The State Fair of Texas presents 24 days of FREE concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage and throughout the fairgrounds, featuring a wide variety of musical acts across all genres. The Fair is proud to announce its list of confirmed headliners scheduled to appear on the Chevrolet Main Stage in this year’s FREE concert series, included with admission to the State Fair.
The concert series kicks off on Opening Day at 8:30 p.m. with a tribute to the King of Rock & Roll by Kraig Parker. Parker is also the first “Flashback Friday” act, where the stage will offer fairgoers a musical blast from the past every Friday of the Fair. An award-winning tribute artist, Kraig Parker will have you “all shook up” and screaming for more! From Las Vegas to London, Parker’s World Premier Tribute to Elvis delivers the electrifying hits of the King by one of the best in the business. Backed by the fabulous Royal Tribute Band and Orchestra, Kraig Parker’s powerful voice, look, and persona will take you back in time to the golden years of music’s greatest icon. Elvis has NOT left the building!
Sevyn Streeter
Taking the stage on Saturday, September 29 at 2:00 p.m., Sevyn Streeter has cemented herself in the music industry as both an accomplished songwriter and singer. Her album Girl Disrupted debuted at number 1 on iTunes R&B Charts and has yielded a Top 10 single on the Billboard’s Urban A/C Charts. In addition to making her mark as a solo artist, Sevyn is a credited writer for seven songs on Chris Brown’s Grammy-winning album, Fame, and cowrote two songs on Alicia Keys’ Grammy-winning album Girl on Fire.
Closing out the first Saturday at 8:30 p.m. is legendary Funk band Morris Day & the Time. Led by singer-songwriter Morris Day, the band members are known for having been close Prince associates and are arguably the most successful artists who have worked with him, achieving particular popularity with R&B fans with tracks such as “Jerk Out” and “Jungle Love”. Formed in 1981, their work has been a part of the formation of the Minneapolis sound, featuring a mix of soul music and dance music with funk, rock ‘n’ roll, and more.
Michael Salgado
Opening Weekend concludes on Sunday, September 30, with a performance by two-time Latin Grammy winner Michael Salgado at 5:30 p.m. The San Antonio-based Norteño/Tejano musician makes his mark on crowds as both a talented singer and accordionist. He began climbing the Latin American music charts in 1995 after releasing his single “Cruz de Madera”. Salgado’s 1996 album En Concierto introduced his most successful single, “Sin Ella,” which reached the top 20 of the Latin American music charts.
Resurrection – A Journey Tribute continues the stage’s “Flashback Friday” lineup on Friday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Bringing the sound, look, and authenticity of Journey, the group re-creates the experience of a Journey concert from the band’s most prolific period. Getting their start after selling out legendary Nashville music performance hall, the band has been on a whirlwind “journey” ever since, growing quickly from a weekend-warrior act into one of the most highly sought-after tribute experiences in the country.
Aaron Watson
Taking the stage on Saturday, October 6 at 8:30 p.m. is country music star Aaron Watson. With eighteen years, over a dozen recorded albums, and more than 2,500 shows in the U.S. and Europe under his belt, the Texas native is no stranger to the spotlight. Watson’s recent hits include 2017 single “Outta Style,” which reached Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart after a record-breaking 50-week climb, as well as his newest album Vaquero, receiving praise from big-name brands like Texas Monthly, Billboard, Rolling Stone Country, Noisey, CMT, and The Boot.
Pop singer and 22-year-old heart throb Austin Mahone will perform on Sunday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m. Beginning his career in 2010 by posting videos singing covers of popular songs on YouTube. He has since gained a large following referred to as “Mahomies.” The singer boasts a number of awards and honors, including an MTV VMA for Best New Artist and their “Artist to Watch” in 2013, in addition to wins at the MTV EMAs, iHeartRadio Music Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and the Young Hollywood Awards.
The Molly Ringwalds will deliver another blast from the past on Friday, October 12, with performances at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Hailing from Sheffield, England, this legendary quintet has been able to combine their individual and very formidable talents to create the true essence of the most radical decade to ever be called “The 80’s.” Through their funky sense of style and undeniable musical dexterity, The Molly Ringwalds create a one-of-a-kind 80’s experience showcasing all the greatest genres of the decade.
Multitalented artist and powerful hip hop icon, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges takes the stage on Saturday, October 13 at 8:30 p.m. Ludacris’ broad portfolio of music offers an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, imagery, and infectious tunes that have earned him three Grammy awards and 17 nominations. In addition to his heavily awarded music career, Ludacris is an esteemed actor, having appeared in the acclaimed indie drama Hustle & Flow and widely-known movie series The Fast and the Furious.
