Get Ready for State Fair Concerts

The Illinois State Fair is less than two weeks away, bringing 10 consecutive nights of Grandstand concerts to Springfield. The fair will run Aug. 13 through Aug. 23, with country, rock, reggae, hip-hop, folk and pop acts scheduled throughout this year’s lineup.

Fair officials have completed the concert schedule by announcing supporting acts for each show. The Grandstand series begins Aug. 14 and continues each night through the fair’s final day on Aug. 23.

Bailey Zimmerman will open the series Aug. 14 with Jake Worthington. Zimmerman, a native of Louisville, Illinois, has become one of country music’s most successful newer performers with songs including “Fall in Love,” “Rock and a Hard Place” and “Where It Ends.” Worthington is known for a traditional country sound influenced by artists such as George Jones and Keith Whitley.

Lainey Wilson will perform Aug. 15 with Tigirlily Gold. Wilson has become one of country music’s most prominent current artists, earning recognition for songs including “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine” and “4x4xU.” Tigirlily Gold, formed by sisters Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh, won the Academy of Country Music’s New Duo of the Year award in 2024.

The lineup shifts to pop rock Aug. 16 when Matchbox Twenty performs with singer-songwriter Grace Enger. Led by frontman Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty became one of the biggest bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s with songs including “3AM,” “Push,” “Unwell” and “If You’re Gone.”

Southern rock band 38 Special will headline a free Grandstand concert Aug. 17 with Warrant. No ticket is required for the concert, although attendees must pass through security before entering the Grandstand. Gates will open at 7 p.m., with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. 38 Special is known for songs including “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You” and “Second Chance,” while Warrant rose to prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Ziggy Marley will perform Aug. 18 with Skip Marley. Ziggy Marley, the eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley, has built a decades-long career combining reggae with soul, rock and other musical influences. Skip Marley, his nephew, has earned two Grammy Award nominations and is known for blending reggae, pop and hip-hop.

Wiz Khalifa will take the stage Aug. 19 with Big Boi, a member of the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop duo OutKast. Khalifa rose to national prominence with “Black and Yellow,” “Roll Up” and “No Sleep” before reaching a worldwide audience with “See You Again.” Big Boi has also released several solo projects in addition to his work with OutKast.

The Avett Brothers will perform Aug. 20 with Drive-By Truckers and Hunter Flynn. The Avett Brothers are known for a folk-rock sound combining country, bluegrass, rock and Americana. Drive-By Truckers have built a longtime following through their mix of Southern rock and storytelling, while Flynn is a Kentucky singer-songwriter whose music draws from Appalachian influences.

Ella Langley will perform Aug. 21 with ERNEST. Langley has become one of country music’s fastest-rising performers following the success of her debut album, “hungover.” ERNEST has recorded his own country hits while also writing songs for performers including Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll and Post Malone.

The Chicks will perform Aug. 22 with Americana singer-songwriter Calder Allen. The trio of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer has sold more than 30 million albums and earned 13 Grammy Awards. The group is known for songs including “Wide Open Spaces,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” “Landslide” and “Not Ready to Make Nice.”

The Chicks concert is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., one hour earlier than the other Grandstand concerts.

Shinedown will close the concert series Aug. 23 with From Ashes to New. Shinedown has become one of modern rock’s most successful bands, recording more than 20 No. 1 rock songs and building a reputation for high-energy live performances. From Ashes to New combines hard rock with elements of metal, hip-hop and electronic music.

All Grandstand concerts other than The Chicks are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with gates generally opening one hour before each show. Face-value prices for the paid concerts range from $40 to $168, depending on the performer and seating section. Grandstand concert tickets do not include admission to the fair, and additional fees may apply to online purchases. Ticketmaster is the fair’s official online ticket seller.

In addition to the Grandstand concerts, the Illinois State Fair will feature agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, food vendors, competitions and free entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.