The Great Minnesota Get-Together is on this year, and the State Fair will feature hundreds of free concerts and shows during its 12-day run.
The Minnesota State Fair released details of its free entertainment lineup on Tuesday that will include 900 shows and 100-plus acts. Among the concerts: Sister Sledge, DSL Dire Straits Legacy, Ezra Ray Hart, The Legendary Wailers, Yam Haus, and Nur-D.
But it’s not just free music. The All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash show and Timberworks Lumberjack Show are back, as is the daily parade, karaoke and magic shows.
Here are the highlights of this year’s free entertainment:
Leinie Lodge Bandshell Tonight!:
- DSL Dire Straits Legacy (Aug. 26 & 27) 8:30 p.m.
- Sister Sledge (Aug. 28 & 29) 8:30 p.m.
- Ezra Ray Hart (Aug. 30 & 31) 8:30 p.m.
- The Legendary Wailers (Sept. 1 & 2) 8:30 p.m.
- Roots & Boots featuring Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye (Sept. 3 & 4) 8:30 p.m.
- Yam Haus (Sept. 5 & 6) 7:30 p.m.
Leinie Lodge Bandshell:
- Box On
- Tonic Sol-fa
- Shenandoah
- Becky Buller Band
- The Next Generation Leahy
- King Calaway
- The 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band
- The Malpass Brothers
- Connie Smith
- Renata The Band
- Rockland Road
- We Banjo 3
- Monroe Crossing
- Screaming Orphans
- Melinda Doolittle
- Malamanya
- Rosie Flores
- Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots
- MSF Amateur Talent Contest Semifinals
West End at Sunset at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater:
- Davina and The Vagabonds
- The Greeting Committee Contact: Lara Hughes
- Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys
- NUR-D
- First Avenue Goes To The Fair
- Mae Simpson
Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater at West End Market:
- MNHS presents History On-A-Schtick
- Mary Cutrufello Band
- The Jorgensens
- The Minnesota State Fiddle Contest
- Barley Jacks
- Starlifter from the USAF Band of Mid-America
- Poppa Bear Norton
- Kris and the Riverbend Dutchmen
- Molly Maher Band
- Minnesota Americana-Roots Music Contests
- Cornbread Harris
- Joe & Vicki Price
- The Dollys
Bazaar After Dark at the International Bazaar Stage:
- Dr. Mambo’s Combo
- Good For Gary
- Takin’ It To The Limit: An Eagles Tribute
- Banda La Verdadera
- Socaholix
- Ka Lia Universe & Friends
International Bazaar Stage:
- Jack Brass Band4
- Café Accordion Orchestra
- Phoenix Chinese Dance Academy
- The Men of New Hope
- Sumunar Indonesian Music & Dance
- Tha Ma Muz
- Ujamaa Music Group
- Maria Isa and LatinXpolis
- Siama’s Congo Roots
- Native Pride Dancers
- Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca
- KOFI & The Fire Keepers
Ramberg Music Cafe Stage:
- Polkarobics
- Tom Hunter
- The Neighborhood Trio
- Jack Knife & The Sharps
- The Joey Johnson Band
- Dakota Dave Hull & Friends
- Jim Berner’s Music Legends
- PK Mayo • Hello Heartache
- Phil Heywood & Eric Lugosch
- Bill Koncar
- Lolos Ghost
Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park:
- The Chipper Experience
- Monster Shop Bump’n
- Mama Lou: American Strong Woman
- Jared Sherlock
- Fantastick Patrick
- The Flyin’ Hawaiian Show
- Kidsdance
- Lizzy – Comedy Stage Hypnosis
- MSF County Fair Talent Contest 4
Other free entertainment:
- All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash and Timberworks Lumberjack Show at The North Woods
- Cosgrove Stage featuring community dance ensembles
- The daily parade at 2 p.m. with floats, special guests and the State Fair High School Marching Band Exhibition and more
- Arts A’Fair, a celebration of performing arts in Minnesota with dance, theater and musical showcases
- Mia Dorr’s Premier Karaoke in The Garden sponsored by Treasure Island Resort & Casino
- Thank A Farmer Magic Show on the Christensen Farms Stage, where children of all ages learn about the role agriculture plays in our daily lives
The Minnesota State Fair runs from Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6, this year. Here is the full performance schedule for the fair.