With the Minnesota State Fair less than one month away, now’s the time to start planning your itinerary—and securing tickets for concerts at the Grandstand.
Live music is one of the most exciting aspects of the Fair, as globally recognized musicians and upcoming artists alike make special stops at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Fairgoers are in for a treat this year, as the Grandstand lineup is packed with a variety of throwback favorites, old-school classics, and even some local talent.
Let’s take a look at the lineup:
Old Dominion and Yam Haus: Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
Country music just sounds better in the summer, and Nashville-based Old Dominion is sure to pack the Grandstand. Referred to as “one of mainstream country music’s most popular live groups” by Rolling Stone, the five-piece band is currently a seven-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Group of the Year. They’ll be stopping at the State Fair as part of their How Good Is That world tour.
Joining Old Dominion are local favorites Yam Haus, a Minnesota-based alt-rock group that has been building a loyal fanbase since 2018.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Meghan Trainor and ellis: Friday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor (of “All About That Bass” fame) is finishing up a North American tour following the 2024 release of her most recent album, “Timeless.” To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her debut album, “Title,” Trainor re-released the record in March with two new songs and six Live from Spotify London tracks. Fans can likely expect a mix of classic hits and new favorites from her State Fair performance.
Electronic-pop artist and producer ellis will open the show. As a producer and songwriter, ellis has worked with big names like Karol G, ZEDD, Remi Wolf, and Charli XCX, and has gained viral attention with his own standout tracks and remixes.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Atmosphere & Friends: Minnesota with Atmosphere, Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, and DJ Abilities: Saturday, Aug. 23, 5 p.m.
The Current’s 2025 Music On-A-Stick Show will be a must-see for hip-hop fans. The show will feature a handful of prominent acts in the scene—including Minneapolis-based duo Atmosphere; Latino-American hip-hop group Cypress Hill; Grammy-winning rapper and producer Lupe Fiasco; ’90s icons The Pharcyde; and local turntablist DJ Abilities. This synergy of legendary artists will not be one to miss.
Photo by Samantha Martucci, Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls: Saturday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m.
These trailblazing artists are heading to Minnesota together as part of their “Yes We Are” tour. Rock icon Melissa Etheridge has remained one of American’s favorite female singers for over two decades, her early hits including songs like “I’m The Only One” and “Come To My Window.”
Grammy-winning folk-rock duo Indigo Girls (Emily Saliers and Amy Ray) has paved the way for queer and female artists for over the last 40 years. Aside from their musical success (which includes a Grammy and six consecutive gold and/or platinum-certified albums), Saliers and Ray continue to advocate for racial justice, reproductive rights, immigration reform, LGBTQ+ rights, education, death penalty reform, Native American rights, and other social justice issues.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Happy Together Tour 2025: Monday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
The Happy Together Tour is a show full of hits from the ’60s and ’70s performed by a variety of artists, including The Turtles (who will also play host for the evening), Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, and The Cowsills.
Def Leppard and Brother Cane: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.
Big news for rock fans: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Def Leppard are heading across the pond all the way to the Grandstand. Widely known for two of the best-selling albums of all time, “Pyromania” (1983) and “Hysteria” (1987), the band’s iconic musical legacy continues to this day. They released their 13th studio album “Drastic Symphonies” in conjunction with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2023.
Def Leppard will be joined by American rock band Brother Cane, who have previously toured with Aerosmith, Robert Plant, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen, and other legendary artists.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Hank Williams Jr. and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives: Wednesday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m.
Hank Williams Jr. calls himself the “original voice of outlaw country,” and for good reason—his impressive, genre-crossing resume includes 70 million albums sold worldwide, 14 No. 1 albums, 10 No. 1 singles, inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame, and other accolades. Williams remains one of the most consistent ticket sellers in music history—so don’t wait to secure your seats for this performance.
Special guests Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives will also take the Grandstand stage. A bit of a country legend himself, Stuart was working on the road and in the studio with Johnny Cash by the age of 21. Today, he has released over 20 major label albums with platinum sales, hit singles, and other industry recognitions.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Daryl Hall and The Rascals: Thursday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
Modern-day renaissance man Daryl Hall is still achieving career milestones over four decades after his debut. The iconic artist released his sixth solo album, “D,” last year, co-produced by former Eurythmics member and fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Stewart. Plus, he has his own award-winning web series, “Live From Daryl’s House,” and owns a live music venue in Pawling, New York.
Joining Hall are Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish, two founders of popular soul-rock band The Rascals. Widely regarded as “the soundtrack of a generation,” The Rascals are known for ’60s hits like “Groovin’,” “People Got To Be Free,” and “Good Lovin’.”
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
The Avett Brothers and The Milk Carton Kids: Friday, Aug. 29, 5 p.m.
Fans of Minnesota-based Trampled by Turtles and The Cactus Blossoms will love The Avett Brothers. The four-time Grammy-nominated group has been making waves in the mainstream Americana-folk scene since their 2009 major label debut, “I and Love and You.” Last year brought the release of a self-titled album and the Broadway debut of “Swept Away,” a musical inspired by and featuring the music of The Avett Brothers. They’re stopping at the Grandstand as part of their current tour of the U.S.
Opening the show is indie-folk duo The Milk Carton Kids, who have received several Grammy nominations of their own. Since their debut in 2001, Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale have emerged as a major force in American folk tradition, known for their ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Nelly and Ja Rule, Mýa, and Ying Yang Twins: Saturday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.
2000s rap superstar Nelly will surely treat the Grandstand crowd to a range of his throwback hits, including “Dilemma,” “Ride wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” and more. He will be joined by award-winning rapper, actor, and entrepreneur Ja Rule; Grammy-winning R&B artist Mýa; and hip-hop duo Ying Yang Twins.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Keep an eye on the Fair’s website for information about recently announced Grandstand shows. Plus, don’t miss other free concerts around the Fairgrounds—100-plus acts will perform across 900 shows during the Fair’s duration.
