisles hold clothing, jewelry, home goods, beauty products, gifts, and gadgets. Additionally, you will find Lunar New Year items such as red envelopes, lanterns, and festive snacks.
How to Shop Well
- Walk the whole hall once before you buy anything.
- Compare prices between booths.
- Ask about show-only deals.
- Bring a tote bag for your purchases.
- Keep receipts for larger items.
Some vendors offer discounts late on Sunday. However, popular items may sell out by then. Therefore, buy must-have items early.
Attractions for Families
Families find plenty to do. Children enjoy the lion dances, the colorful décor, and the hands-on activities. Meanwhile, parents can browse the booths and sample food.
Here are a few family tips:
- Bring a stroller or carrier for young children.
- Agree on a meeting spot in case someone gets lost.
- Write your phone number on a card in your child’s pocket.
- Take breaks away from the noise.
- Pack snacks, though the food stalls offer plenty.
Sample Two-Day Plan
This simple plan helps you see the highlights without rushing.
| Time | Saturday, January 16 | Sunday, January 17 |
| Morning | Arrive early, park, and walk Hall 4 | Visit the busiest booths first |
| Midday | Eat lunch before the rush | Try a new food area |
| Afternoon | Watch a main stage show | Shop for gifts and deals |
| Evening | Browse the remaining halls | Catch a final performance and leave early |
Budget Planning
A day at the show can cost more than you expect. Therefore, set a simple budget before you arrive. Start with the ticket, then add parking and gas. Next, estimate food costs for each person. Finally, set aside money for shopping and small treats.
| Expense | Planning Tip |
| Tickets | Buy online early and compare one-day and two-day options |
| Parking | Budget about $21 per car, based on recent years |
| Food and drinks | Share dishes to taste more for less |
| Shopping | Set a firm limit before you enter the halls |
| Extras | Keep a little cash for tips and small stalls |
Additionally, look for coupons or partner offers on the official website. Some years include special deals for groups.
Etiquette and Safety
Crowds are part of the fun. However, a few polite habits keep everyone happy. Stand to the side when you check your phone. Ask before you take close-up photos of vendors or performers. Additionally, keep your voice down during quiet cultural displays.
Safety matters too. Stay aware of your bag in busy aisles. Know where the nearest exit sits. If you feel unwell, find an information center or a staff member right away. Moreover, drink water often, because long walks and warm halls can tire you quickly.
Why This Show Is Worth Your Weekend
Many events offer food or shopping. Few combine culture, community, and business at this scale. Visitors can try a new dish, learn a tradition, and find a gift in one afternoon. Furthermore, the show gives small family businesses a stage to meet new customers. Therefore, your visit supports local entrepreneurs as well as your own fun.
Practical Tips for a Great Visit
The grounds are big, and the crowds are large. Therefore, a few smart habits make the day easier.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because you will walk several miles.
- Dress in layers, since January mornings can be cool and the halls can be warm.
- Charge your phone, and bring a power bank.
- Carry a small bag, which speeds up security checks.
- Check the weather forecast the day before.
- Keep valuables close in crowded aisles.
- Download the event map from the official website.
In addition, check the list of banned items on the official site. Large bags, outside drinks, and certain items may face limits.
Where to Stay
Pomona and nearby cities offer many hotels. Prices often rise on big event weekends. Therefore, book early. Look for hotels near major freeways to cut drive time. Additionally, compare cancellation rules before you confirm.
Conclusion
The Asian American Expo on January 16–17, 2027, promises a full weekend of culture, food, shopping, and music. Buy your tickets from the official source, arrive early, and plan your parking. Moreover, mix your time between the stages, the food stalls, and the vendor aisles. Sunday morning suits visitors who want smaller crowds, while Saturday gives the biggest festival energy. Finally, confirm all prices and schedules online, because details can change. With a good plan, you will enjoy a fun and memorable Lunar New Year celebration.
10 Popular FAQs
1. When is the event in 2027?
It runs on Saturday, January 16, and Sunday, January 17, 2027.
2. Where does it take place?
It takes place at the Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, California.
3. What are the opening hours?
Recent editions ran from 10 AM to 7 PM. Check the official website for the 2027 hours.
4. How much do tickets cost?
Prices change each year. Check the official ticket page for current rates and any child or senior options.
5. Can I buy tickets at the door?
Some years allow gate sales. However, online tickets are usually easier and may cost less.
6. How much is parking?
Recent editions charged about $21 per car. Confirm the 2027 fee before you go.
7. Is the event good for kids?
Yes. Children enjoy the performances, colorful displays, and food. Families should plan breaks and bring a stroller if needed.
8. What food can I expect?
Expect dumplings, noodles, skewers, bubble tea, desserts, and street snacks from many Asian cuisines.
9. Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Past editions offered accessible trams and facilities. Contact the organizers or the Fairplex for the latest details.
10. Can I bring a bag?
Small bags are usually fine. However, check the official bag and security rules before you arrive.
