Country Mega Star Will Headline 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand

A country music powerhouse will be headlining the Illinois State Fair next Summer, marking one of the fair's biggest entertainment announcements yet.

First 2026 Grandstand Performer Announced

The Illinois State Fair has unveiled its first major performer for the 2026 Grandstand lineup, and it doesn't get any bigger.

Country Music Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson will take the stage on Saturday, August 15, 2026, kicking off the summer of excitement in Springfield.

A Record-Breaking Year for Lainey Wilson

Wilson's star continues to rise heading into 2026, as she's set to host the 2025 CMA Awards, where she leads with six nominations.

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Lainey was also recently named to the TIME 100 Next list and released the deluxe version of her hit album Whirlwind, featuring her latest Top 10 song Somewhere Over Laredo.

Hitmaker, Actress, and Entrepreneur

With 8 number one hit records, including Heart Like a Truck and Watermelon Moonshine, Wilson has certified her place among country music's elite.

She's collaborated with Reba, Dolly, and Post Malone, and will be making her film debut in the 2026 adaptation of Reminders of Him.

Beyond music, Lainey Wilson is expanding her brand with Wrangler, Golden West Boots, and The Lainey Wilson Jewelry Collection.

Tickets and Fair Dates

Tickets for Lainey Wilson at the Illinois State Fair will go on sale this Saturday, November 8 at 10 am through Ticketmaster, starting at just under $90 per ticket.

The 2026 Illinois State Fair runs from August 13 through 23 in Springfield, Illinois.

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