State Fair Grandstand Shows Coming Next Month

With the 2026 Illinois State Fair coming up next month, fairgoers will have a full slate of Grandstand concerts to choose from during this year’s event in Springfield. The fair will run from August 13 through August 23, with country, rock, reggae, folk and pop acts scheduled throughout the lineup.

Bailey Zimmerman is scheduled to open the Grandstand concert series on August 14. Zimmerman, a rising country artist from Illinois, has become one of the genre’s breakout performers in recent years. His music blends modern country, rock and heartland influences, helping him connect with younger country fans while also gaining attention on national radio and streaming platforms. His appearance gives the fair an opening-night act with strong regional ties and growing national recognition.

Lainey Wilson will perform the following night, August 15. Wilson has become one of country music’s most prominent current artists, known for a sound that mixes traditional country storytelling with a modern edge. Her rise has included radio success, major touring appearances and recognition at country music award shows. Her performance is expected to be one of the higher-profile country shows on the Grandstand schedule.

The lineup shifts from country to pop rock on August 16, when Matchbox Twenty is scheduled to take the stage. The band became a major name in the late 1990s and early 2000s with a string of widely known songs and albums that helped define the adult alternative and pop-rock sound of that era. Led by frontman Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty has maintained a loyal fan base and continues to tour with a catalog that appeals to longtime listeners.

38 Special is scheduled to perform a free Grandstand concert on August 17. The southern rock band has spent decades touring and is known for guitar-driven hits including “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up In You” and “Second Chance.” The free show adds a classic rock option to the fair’s concert schedule.

Ziggy Marley is scheduled to perform August 18. Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, has built his own long-running music career as a solo artist and former member of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. His music carries forward reggae’s roots while also incorporating pop, rock and world music influences

Wiz Khalifa is scheduled to perform August 19. The Grammy- and Golden Globe-nominated hip-hop artist rose to national prominence with songs including “Black and Yellow,” “Roll Up” and “No Sleep.” He also reached a worldwide audience with “See You Again,” which became one of his most recognizable hits. His appearance adds hip-hop to the Grandstand schedule before the fair shifts back to folk, country and rock acts for the final weekend

The Avett Brothers are scheduled to perform August 20, with Drive-By Truckers also listed on the lineup. The Avett Brothers are known for a folk-rock sound that blends country, bluegrass, rock and Americana influences. The group has built a national following through its live performances, songwriting and albums that have reached mainstream audiences.

Ella Langley will perform August 21. Langley has emerged as one of country music’s rising artists, with a sound built around strong vocals, direct songwriting and modern country production. Her appearance gives the Grandstand another current country act as the fair heads into its final weekend.

The Chicks are scheduled to perform August 22. The group became one of the most successful acts in country music after breaking through in the late 1990s, later reaching crossover audiences with its blend of country, bluegrass and pop influences. Known for strong harmonies and a distinctive sound, The Chicks remain one of the most recognizable groups in modern country music.

Shinedown is scheduled to close the Grandstand concert lineup on August 23, with From Ashes to New also listed for the show. Shinedown has become one of modern rock’s most successful bands, known for a long list of rock radio hits and high-energy live performances. The concert gives the fair a rock-heavy finale to the 2026 Grandstand schedule.

Grandstand concerts are among the Illinois State Fair’s biggest annual draws, bringing nationally known performers to Springfield and helping attract visitors from across the region. In addition to ticketed concerts, the fair will include agricultural exhibits, food vendors, carnival rides, livestock shows and free entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.

More information about the Grandstand lineup, including ticket availability and on-sale dates, can be found at the Illinois State Fair website: https://statefair.illinois.gov/entertainment/grandstand.htm