By Andi Anderson
The Ohio State Fair has announced additional concerts and free entertainment for the 2026 Fair, offering visitors a wide variety of musical performances and special events. These new additions include paid concerts as well as free, non‑ticketed shows at the indoor, air‑conditioned WCOL Celeste Center.
On Friday, July 31, the S.O.S. Band and the Dazz Band will coheadline a concert. The S.O.S. Band, known for platinum hits such as “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” and “Just Be Good To Me,” continues to tour nationally and internationally. They will be joined by the Dazz Band, the first Cleveland group to win a Grammy for their 1982 hit “Let It Whip.” The group is known for more than 20 Billboard R&B and pop chart hits.
Country music fans can look forward to GRAMMY‑nominated artist Sammy Kershaw, who will perform on Sunday, Aug. 2. With multiple platinum and gold albums and hits like “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” and “Queen of My Doublewide Trailer,” he continues to tour and record while completing his autobiography.
A free classic rock tribute concert, Journey from the Heart, will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4. This show celebrates the music of both Journey and Heart, led by Ryan Christopher, often praised as “the closest thing to Steve Perry,” and Shareen Ann, known for her portrayal of Ann Wilson. The show features top Nashville musicians and brings together legendary songs in one performance.
Additional free events at the WCOL Celeste Center include the annual All‑Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir concert on Sunday, Aug. 2, and the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction on Sunday, Aug. 9.
These shows join previously announced concerts featuring artists such as “Weird Al” Yankovic, Bailey Zimmerman, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Nelly, for KING + COUNTRY, Styx with Don Felder, Be Like Blippi Tour, Blues Traveler, and Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors.
Tickets for newly announced shows go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m. via ticketmaster.com/ohiostatefair. All paid concert tickets include Fair admission, giving attendees access to rides, food, exhibits, agriculture displays, and more before the show. Most concerts, unless noted, have an eight‑ticket limit per person on the first day of sales.
The Ohio Expo Center will host the 2026 Ohio State Fair from July 29 to Aug. 9. With a mix of major performances, educational displays, youth competitions, and one of the nation’s largest junior livestock shows, the Fair remains a summer highlight for visitors across the state.
More details are available at ohiostatefair.com or by calling 1‑888‑OHO‑EXPO.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-fair
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle