Lainey Wilson to Headline 2026 Illinois State Fair August 15

Lainey Wilson, a celebrated country music star known for hits like "Heart Like a Truck" and "Watermelon Moonshine," will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 15, 2026. Wilson, who will also host the 2025 CMA Awards and leads nominations with six nods, is recognized as a trailblazer in country music and has achieved eight No. 1 singles. She is currently on her sold-out Whirlwind World Tour and will make her film debut in 2026. The Illinois Department of Agriculture and State Fair officials praised her as an unforgettable live performer, and tickets for her concert go on sale November 8, 2025, exclusively via Ticketmaster. Wilson's rising profile includes headlining the 2026 Stagecoach Festival and being featured on the TIME100 Next list. The 2026 Illinois State Fair will run from August 13 to 23 in Springfield.