A Travel Guide to Pomona, California's Best Concerts & Events

Located at the crossroads of the Inland Empire and the San Gabriel Valley, Pomona, California, is a vibrant hub of culture, music, and automotive history. While it may not have the immediate name recognition of its flashy neighbor Los Angeles, locals and savvy travelers know that Pomona is the place to be for live entertainment. From the historic Art Deco glamour of the Fox Theater to the roaring engines at the Auto Club Raceway and the sprawling festivities at the Fairplex, this city hosts millions of visitors annually.

However, attending these high-profile events often comes with a significant downside: logistics. Navigating the I-10 freeway during rush hour, finding parking in downtown Pomona on a Saturday night, or coordinating a caravan of cars for a group outing can dampen the excitement before you even arrive. That is where Charter Bus Pomona comes in. As the leading provider of group transportation in the region, we specialize in streamlining your travel experience. Whether you need a sleek party bus for a concert or a fleet of charter buses for a massive corporate convention, we ensure your group arrives together, on time, and ready to enjoy everything Pomona has to offer.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the best concerts and events in Pomona, and how a private bus rental can elevate your experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

Catch a Headliner at the Historic Fox Theater, Pomona

If you are a music lover in Southern California, a visit to the Fox Theater Pomona (301 S Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766) is an absolute must. Built in 1931, this fully restored Art Deco landmark is the crown jewel of the Downtown Pomona Arts District. The venue regularly hosts top-tier talent ranging from indie rock darlings and electronic dance music (EDM) DJs to legendary rock bands and stand-up comedians. With a capacity of roughly 2,000 people, it offers an intimate yet electric atmosphere that you simply cannot get at massive stadiums.

However, the Fox Theater is located right in the heart of downtown. While the area is bustling with incredible restaurants and bars, parking can be a significant challenge, especially on weekends when the Second Saturday Art Walk coincides with a sold-out show. Public lots fill up fast, and street parking is scarce.

When you book a minibus or charter bus with Charter Bus Pomona, you bypass these headaches entirely. Your driver can drop your group off right at the curb on Garey Avenue, allowing you to walk straight past the line and into the venue. After the encore, while other concert-goers are stuck in a parking garage gridlock, your climate-controlled bus will be waiting to whisk you away to your next destination or back home. Whether you are a group of college students from nearby Cal Poly Pomona or a corporate team enjoying a night out, a private shuttle ensures the night remains focused on the music.

Experience the Indie Scene at The Glass House

Just a short walk from the Fox Theater lies another legendary venue: The Glass House (200 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766). Known for its all-ages shows and lack of barricades, The Glass House offers a raw, energetic concert experience that has launched the careers of countless bands. It is a staple of the Southern California music scene, attracting punk, hardcore, indie, and alternative acts.

Because The Glass House is an all-ages venue, it is a popular destination for youth groups, university clubs, and high school graduation celebrations. Organizing transportation for a group of younger attendees requires a focus on comfort and reliability. Charter Bus Pomona provides the perfect solution. Parents and organizers can rest easy knowing that the group is traveling in a comfortable, controlled environment.

For groups heading to The Glass House, we recommend a 25-passenger minibus rental. It is the perfect size for a class or a large group of friends, and it is nimble enough to navigate the one-way streets of downtown Pomona with ease. Plus, with amenities like onboard WiFi, passengers can upload their concert videos to social media the moment the show ends.

The LA County Fair at The Fairplex: A Pomona Tradition

There is no event more synonymous with the city than the LA County Fair, held annually at the massive Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768). As one of the largest county fairs in North America, this event draws over a million visitors each May to enjoy carnival rides, deep-fried treats, livestock exhibits, and the Summer Concert Series. The Fairplex isn't just for the fair, though; it's a year-round venue hosting Oktoberfest, the stylized "KABOO" music festivals, and various cultural celebrations.

Getting to the Fairplex can be a logistical nightmare. Traffic backs up for miles on the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) and the Orange Freeway (SR-57), and once you arrive, the walk from the remote parking lots to the entrance gates can be exhausting—especially in the California heat.

A charter bus rental from Charter Bus Pomona transforms a trip to the fair from a chore into a joyride. We can transport large families, corporate picnic groups, or school field trips directly to the designated group drop-off zones near the Yellow or Blue Gates. Your group can store coolers, strollers, and prizes in the spacious undercarriage luggage bays of a 56-passenger motorcoach. Inside, the powerful air-conditioning provides a welcome respite after a long day in the sun. Don't let parking fees and traffic jams ruin your funnel cake cravings; let us handle the driving.

Need for Speed: NHRA Drag Racing at Auto Club Raceway

For adrenaline junkies, Pomona is hallowed ground. The Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (2780 Fairplex Dr, Pomona, CA 91768) is home to the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Winternationals and the NHRA Finals. These events bookend the drag racing season, bringing the fastest cars and the most dedicated fans to the city. The roar of the engines and the smell of nitro methane create an atmosphere unlike any other.

These events are prime opportunities for tailgating. If you are organizing a trip for a car club, a bachelor party, or a group of racing enthusiasts, a charter bus is your ultimate tailgating vehicle. You can load up your grills, tents, chairs, and coolers into the bus's storage compartments. With a driver at the wheel, everyone in your group can enjoy a few cold beverages while watching the races.