The concert series continues Sunday, October 14 at 8:30 p.m. with country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes. After being nominated for a handful of Grammy awards, winning a collection of Country Music Awards, and touring the world behind a pair of critically acclaimed albums, Hayes went through a period of musical rebirth. As a category-defying artist and musical innovator, he entertains fans with a mix of his newest sounds and the songs that jumpstarted his claim to fame.
The final act in the “Flashback Friday” series and the first of Closing weekend, Bidi Bidi Banda will offer a tribute to the late Tejano popstar, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, on Friday, October 19. With performances at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., the group is Austin’s first all-star Selena Tribute and comprised of members from some of Austin’s premier Latin bands. Bidi Bidi Banda’s interpretation of Selena’s greatest hits will leave you belting lyrics, doing the washing machine, and reliving the greatness of the Queen of Tejano’s Music.
Casting Crowns
Casting Crowns delivers a passionate performance on Saturday, October 20 at 8:30 p.m. The renowned band has held the position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007, selling more than 10 million albums including their Grammy-winning album, Lifesong. Casting Crowns has also been honored with four American Music Awards, 18 GMA Dove Awards, and two Billboard Music Awards. All seven band members have remained active in student ministry, with their lead singer Mark Hall serving as the student pastor of his local church in Atlanta.
The 2018 concert series concludes on Sunday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m. with musical entertainment by Mexican Latin group Banda Carnaval. The Grammy-nominated banda is comprised of musicians from Mazatlán Sinaloa and was named after “El Carnaval de Mazatlán,” which is the biggest event that takes place every year in their hometown of Mazatlán. Formed in 2001, the group has become one of the most important bands in Mexico and the American Union.
The Chevrolet Main Stage is an outdoor venue with a huge, festival-type stage and experience, as well as an ADA-compliant area for guests needing special assistance. The stage showcases national and regional talent of all types, with all performances included in the price of admission. Regional acts for the State Fair of Texas Chevrolet Main Stage will be announced later this summer.
Glenn Smith Presents, Incorporated (“GSPI”) will produce this year’s Chevrolet Main Stage for the Fair’s live concert series for the 30th consecutive season. In the past years, GSPI has booked a wide range of notable headliners for the State Fair’s main stage event, including Destiny’s Child, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Selena, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, the Jonas Brothers, and Garth Brooks.
2018 State Fair of Texas Chevrolet Main Stage Headliner Schedule
| Dates | Artist | Time(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, September 28 | Kraig Parker | 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, September 29 | Sevyn Streeter | 2:00 p.m. |
| Morris Day & the Time | 8:30 p.m. | |
| Sunday, September 30 | Michael Salgado | 5:30 p.m. |
| Friday, October 5 | Resurrection - A Journey Tribute | 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, October 6 | Aaron Watson | 8:30 p.m. |
| Sunday, October 7 | Austin Mahone | 5:30 p.m. |
| Monday, October 8 | To be announced | TBA |
| Friday, October 12 | The Molly Ringwalds | 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, October 13 | Ludacris | 8:30 p.m. |
| Sunday, October 14 | Hunter Hayes | 8:30 p.m. |
| Friday, October 19 | Bidi Bidi Banda Tribute | 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, October 20 | Casting Crowns | 8:30 p.m. |
| Sunday, October 21 | Banda Carnaval | 3:00 p.m. |
In addition to the Chevrolet Main Stage, the Fair offers daily live music performances on multiple other stages throughout the grounds. Centrally located in Cotton Bowl Plaza, the Bud Light Stage is convenient to everyone’s Fair food favorites and features a wide variety of local and regional acts. The 2018 lineup ranges from zydeco funk to classic country, featuring performances from Coffey Anderson, Branch & Dean, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, and Big City Outlaws.
Nestled in the heart of the Midway inside the Coca-Cola Picnic Grove, the Midway Stage is perfect for staking out a spot at the picnic benches and relaxing in the shade while enjoying a family-friendly musical performance. With a new musical act for 2018, the Midway Stage will host Vocal Trash, who will be performing daily throughout the run of the Fair.
On Nimitz Circle next to the Creative Arts building is the Dr Pepper Stage, offering an eclectic mix of musical talent and a quaint grassy area to relax with friends and family. The stage’s 2018 lineup will feature performances from Rock Bottom Boys, Blane Howard, and Sound Exchange.
Mark your calendars for the 2018 State Fair of Texas, themed “Celebrating Texas Innovation.” The Fair invites you to join the fun and attend this year’s event, running Friday, September 28 through Sunday, October 21.