
Rising Country Star to Headline 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand
One of the hottest new stars in country music has just announced a 2026 show in the Land of Lincoln.
2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand Performer Announced
The Illinois State Fair has confirmed one of its most exciting acts for 2026, and she's one of country music's next superstars.
READ MORE: Illinois Governor Pritzker Orders U.S. Flags Lowered to Half-Staff
Ella Langley will perform on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the historic State Fair Grandstands, which promises another star-studded summer in Springfield, Illinois.
A Record-Setting Climb to Country Stardom
The rise of Ella Langley has been meteoric over the past couple of years, including having a 3x Platinum single, "You Look Like You Love Me" with Riley Green, which she followed up with her second Number 1 hit, "Weren't For the Wind."
Langley is one of the rare female artists to top the Country Airplay Chart with her first two singles, according to the press release.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Ella Langley to the Illinois State Fair. She’s one of the most exciting rising stars in country music, and her performance is sure to be a highlight for fairgoers this summer. -Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II
Award Wins, Hit Singles, and Sold-Out Shows
With 8 nominations and five wins at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM), Ella Langley was dominant, along with three victories out of six nominations at the 2025 CMA Awards.

Her latest single, "Choosin' Texas," became her highest-charting debut and secured one of the decade's biggest radio add weeks for a solo female artist.
Ella Langley’s energy and talent make her an incredible addition to our Grandstand lineup. Our fairgoers are going to be thrilled to see her take the stage in Springfield. -Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark
She recently wrapped up a completely sold-out tour capped by two headline nights at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium.
Tickets and Fair Dates
Tickets for Ella Langley at the Illinois State Fair will go on sale this Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster, starting at $59, with a $30 Pre-Show Party upgrade option.
The 2026 Illinois State Fair runs August 13 through 23 in Springfield, Illinois.
LOOK: Best New Artist winners, ranked by popularity today
Gallery Credit: Lisa Borten
Check Out the Best-Selling Album From the Year You Graduated High School
Gallery Credit: Jacob Osborn
