Every day of the Minnesota State Fair is your own personal guided music festival. With a half-dozen stages programming music throughout the day, everyone can get a custom sampling of local and national talent.

Here are some picks from the Grandstand, Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage, Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater, International Bazaar Stage, as well as The Current’s music programming at Camp MPR. (There’s also daily entertainment at the Family Fair Stage and the North Woods Stage.) All events listed are open to all ages and require fair admission, with the exception of shows at the Grandstand.

Thursday, Aug. 22

Becky G with Los Aptos

Grandstand

Over the past decade, Mexican-American pop star Becky G has released a steady stream of hit albums and collaborations with Burna Boy, Karol G, Bad Bunny, and Maluma. Her third album, Esquinas, was named among the best Latin albums of 2024 by Rolling Stone, Variety, and Billboard. Los Aptos are an Indiana-based trio combining traditional Mexican stylings with modern bedroom pop production. 7 p.m., $44-$88

Looking to get a fix of some awesome salsa, cumbia, and a mesh of other genres in an earlier time frame? Stop by and see Alma Andina at the International Bazaar Stage at 10:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:15 p.m. 

Clare Doyle, one of the top 11 local new artists in our Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report back in April, performs at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 p.m.

Additionally, MAKR AN ERIS (Sophia Eris + MAKR) will light up the stage at Camp MPR. 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 23

Chance the Rapper

Grandstand

Alongside Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, Chance the Rapper is among the blog-era rappers with a success story. Through albums such as the landmark Acid Rap, its follow-up Coloring Book, and the collaborative project with Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment’s Surf, Chance has been able to deliver joyful and sobering tales of trials and tribulations growing up in Chicago. 7 p.m., $48-$148

Clare Doyle performs a second day at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater, with set times at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 p.m.

At the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, catch The Men of Motown providing a bevy of throwback soul vibes. 3:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m.

American Scarecrows will perform at Camp MPR at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Mae Simpson

Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater

Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Mae Simpson’s brand of Americana rock is on display in her Chart Show Hall of Fame song “Cap Guns.” It’s a wistful recollection of youth. There’s certainly plenty more of those vibes found in Simpson’s debut Chandelier & Bloom, released in 2023. 8 p.m. (Simpson will also perform at Camp MPR at 5:30 p.m.)

Seeking out salsa, merengue, cumbia, and more? Tropical Zone Orchestra will be providing vibes fresh from Puerto Rico at the International Bazaar Stage. 8 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 25

Maggie Rose

Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage

Maggie Rose uses soul, rock, and country songwriting to express her immersive artistry. Her latest album, No One Gets Out Alive, sees her flipping general notions of what country should look and sound like while tackling a multitude of life experiences. 8 p.m. (Rose will also be at Camp MPR for a session at 11 a.m., and will play Leinie Lodge on both Saturday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 25.)

Elsewhere, catch country music superstar Blake Shelton headlining the Grandstand, with Emily Rogers opening. 7 p.m., $77-$207

Stop by Camp MPR to see Ber perform. 3 p.m., 5 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 26

iLLism

International Bazaar Stage

iLLism, made up of Envy and Fancy, have made their mark locally with anthemic, uplifting jams on two EPs and three full-length albums. In concert, they wowed Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at Super Bowl Live. Earlier this year, they curated and orchestrated the Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Arts & Music Festival. 3:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m.

The sounds of the International Reggae All Stars wind down the day at the International Bazaar Stage later in the evening. 8 p.m.

Faith Boblett is at Camp MPR. 5:30 p.m.

L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE are at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater at 8 p.m.

The War & Treaty are at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell at 8:30 p.m., their first of two nights at that stage.

Tuesday, Aug. 27

Ludacris & T-Pain

Grandstand

T-Pain’s accolades include successfully rhyming “mansion” with “Wiscansin,” performing a career-lifting Tiny Desk, countless hit songs, and elevating Auto-Tune to an art form. Atlanta native Ludacris is a hitmaker in his own right, both musically and cinematically. Along with nine albums and guest appearances galore, he’s a fixture in the Fast and the Furious movie franchise, as well as films like Hustle & Flow and No Strings Attached, and more. This pairing is sure to be a bonafide party. 7 p.m., $44-88

At the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage, get your bluegrass and zydeco fix with Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. 3:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m.

Goon Tribune is at Camp MPR. 5:30 p.m.

L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE are at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater at 8 p.m.

