The Illinois State Fair is turning up the volume for 2026 with the announcement of an impressive lineup of supporting acts set to join this year’s Grandstand Concert Series. From country and rock to hip-hop and reggae, concertgoers can look forward to ten nights of memorable performances featuring some of today’s most exciting artists.
The 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand Concert Series includes:
August 14 – Bailey Zimmerman with Jake Worthington
August 15 – Lainey Wilson with Tigirlily Gold
August 16 – Matchbox Twenty with Grace Enger
August 17 – 38 Special with Warrant
August 18 – Ziggy Marley with Skip Marley
August 19 – Wiz Khalifa with Big Boi
August 20 – The Avett Brothers with Drive-By Truckers & Hunter Flynn
August 21 – Ella Langley with ERNEST
August 22 – The Chicks with Calder Allen
August 23 – Shinedown with From Ashes to New
“This year’s Grandstand lineup was already stacked, and these supporting acts take it to another level,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “We’re proud to bring such a diverse range of talent to Springfield and continue making the Illinois State Fair a great destination for live entertainment.”
“Great concerts don’t start when the headliner takes the stage—they begin with the first note of the opening act,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “Whether you’re discovering a new favorite artist or seeing a well-known performer, fans are in for an unforgettable experience.”
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Illinois State Fair, August 13 through August 23 in Springfield.
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Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield are on the historic path of Route 66, providing a front-row seat to the 100th anniversary celebrations happening all year. In recognition of a century of Route 66, a road that started in Illinois and helped shape America, Miles of Smiles is the 2026 Illinois State Fair theme. Because that’s what this road and the Illinois State Fair have always delivered. Miles of memories, miles of music, and miles of smiles shared right here in the heart of Illinois. Now through August 20, visitors to the Illinois State Museum’s “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit can receive a voucher for one adult weekday admission to the Illinois State Fair. Learn more about Route 66 celebrations here.
***Courtesy of the State of Illinois***
