Entertainment News | Local News | Zeke Fuhrman

By Zeke Fuhrman |

Free Music and Entertainment Lineup Announced for 2025 Minnesota State Fair

Minnesota state fair

The 2025 Minnesota State Fair is set to bring the beat—and it’s all free. With over 900 performances scheduled across the 12-day celebration known as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” fairgoers can enjoy live entertainment from morning to night without paying extra for tickets.

One of the fair’s most popular spots, the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, will feature nightly headliners including hitmakers Rachel Platten and Los Lobos. The evening shows are a major draw, combining national talent with a festival atmosphere.

Leinie Lodge Bandshell Tonight (8:30 p.m. shows unless noted):

  • Rachel Platten – Aug. 21 & 22

  • Arrested Development – Aug. 23 & 24

  • Los Lobos – Aug. 25 & 26

  • Tayler Holder – Aug. 27 & 28

  • Karla Perez: Selena The Show – Aug. 29 & 30

  • Ber – Aug. 31 & Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Bandshell Daytime Acts Include:

  • Davina and The Vagabonds

  • Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen

  • Church of Cash

  • Country Roads: The Music of John Denver

  • Tonic Sol-fa

  • And many more, including the State Fair Amateur Talent Contest semifinals

West End Market Stage at Schilling Amphitheater (8 p.m.):

  • Deke Dickerson & The Whippersnappers – Aug. 21 & 22

  • Jonah Marais – Aug. 23 & 24

  • Poppa Bear Norton – Aug. 25 & 26

  • Lady Midnight – Aug. 27 & 28

  • First Avenue Goes to the Fair – Aug. 29 & 30

  • Joyann Parker – Aug. 31 (8 p.m.) & Sept. 1 (7:30 p.m.)

Schilling Amphitheater Daytime Entertainment:

  • Cindy Lawson

  • Steve Solkela

  • U.S. Navy Band Country Current

  • Nicholas David

  • MNHS presents History On-A-Schtick

  • And more

Summit Stage at the Bazaar (8 p.m.):

  • Sounds of Santana starring Joe Cruz – Aug. 21 & 22

  • The Belfast Cowboys – Aug. 23 & 24

  • Jaybee and The Routine – Aug. 25 & 26

  • Malamanya – Aug. 29 & 30

  • Pam McNeill’s “Janis, Stevie, Dolly, and Me” – Aug. 31 & Sept. 1

Bazaar Daytime Acts:

  • Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca

  • Jack Brass Band

  • Native Pride Dancers

  • PanAtics

  • Gizzae

  • More international and cultural performances

Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park:

Great for kids and families, featuring:

  • Comedy magician Brad Weston

  • The Chipper Experience!

  • Hip Hop Juggler

  • The Dollipops

  • MSF County Fair Talent Contest

Cosgrove Stage (Allina Health Sponsored):

A showcase of community groups and dance studios, with:

  • Line dancing, Irish dance, Zumba®, and ballroom

  • Performers like the Pleasant Valley Cloggers, River City Cloggers, and Tango Society of Minnesota

  • Cultural dance from groups like the Somali Museum Dance Troupe and Armenian Dance Ensemble