State Fair Week: Grandstand Headliners You Won’t Want to Miss

Hey Twin Cities! State Fair week continues today, giving you the finalized concert lineup for the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand!  Lots of amazing acts coming to rock the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Concert Lineup — August 21 to September 1

As part of our State Fair Week series, here’s your guide to the Grandstand headliners lighting up the stage this year at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair:

  • Thursday, August 21 (7:00 pm) – Old Dominion kicks things off with chart-ready country flair.

  • Friday, August 22 (7:00 pm) – Meghan Trainor brings her hits like “All About That Bass” to the stage.

  • Saturday, August 23 (5:00 pm)– It’s Atmosphere & Friends: Minnesota, featuring Atmosphere alongside Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, and DJ Abilities—a powerful rap and hip-hop lineup for a legendary night.  Also, The Current’s Music On-A-Stick Show 2025

  • Sunday, August 24 (7:00 pm) – Don’t miss an emotional and uplifting night with Melissa Etheridge followed by the Indigo Girls on their Yes We Are Tour.

  • Monday, August 25 (7:00 pm) – Enjoy a nostalgic feel of ‘60s and ‘70s pop classics with the Happy Together Tour, featuring The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, and The Cowsills.

  • Tuesday, August 26 (7:00 pm) – Rock legends Def Leppard hit the stage with Brother Cane opening.

  • Wednesday, August 27 (7:00 pm) – For all of the classic country western fans, it is Hank Williams Jr. with special guest Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

  • Thursday, August 28 (7:00 pm) – A classic-rock pairing—Daryl Hall joins us alongside The Rascals.

  • Friday, August 29 (7:00 pm) – Folk and Americana fans, this is for you: The Avett Brothers, with special guest The Milk Carton Kids.

  • Saturday, August 30 (7:00 pm) – Party with Nelly, along with special guests Ja Rule, Mýa, and the Ying Yang Twins—guaranteed to bring throwback beats and energy.

  • Sunday, August 31 (7:30 pm) – The annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals.  And it is FREE TO ATTEND!

  • Labor Day Monday, September 1 (11:00 am and 3:00 pm) – Close out the Grandstand with a family-friendly show featuring The Rock and Roll Playhouse and Bri & The Anti-Heroes.

Why These Shows Stand Out

This year’s lineup serves up something for every kind of music lover:

  • Pop & Country Hits: Old Dominion and Meghan Trainor kick things off with catchy and crowd-pleasing hits.

  • Hip-Hop Legends: Atmosphere with Cypress Hill and friends brings local pride and golden-age rap to the Grandstand.

  • Women in Rock & Folk: Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls bring powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics.

  • Old-School Nostalgia: The Happy Together Tour is a time machine to the ’60s hits of your parents’ best days.

  • Arena Rock Icons: Def Leppard and Daryl Hall deliver stadium-worthy performances.

  • Americana Vibes: The Avett Brothers close out August with soulful folk harmonies.

  • Party Anthems: Nelly and friends promise a high-energy throwback party.

  • Kids & Family Finale: Fun and playful, perfect for a final day celebration.

Concert Planning Tips

  • Separate Grandstand Tickets Required — Concerts aren’t included in general fair admission. Be sure to snag your tickets early via Etix.

  • Bring Ear Protection — If you’re bringing kids, those decibels can be big; come prepared.

  • Arrive Early for Fireworks & Extras — Many shows feature fireworks or opening acts—get there early to catch the full experience.

  • Parking & Entry — Grandstand traffic can be heavy. Consider using shuttles or ride-sharing for smoother access.

From pop star power to throwback tours, rock legends, and indie folk charm, the Grandstand Stage hosts something for every music taste. Use this as your “Thing To Do” guide to build your 2025 State Fair schedule. We’ll be covering the food, attractions, and hidden gems all week—stay tuned!

More info at https://www.mnstatefair.org/grandstand/