The Minnesota State Fair announced its free live music and shows for 2026, featuring more than 900 shows among 100-plus acts spanning across 12 days. Between walking and trying the best fair foods, take some time to sit, recharge, and listen to some local artists.
Headlining this year’s list of performances are sibling-duo Durry (Sept. 6 and 7), whose humorous indie-rock hits are sure to get you moving, alongside Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Margo Price (Aug. 29 and 30), who released her fifth album Hard Headed Woman last year.
The Sugarhill Gang plus Melle Mel and Scorpio of the Furious Five is the hip-hop supergroup you’ve been waiting for, playing on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The group is composed of two original members from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and the 45-year-old group The Sugarhill Gang.
Urban Classic presents Revelation: A Retrospective of the Minneapolis Sound, paying homage to the city’s music history with a lineup of members from the original New Power Generation, Mint Condition, The Time, Mazarati, Sounds of Blackness, and the Jesse Johnson Revue. Minneapolis-born and renowned drummer Michael Bland will also rock out to covers, including songs by Prince and Janet Jackson. Catch them on Sept. 4 and 5.
Brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum have been writing country songs and indie tunes since 2010 as The Cactus Blossoms (playing Sept. 2-3), a Twin Cities favorite. Minnesota rock band The Honeydogs is set to hit the stage on Aug. 29-30, having been together for more than 25 years.
Award-winning musician, guitarist, and Anishinaabe flute player Keith Secola and his band the Rangers will be reshaping Native folk music alongside special guest and Indigenous blues-rock artist Gary Farmer on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.
Rising local hip-hop star Nur-D will bring his compelling raps told with humor and empowering lyricism on Aug. 27-28
Local venues are also in on the fun: The Cedar Cultural Center is bringing back The Global Get-Together with two acts on Sept. 2 that will feature unique voices blended with Afrocentric sounds and Middle Eastern beats. First Avenue Goes to the Fair is a two-day showcase featuring Al Church and The Congregation on Sept. 4-5, with artists from the local scene to be announced. Expect great music and much love for Minnesota.
That just barely scratches the surface; see the full list of performances for what to expect at the fair.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source mspmag.com ’
