Lainey Wilson to Play 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand

The Illinois State Fair kicked off its 2026 Grandstand lineup in a big way with the announcement of country music powerhouse Lainey Wilson, who will perform on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Wilson, one of country music’s most celebrated stars, continues to dominate the industry. The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year hosted the 2025 CMA Awards, where she was tied as the most-nominated artist with six nods, including Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. She will also headline Stagecoach Festival 2026, was recently featured on the TIME100 Next list, and released the deluxe edition of her award-winning album Whirlwind, featuring five new tracks, including the hit single “Somewhere Over Laredo,” now climbing the country charts.

“We couldn’t think of a more powerful way to kick off our 2026 Grandstand announcements than with Lainey Wilson,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “She’s a trailblazer in country music, and her show will be an unforgettable experience for our fairgoers.”

A prolific songwriter and performer, Wilson has scored eight No. 1 hits, including “4x4xU,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” and the 2x Platinum “Heart Like A Truck.” She’s also earned acclaim for collaborations with Jelly Roll (“Save Me”) and HARDY (“wait in the truck”), and contributed “Out of Oklahoma” to the Twisters movie soundtrack. Beyond music, Wilson has collaborated with Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, and Post Malone, and will make her film debut in the 2026 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him.

“Every year, we strive to bring the best in entertainment to the Illinois State Fair, and Lainey Wilson represents exactly that,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “Fans are going to be thrilled to see her take the Grandstand stage this August.”

Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 8, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.

• Tier 3 – $88

• Tier 2 – $93

• Tier 1 – $113

• Track – $128

• Blue Ribbon – $168

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A $30 Pre-Show Party ticket was available as an optional upgrade for all paid concerts.

The 2026 Illinois State Fair runs August 13–23 in Springfield. Stay updated on future Grandstand announcements by following the Illinois State Fair on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.