The Illinois State Fair has announced the supporting acts for its 2026 Grandstand Concert Series, adding a range of artists across multiple genres to the lineup scheduled for August in Springfield.
The additions will join previously announced headliners throughout the fair’s run from Aug. 13 through Aug. 23, according to a community announcement. The lineup spans country, rock, hip-hop and reggae, with organizers highlighting a mix of established performers and emerging acts.
Fair officials said that the expanded lineup builds on an already strong slate of performances.
“This year’s Grandstand lineup was already stacked, and these supporting acts take it to another level,” Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said in the announcement.
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Supporting acts join diverse concert schedule
The full schedule of supporting acts alongside headliners includes:
Aug. 14 – Bailey Zimmerman with Jake Worthington
Aug. 15 – Lainey Wilson with Tigirlily Gold
Aug. 16 – Matchbox Twenty with Grace Enger
Aug. 17 – 38 Special with Warrant
Aug. 18 – Ziggy Marley with Skip Marley
Aug. 19 – Wiz Khalifa with Big Boi
Aug. 20 – The Avett Brothers with Drive-By Truckers and Hunter Flynn
Aug. 21 – Ella Langley with ERNEST
Aug. 22 – The Chicks with Calder Allen
Aug. 23 – Shinedown with From Ashes to New
The performances are part of the Grandstand Concert Series, a centerpiece of the annual fair, according to the announcement.
Organizers highlight fan experience
Organizers emphasized the role of supporting acts in shaping the concert experience for attendees.
“Great concerts don’t start when the headliner takes the stage — they begin with the first note of the opening act,” Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark said in the announcement. “Whether you’re discovering a new favorite artist or seeing a well-known performer, fans are in for an unforgettable experience.”
Officials said that the mix of genres is intended to appeal to a wide audience and enhance the overall entertainment offerings at the fair, according to the announcement.
The Illinois State Fair is scheduled to take place in Springfield from Aug. 13 through Aug. 23.
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This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois State Fair reveals 2026 concert opening acts lineup
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