The War & Treaty are at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell at 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Marky Ramone Plays The Ramones Classics

Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage

HEY! HO! LET’S GO! While not an original member, Marky Ramone was the legendary punk band’s longest-tenured drummer. He was with the Ramones between 1978’s Road to Ruin and 1983’s Subterranean Jungle, and then returned in 1989 until the group’s dissolution in 1996. Marky played on some of the group’s most pivotal songs such as “I Wanna Be Sedated,” “Pet Sematary,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.” Drag out that Ramones tee and get ready to recall punk’s yesteryear. 8:30 p.m. (Marky Ramone will perform on both Wednesday, Aug. 28, and Thursday, Aug. 29.)

At the International Bazaar Stage, catch the Celtic pop-folk band Doolin’ as part of Cedar Cultural Center’s The Global Get-Together. 8 p.m.

she’s green perform at Camp MPR. 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Mötley Crüe

Grandstand

Through many lineup changes, break-ups, and make-ups, Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, and Vince Neil are still rocking. The glam-metal outfit’s catalog remains an adrenaline-filled thrill ride of songs such as “Dr. Feelgood,” “Helter Skelter,” and “Shout at the Devil.” They’re immortalized in a bestselling book and a Netflix documentary, but Mötley Crüe’s live shows still remain a lore that must be seen to be believed. 7 p.m., $77-$207

Meanwhile, catch the McNasty Brass Band providing a small taste of New Orleans to fairgoers at the International Bazaar Stage. 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1:15 p.m.

The Shackletons will play Camp MPR. 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 30

Matchbox Twenty

Grandstand

By the mid-’90s Matchbox Twenty was changing the landscape for rock’s post-alternative future. Yourself or Someone Like You merged the emotion of grunge with a more radio-friendly alternative sound created an unlikely hero in singer/songwriter Rob Thomas. Their moody ruminations on love and loss stack up in songs like “3AM” “Push,” and “Real World.” 7 p.m., $67-$134

Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater starts night one of First Avenue Goes to the Fair with Fanaka Nation, Jake Balistrieri & Sarah Mevissen (Pit Stop), Lars Pruitt (Yam Haus), student 1, and The Foxgloves along with Al Church and the Congregation, hosted by The Current’s own Diane Miller. 8 p.m. 

Over at Camp MPR, Twins of Franklin start the day’s music at 10:30 a.m., rockers FenixDion perform at 3 p.m., and then rapper Nur-D takes the stage at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 31

Stephen Sanchez

Grandstand

Stephen Sanchez’s crowd-pleasing style combines retro lounge lizard and heartthrob vibes, with a slight touch of Roy Orbison. For his sophomore effort, Angel Face, Sanchez provides his own unique twist of doo-wop dripping with essence, flair, and a falsetto that is equal parts sweet and dangerous. Expect four-on-the-floor rhythms, Latin-styled spaghetti western drama, and infatuation-filled slow syrupy romance. Rest assured, Stephen Sanchez is sure to not let you go gentle into the good night he provides. 7 p.m., $34-$68

Over at the International Bazaar Stage, Minneapolis-based Congolese singer DiaToti will provide fairgoers with a fresh dose of Afrobeats vibes draped with rich storytelling at 3:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:45 p.m. 

Meanwhile, Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater, night two of First Avenue Goes to the Fair goes down with Anderson Daniels, Ashley Ackerson, Ava Levy, Pop Wagner, and REIKI, along with Al Church and the Congregation, hosted by The Current’s own Diane Miller. 8 p.m.

Obi Original plays at 3 p.m. and Ozone Creations perform at 5 p.m. at Camp MPR. 

Sunday, Sept. 1

Laamar

Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater

Named one of First Avenue’s Best New Bands in 2023 and one of the Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report’s featured artists, LAAMAR is undeniably creating a stir. Frontman Geoffrey Lamar Wilson’s infectious and heavy songs don’t mince words about the shared human experience, as well as racial and social justice. After performing for adoring audiences at Camp MPR last year, Wilson and band are set to play the Schell’s stage on Sunday, Sept. 1, and Monday, Sept. 2. 4 p.m., 5 p.m, 6 p.m.

Later on, Grupo Esplendor Norteno closes out the International Bazaar Stage for the final nights of the State Fair. 8 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 2

Semisonic

Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage

When the Minnesota State Fair ends, you don’t have to go home, but – you know the rest. The trio made up of singer/songwriter Dan Wilson, bassist John Munson, and drummer Jacob Slichter will have some old favorites, sure, but can pull out songs from their first full-length album in more than 20 years, Little Bit of Sun, released in 2023. 7:30 p.m. (Semisonic will perform both Sunday, Sept. 1, and Monday, Sept. 2.)

Earlier in the day, catch the World Jazz Collegium at the International Bazaar Stage, churning out their renditions from Jazz greats like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and many more legends from the Jazz/Rock-fusion era. 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m. 

At Camp MPR, Davina & the Vagabonds will headline with two performances on the last day of the fair at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.