Furthermore, major race weekends attract tens of thousands of spectators. Navigating the exit routes after the final race can take hours if you are in a personal vehicle. The drivers know the local surface streets and best exit strategies to get you back on the road and heading home while others are still idling in the parking lot.

The Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show

Seven times a year, the Fairplex transforms into the West Coast's largest antique auto, Corvette, Porsche, Street Rod, and Volkswagen swap meet and classic car show. The Pomona Swap Meet attracts car lovers from all over the world looking for rare parts and beautifully restored vehicles. It is a massive event that requires a lot of walking, as vendors are spread out across acres of asphalt.

If you are bringing a car enthusiast club or a senior citizen group to the Swap Meet, comfort is key. A private shuttle bus allows you to drop your group off right at the entrance. For groups that plan to buy large parts or memorabilia, having a charter bus nearby means you have ample cargo space to haul your treasures home. You won't have to worry about fitting a vintage bumper or a set of rims into the trunk of a sedan. Charter Bus Pomona offers vehicles with massive storage capacities perfect for this exact scenario.

Conferences and Trade Shows at the Pomona Fairplex

Beyond entertainment, Pomona is a hub for business. The Fairplex serves as a major convention center, hosting everything from the California RV Show to home and garden expos and specialized trade shows. For businesses sending teams to these events, presenting a professional image starts with transportation.

Charter Bus Pomona specializes in corporate event transportation. We can set up a recurring shuttle service between the Fairplex and local hotels such as the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center or the DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona. Keeping your team together in a single vehicle ensures that everyone arrives on time for keynote speeches and networking mixers. Onboard amenities like power outlets and tray tables allow your team to make final preparations or answer emails while en route. Whether you need a sleek sprinter van for executives or a full fleet of coaches for a large delegation, we have the resources to support your business goals.

The Pomona Arts Colony and Second Saturday Art Walk

For a more low-key but culturally rich experience, the Pomona Arts Colony in downtown offers a thriving scene of galleries, lofts, restaurants, and shops. The Second Saturday Art Walk brings the streets to life with music, open galleries, and street vendors. It is a fantastic destination for private tour groups, art classes, or social clubs.

Navigating an art walk with a large group can be difficult if everyone drives separately. People get lost, arrive at different times, and struggle to find parking. A minibus rental from Charter Bus Pomona keeps your group cohesive. We can drop you off at the start of the Art Walk and pick you up at a designated location after dinner at one of the Arts Colony's trendy eateries. It’s a sophisticated, stress-free way to enjoy the local culture.

Book Your Pomona Event Transportation Today

Charter Bus Pomona is dedicated to making your group travel experience seamless and enjoyable. Whether you are heading to a mosh pit at The Glass House, a wedding at a local venue, or the starting line at the Raceway, we have the perfect vehicle for you. Our representatives are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and build a custom itinerary that fits your specific needs.

Don't let traffic on the 10 Freeway or the stress of parking ruin your event. Choose the company that knows Pomona best. If you’d like a free personalized quote for your next group trip, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 840-220-5730. Let us handle the road while you enjoy the show!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pomona Concert Transportation

How far in advance should I book my charter bus for a Pomona event?

We recommend booking your charter bus as soon as you have your event date confirmed. For major events like the LA County Fair in May or the NHRA Finals in November, demand for buses in the Pomona area is extremely high. Ideally, you should aim to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure the best availability and pricing. However, Charter Bus Pomona has a large fleet, and we can often accommodate last-minute requests, so don't hesitate to call us at 840-220-5730 regardless of your timeline.

Can we bring food and drinks on the bus?

Yes, most of our charter buses allow food and drinks on board. This is perfect for tailgating before a race at the Auto Club Raceway or enjoying snacks on the way to a concert. We ask that groups keep the bus tidy to avoid cleaning fees.

Does the bus stay with us during the concert or event?

This depends on your specific itinerary. You can book a "drop-off and pick-up" service where the bus leaves and returns at a scheduled time, or you can book the bus for the entire duration of the event. Keeping the bus on-site is often preferred for events like the LA County Fair or music festivals, as it gives your group a secure place to store belongings or take a break in the air conditioning if needed. Your reservation specialist can help you decide which option is most cost-effective for your group.

Is there parking for charter buses at venues like the Fox Theater or Fairplex?

The Pomona Fairplex has designated parking areas for oversized vehicles and buses, usually for a fee. For downtown venues like the Fox Theater or The Glass House, onsite parking for a 56-passenger bus is virtually non-existent. In these cases, your driver will drop your group off directly in front of the venue and then park at a predetermined off-site location, returning to pick you up when the event concludes. This curb-to-curb service is one of the biggest advantages of renting with Charter Bus Pomona.

What amenities are included on your buses?

Our fleet offers a variety of amenities designed for comfort and convenience. Most full-size charter buses come equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, overhead storage, and undercarriage luggage bays. Many buses also feature WiFi, power outlets, and DVD players with monitors. If you have specific needs—such as ADA accessibility or a PA system for tour guides—please mention them when you call 840-220-5730, and we will ensure you are matched with the perfect vehicle.