- Rod Stewart and Lainey Wilson named first Grandstand headliners for the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
- Rod Stewart performs Friday, Aug. 14; Lainey Wilson performs Sunday, Aug. 16 with Tigirlily Gold.
- Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. at iowastatefair.org; prices range $69.50–$134.50.
- The 2026 fair runs Aug. 13–23 with the theme “Fair Spirit.”
Big-name concerts announced for 2026 Grandstand
The Iowa State Fair has revealed its first Grandstand headliners for 2026: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart and rising country star Lainey Wilson. Stewart returns to the state fair stage for the first time since 1984, while Wilson makes her Grandstand debut.
When and where: dates, times and ticket info
Stewart is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Lainey Wilson will take the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, joined by special guest Tigirlily Gold.
Tickets for both shows go on sale Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Central at iowastatefair.org. Price tiers for the concerts range from $69.50 to $134.50. Fans are encouraged to buy early; Grandstand shows at the fair often sell quickly.
What to expect from the performers
Rod Stewart, who will be 81 in January, brings a decades-spanning catalog of rock and pop hits. His return marks a rare Iowa State Fair appearance, last playing the fair in 1984. Lainey Wilson, a breakout country artist in recent years, will perform a set aimed at her growing fan base and will be supported by Tigirlily Gold.
2026 Iowa State Fair: dates and theme
The 2026 Iowa State Fair runs Thursday, Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 23. The fair’s theme, “Fair Spirit,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and echoes the patriotic spirit of the 1976 theme, “The Spirit of Iowa ’76.”
Quick links and tips
- Buy tickets: iowastatefair.org (Grandstand ticket page)
- Fair dates: Aug. 13–23, 2026
- Concert times: 8 p.m. Aug. 14 (Stewart); 8 p.m. Aug. 16 (Wilson)
- Ticket range: $69.50–$134.50
Why this matters
The announcement gives Iowans their first headline concert news for next summer’s fair and pairs a legacy artist with a current country star, offering broad appeal for fairgoers. The early reveal lets fans plan travel and secure Grandstand seats well ahead of the busy fair season.
For fans planning to attend, set a reminder for Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. to purchase tickets. The Iowa State Fair’s lineup will be expanded in the coming months with additional performers and fair events announced closer to August.
Image Referance: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/iowa-state-fair/2025/12/10/2026-iowa-state-fair-grandstand-concert-lainey-wilson-rod-stewart/87698811007/