DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2021) The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce the lineup of FREE live music during the 2021 Fair. After a year without live music, the State Fair is more excited than ever to provide the free concert series, which spans across multiple genres and features nationally recognized headliners, in addition to local and regional talent on the rise. The Fair is known for being a celebration of all things Texan, and that includes our live music. This year, a total of 77 acts featured as part of the live music lineup hail from the Lone Star State. Fairgoers can enjoy these free concerts all 24 days of the Fair.
The Chevrolet Main Stage is an outdoor venue with a huge festival-type stage and experience, as well as an ADA-compliant area for guests needing special assistance. Health and safety of all parties involved – fairgoers, performers, and staff – remains the top priority. The Fair will adhere to all applicable CDC guidelines in place during the concert series, as well as any local, state, or federal guidelines. For more information on the Fair’s COVID-19 precautions, please visit BigTex.com/COVID.
Kicking off this year’s free concert series, Texas-born CLAY WALKER will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 24. A recording artist, songwriter, and entertainer with 31 charted singles, a dozen number one hits, four platinum albums and decades of performances, Walker is ready to take the stage. With hit singles like “Live Until I Die,” “Rumor Has It,” and “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” this Texan will launch this year’s free concert series in a Texas-sized way.
As part of the State Fair Classic football game celebrations on Saturday, September 25, DRU HILL brings their signature R&B style to the stage, starting at 2:00 p.m. Known for “How Deep is Your Love” and “Never Make a Promise,” the group recorded seven Top 40 hits over their decades-long career.
Also performing on September 25, four-time Grammy-nominated group hailing from Austin, BLACK PUMAS make their State Fair debut at 8:30 p.m. Self-describing their sound as “Wu-Tang Clan meets James Brown,” the band have sold out multiple tours across North America and Europe. Their first single “Colors” hit number one on the Billboard Adult Alternative chart and has been streamed more than 57 million times across a variety of platforms.
Closing out Opening Weekend, chart-topping Latin band LA ENERGIA NORTEÑA will electrify crowds on Sunday, September 26 at 8:30 p.m. The group’s signature sound mixes modern and contemporary elements rooted in the northern music style of “Chihuahua,” which highlights the saxophone and accordion.
On Thursday, September 30, LITTLE JOE & LA FAMILIA brings their famous Tejano sound to the fairgrounds with two shows at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Little Joe has celebrated more than 60 years in entertainment and is credited with helping to pioneer “Tejano” music – a mix of traditional “norteño” music and country, blues, and rock styles. After receiving $5.00 for his first performance in 1955, Little Joe embarked on a musical quest that would carry him to two Grammy nominations and hundreds of performances. Over 60 years and many albums later, Joe continues touring the world, trailblazing, looking forward to new challenges, breaking down cultural and musical barriers and innovating his musical style.
Taking the stage on Friday, October 1 at 8:30 p.m., SHINYRIBS will bring their mix of country-soul and swamp-funk to the stage. With their shows described as an exaltation of spirit, Shinyribs touch, squeeze, and kiss on all styles of American music. The group’s original songs are laced with magical realism, along with interpretations of songs, old and new.
Dust the red dirt off your boots and get ready to party on Saturday, October 2, at 8:30 p.m. with KEVIN FOWLER. Kevin’s musical journey began playing in rock bands before finding his footing as a solo act in the early 2000’s in his native Texas. His debut album, Beer, Bait and Ammo, launched his solo career, followed by seven albums over the next 14 years. Fowler’s hits, including “Long Line of Losers,” and “That Girl,” have charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and he remains active in Texan culture, promoting the “Take Care of Texas” campaign, encouraging all Texans to keep Texas clean.
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD brings classic rock and roll onto the Chevrolet Main Stage on Sunday, October 3 at 8:30 p.m. Known for their hits “Some Kind of Wonderful,” and “We’re an American Band,” Grand Funk Railroad’s arena rock style launched them to worldwide success. During the 1970’s, the band toured the world, selling out shows, and playing in front of audiences in the hundreds of thousands. More than 40 years later, their hits still play on classic rock radio, and their record sales worldwide exceed 25 million copies.
Austin-based MIKE AND THE MOONPIES will showcase their honky-tonk roots, mixed with their recent delve into lush strings and cinematic arrangement on Friday, October 8 at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Starting out as a cover band with more than 300 songs in their catalog, the band grew to become one of the premier dancehall bands in Austin. They actively continue to grow their sound, using vintage influences to create a contemporary sound. Their new album, “Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold” was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with help from the London Symphony Orchestra.
Following the AT&T Red River Showdown on Saturday, October 9, JACK INGRAM will keep the party going at 6:00 p.m. Ingram started his singing career in Fort Worth, just a dozen or so miles down the road from Fair Park. Since then, he has charted 12 songs on the US Country charts, including “Wherever You Are,” which reached the number one spot. The winner of several CMT Music Awards, he was recently nominated for a Grammy with Miranda Lambert for their song “Tin Man,” and released “The Marfa Tapes,” a collaborative album with Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall.
A native of Galveston, Texas, BILL ENGVALL is sure to have audiences in stitches with his stand-up, starting at 8:20 p.m. on October 9. A Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling recording artist and one of the top comedians in the country, Bill was part of the enormously successful Blue Collar Comedy concert films, which sold over nine million units. He previously starred in, and executive produced, the TBS sitcom The Bill Engvall Show. He also starred on the WB’s hit sketch comedy show Blue Collar TV and in several solo specials for Comedy Central.
It might be in October, but SUGAR RAY will warm up the stage on Sunday, October 10 at 8:30 p.m. with their signature summertime sound. With hits like “Someday,” “Every Morning,” and “Fly,” the band has sold more than 10 million records, had four top 10 songs, had streams across various platforms in the hundreds of millions, and sold millions of tickets to their live performances.
Get ready to groove on Monday, October 11 with LE FREAK, with two showtimes at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. A tribute act that puts the fun in funk, Le Freak thrills fans with their covers of 70s and 80s disco hits. Fully outfitted in their retro gear, “The Greatest Disco Band in the World” adds new energy to songs of the past.
Don’t miss the ultimate tribute to Elvis Presley in concert, starring international award-winning artist KRAIG PARKER, with the Royal Tribute Band and Orchestra on Friday, October 15 at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. For over 20 years, Kraig has sold out venues around the world, leaving audiences “all shook up” and screaming for more. Experience the electrifying music, presence and voice of the King by one of the best in the business.
Hailing from South Texas, CHARLEY CROCKETT brings heartfelt and vintage country to the stage on Saturday, October 16 at 8:30 p.m. Crockett was raised in a rural part of the Rio Grande Valley, followed by moving across the country, from New Orleans to New York City. Working as a self-promoter of his music, he now has released seven albums, generating over 36 million global streams, and mentions in prominent outlets like NPR Music, Rolling Stone, and Billboard.
THE LAST BANDOLEROS close out the Fair on Sunday, October 17 at 3:00 p.m. Their musical sensibilities and influences, which feature a wide range from country, rock, pop, and conjunto, combined with their experiences create a compelling and contemporary American sound. They performed their singles “Where Do You Go?,” and “I Don’t Want to Know,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! In 2016 and toured with Sting on his 57th & 9th Tour in 2017.
THE LONE STAR MUSIC SERIES, launched in 2019, aims to showcase the Texas-sized talent we have right here in our local area. Regional acts performing on the Chevrolet Main Stage this year will include Rob Roy Parnell, Rathmore, The 40 Acre Mule, Summer Dean, 1100 Springs, Clay Melton, Retrophonics, the Imaginaries, Squeezebox Bandits, Brave Combo, Hannah Kirby, No Rehearsal, Trevor Douglas, Ron Lawrence and Sazerac Jazz, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band, Peterson Brothers, and the Powell Brothers. Joining the regional acts on the Main Stage, Chevy House Party will feature a variety of popular local DJs, spinning some tunes to get the party started. Additionally, the U.S. Marine Jazz Ensemble will take the stage on Wednesday, October 13, performing three times throughout the day.
Glenn Smith Presents, Incorporated (GSPI) will produce this year’s Chevrolet Main Stage for the Fair’s live concert series for the 32nd consecutive season. In the past years, GSPI has booked a wide range of notable headliners for the State Fair’s main stage event, including Destiny’s Child, Tim McGraw, Flo Rida, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Christina Aguilera, Lady A., Selena, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, the Jonas Brothers, Ludacris, and Garth Brooks.
In addition to the Chevrolet Main Stage, live music can be found across the grounds. The BUD LIGHT STAGE, located centrally in Cotton Bowl Plaza, will showcase local and regional talent all 24 days of the Fair, just steps away from all your fried food favorites. Notable acts include UNFADED BRASS BAND, who take the Bud Light Stage to thrill fairgoers with their big brass sound on Saturday, September 25. Another Dallas-based band, VANDOLIERS, brings their mixture of all things Texan to the stage on Friday, October 1. Following the AT&T Red River Showdown, fairgoers and fans can enjoy JOSHUA RAY WALKER when he brings his narrative-driven songwriting and vintage Red Dirt sound, starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9.
The WINE GARDEN STAGE, located outside the Go Texan Pavilion, will feature a Friday night comedy series, titled “Deep Fried Comedy,” along with live music throughout the week. You might know him from his show on KXT 91.7, but come out and hear the talents of PAUL SLAVENS as he entertains audiences on Sunday, September 26. FRANKIE LEONIE’s signature mix of country, folk, blues, and rock will be on full display Tuesday, October 12. The young performer is no stranger to the stage, having opened for Ray Wiley Hubbard, Lukas Nelson, and Margo Price.
