Artists in Residence – The Best State Fair Live Music Concerts

You might not know this, but State Fairs have a rich history of attracting the music industry’s biggest names to perform. For generations, legends including the Beach Boys, Crosby Stills and Nash have graced a stage or two, and even Taylor Swift once played at the New York State Fair.

Sure, the carnival atmosphere, amusement park rides, and indulgent culinary treats draw people in. Still, the chance to see your favorite artists at a state fair live music concert always makes for an unforgettable experience.

This summer, legendary bands, including Foreigner, Smashing Pumpkins, and beloved family favorites Kidz Bop, are all set to hit the state fair music circuit, so get ready as we reveal the best live stage acts playing at a state fair near you.

Ohio State Fair (Columbus, Ohio)

Where better to start our countdown of the best live state fair music concerts than the Ohio State Fair, which opens its gates to visitors for two weeks at the end of July. Held in Columbus, Ohio, this festival of fun attracts friends and families due to its unbelievable rides, fantastic state fair food, and, of course, its live music stage offerings.

Situated in the heart of the fairgrounds, throughout the two weeks of the Ohio State Fair, musical artists of all genres will be gracing the stage at the WCOL Celeste Center. Here, the music will have everybody dancing, from children’s favorites Kidz Bop through to rapper and songwriter Ice Cube and bands including Alabama and Stone Temple Pilots.

Book your hotel in Columbus for the Ohio State Fair at the Best Western Hilliard Inn & Suites.

Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, Iowa)

Next, we head to Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair, home to one of the oldest and largest industrial and agricultural expos in the United States. With child-friendly roller coasters and state fair rides, a demolition derby, and several outlaw truck and tractor pull events, the whole family will want to come.

Not to be upstaged by the vast array of attractions, the Iowa State Fair Grandstand Concert Series will also host several headline artists. Organizers have gone above and beyond this summer, booking legendary bands, including Foreigner and Motley Crue, headlining alongside singers Lauren Daigle and hip hop and country artist Jelly Roll.

Book your hotel for the Iowa State Fair at the Best Western Premier Ankeny Hotel in Ankeny, Iowa.

Illinois State Fair (Springfield, Illinois)

We head next to Springfield, Illinois, for our next impressive musical lineup for the epic Illinois State Fair. Embracing its status as the key agricultural heartland of America, the Prairie State’s largest festival gathering is held each year in August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Yet, the buzz this summer revolves around the amazing live music concerts at the Illinois State Fair. That’s because this year’s Illinois State Fair’s star-studded musical Grandstand lineup includes the timeless Smashing Pumpkins, Keith Urban, and the Jonas Brothers.

Book your hotel for the Illinois State Fair at the Best Western Jacksonville Inn in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis, Wisconsin)

Having run for over 170 years, we head next to West Allis, in the heart of “America’s Dairyland” and the impressive Wisconsin State Fair. Famous for its deep-fried cheese curds and Original Cream Puff, the Wisconsin State Fair sees over 400,000 of these delicious pastry-based treats consumed every year.

Yet, the real showstopper drawing music lovers from far and wide is the stellar lineup of musical talents gracing the Wisconsin State Fair Main Stage this year. For those who enjoy state fair live music performances, Wisconsin will see headliners TLC with Jordin Sparks, Riley Green, & Yung Gravy all taking to the stage this summer.

Book your hotel in Milwaukee for the Wisconsin State Fair at the Best Western Plus Milwaukee West.

Texas State Fair (Dallas, Texas)

Our final state fair attracts over 2 million visitors every year where the Texas State Fair runs from late September to mid-October and takes some beating. Held at Dallas’ Fair Park and famed for its iconic 52-foot-tall Big Tex mascot, the Texas State Fair boasts over 277 acres of thrilling rides, games, and incredible state fair food stalls.

However, the three live music stages at the Texas State Fair are the star attraction set to steal the show. Spread across Fair Park, from the Main Stage to the Bud Light Stage and Yuengling Flight Stages, the phenomenal lineups offer something for the whole family, with this year’s headline acts including American country music group Lonestar, and rappers and producers Lil Jon, and CeeLo Green.

Book your hotel in Dallas for the Texas State Fair at the Best Western Northwest Inn.