The Ohio State Fair, taking its annual spot as a highlight of mid-summer festivities, has beefed up its concert slate with a fresh set of performers that mix classic rock nostalgia with modern beats and family fun. Fair attendees will get a hefty dose of shredding guitar courtesy of Styx, with special guest Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles. Nostalgia will surely be in the air on opening day, Wednesday, July 29, as attendees reminisce about the timeless tunes of "Lady" and "Mr. Roboto”, according to a statement obtained by NBC4i.
In a definite change of pace, the exuberant children's character Blippi will bring his "Be Like Blippi Tour" to the fair, much to the delight of the younger crowd. This playful experience, scheduled for Thursday, July 30, will showcase popular songs such as “The Excavator Song” and “Dino Dance”. An announcement shared by FOX28 highlighted the interactive aspects of the Blippi performance, promising an engaging show for toddlers and young children alike.
The ever-charismatic Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly is set to make his return to the Ohio State Fair stage, having won over fairgoers with a previous performance in 2022. He's slotted to perform on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and concert-goers can expect the artist to drop hits from his diamond-selling album "Country Grammar". Nelly's presence underscores the fair's commitment to providing a diverse range of entertainment options, as suggested by an NBC4i report.
Ticket sales for these newly announced shows kick off on Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m., and along with an array of other musicians, such as “Weird Al” Yankovic, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and Blues Traveler, promote an eclectic blend that speaks to a wide array of tastes. Incidentally, tickets purchased in advance will also include admission to the fair on the day of the concert, adding to the value for attendees. Concertgoers should stay tuned for more musical acts to be unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 17, which will round out the exciting lineup for the 2026 Ohio State Fair slated to run from July 29 through Aug. 9, as noted by each outlet.