See below for the full schedule of live music that will be playing throughout the grounds at the Fair. Join us at the most Texan place on Earth for the 2021 State Fair of Texas, running Friday, September 24 through October 17.
2021 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS CHEVROLET MAIN STAGE LINEUP
Friday, September 24 CLAY WALKER 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 Chevy House Party 12:00 p.m.
DRU HILL 2:00 p.m.
BLACK PUMAS 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 26 Conjunto DIFERENTES De Zacatecas 2:00; 4:00; 6:00 p.m.
LA ENERGIA NORTEÑA 8:30 p.m.
Monday, September 27 Rob Roy Parnell 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 28 Rathmore 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 29 The 40 Acre Mule 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 30 LITTLE JOE Y LA FAMILIA 5:30; 8:30 p.m.
Friday, October 1 Summer Dean 5:30 p.m.
SHINYRIBS 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 2 Chevy House Party 12:00 p.m.
Eleven Hundred Springs 2:00; 4:00; 6:00 p.m.
KEVIN FOWLER 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 3 Chevy House Party 12:00 p.m.
Clay Melton 2:00; 4:00; 6:00 p.m.
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD 8:30 p.m.
Monday, October 4 Retrophonics 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 5 The Imaginaries 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6 Squeezebox Bandits 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 7 Brave Combo 5:30; 8:30 p.m.
Friday, October 8 MIKE AND THE MOONPIES 5:30; 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 9 Hannah Kirby 2:30 p.m.; other showtimes pending game time
JACK INGRAM 6:00 p.m.
BILL ENGVALL 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, October 10 Chevy House Party 12:00 p.m.
No Rehearsal 2:00; 4:00; 6:00 p.m.
SUGAR RAY 8:30 p.m.
Monday, October 11 Trevor Douglas 12:00; 1:30 p.m.
LE FREAK 3:00; 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 12 Ron Lawrence and Sazerac Jazz 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13 U.S. Marine Jazz Ensemble 4:00; 5:45; 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 14 Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band 5:30; 8:30 p.m.
Friday, October 15 KRAIG PARKER 5:30; 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 16 Chevy House Party 12:00 p.m.
The Peterson Brothers 2:00; 4:00; 6:00 p.m.
CHARLEY CROCKETT 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 17 The Powell Brothers 12:00; 1:30 p.m.
THE LAST BANDOLEROS 3:00 p.m.
2021 BUD LIGHT STAGE LINEUP
Friday, September 24 Two Tons of Steel 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 Unfaded Brass Band 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 26 Sabor Puro 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Monday, September 27 Brave Little Howl 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 28 Elaina Kay 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 29 Dave Washburn Jazz Band 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 30 Conjunto Cats 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 1 Vandoliers 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 2 Ottoman Turks 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 3 Monica Saldivar &The Band 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Monday, October 4 DAMOYEE 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 5 Slow Moving Snakes 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6 Chris J Norwood 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 7 Steve Austin and the Bioniq Brass Band 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 8 All Star Band 2:00; 4:00 p.m.
Whitney Rose 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 9 Joshua Ray Walker 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 10 Mariachi Rosas Divinas 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Monday, October 11 Straight Tequila Night 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 12 Billy Law 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13 EJ Mathews 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 14 Marine Rock Band 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 15 John Pedigo’s Magic Pilsner 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 16 Vincent Neil Emerson 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 17 Big Easy Brass Band 2:00; 4:00 p.m.
Joel Wells and the Revelers Hall Band 6:00; 8:00 p.m.
2021 WINE GARDEN STAGE LINEUP
Friday, September 24 Matt Hillyer 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Deep Fried Comedy 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 25 Shelley Carrol 2:30; 4:30; 6:30, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 26 Paul Slavens 2:30; 4:30; 6:30; 8:30 p.m.
Monday, September 27 Bayleigh Cheek 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 28 Jade Nickol 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 29 Burnet 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 30 Kristy Kruger 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 1 Greg Schroeder 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Deep Fried Comedy 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 2 Van Darien 2:30; 4:30; 6:30; 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 3 Devil’s Sooty Brother 2:30; 4:30; 6:30; 8:30 p.m.
Monday, October 4 Jackson Scribner 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 5 Maya Piata 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6 Charming Gardeners 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 7 Coltin Ayers 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 8 Peyton Stilling 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Deep Fried Comedy 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 9 Justin Pickard 2:30; 4:30; 6:30; 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 10 Chad Stockslager 2:30; 4:30; 6:30; 8:30 p.m.
Monday, October 11 Kirk Thurmond 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 12 Frankie Leonie 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13 Sarah Johnson 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 14 Garrett Owen 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 15 United State Marine Jazz Quartet 2:30; 4:30; 6:30 p.m.
Deep Fried Comedy 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 16 Saborcito Puro 2:30; 4:30; 6:30; 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 17 Baby Yaga 2:30; 4:30; 6:30; 8:30 p.m.
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