The State Fair of Texas is just a few more months away, and as the days count down, the fair has announced the musical acts that will take to the stage for the 2026 season.
All of these musical performances are included with the cost of entry. They are split between three stages, each featuring dozens of acts from the day the fair opens, Sept. 25, through the last day, Oct. 18.
The Bud Light Stage, located near Cotton Bowl Stadium, will feature local and regional talent, while the White Claw Spotlight Stage, at the Grove on Nimitz, features several local musicians from the Dallas Music Office’s talent roster, and the new Ziegenbock Stage, at the Old Mill Inn near Big Tex Circle, pairs live music with food and drinks in the shadow of Big Tex.
This is the eighth year the State Fair of Texas has partnered with State Fair Records, the music label that programs and produces much of the music at the State Fair of Texas.
“State Fair Records continues to raise the bar, selecting several up-and-coming and established Texas musicians who fit the mold of the most Texan place on Earth. We’re excited to grow our partnership and continue to host top-notch artists at our 24-day annual exposition,” State Fair of Texas SVP of Brand Experience Jason Hays said in a statement.
This year will continue the State Fair of Texas’ tradition of having a resident artist, who this year is jazz musician Ken Ebo. His jazz quintet will play the opening night of the State Fair of Texas at the Ziegenbock Stage, and will play that stage again on Oct. 17. His Latin Jazz Initiative of Texas will also perform Oct. 1 on the Bud Light Stage.
If you can’t wait until Sept. 25 to start checking out some of the live music planned this year, there will be a pre-fair party, State Fair Saddle Up, on Sept. 10 at the Rustic Dallas, with music from Cash Byers along with an auction and Midway games.
For the full schedule of all the artists playing at this year’s fair, click here.