The Mississippi State Fairgrounds has announced the musical and entertainment lineup for the 164th annual Mississippi State Fair.
According to fairgrounds officials, several nationally recognized artists will perform inside the Mississippi Coliseum from October 5-15.
This year, the Mississippi State Fair will also host a talent competition where winners and runners-up will have the chance to win a VIP Executive Producer Audition for American Idol.
“We are expecting people to travel from all over to our capital city in the hopes of making their dreams come true and we are thrilled to share such an opportunity,” Michael Lasseter, director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, said. “With these new attractions, shows, and entertainment, as well as all the usual fairgoers’ favorites, it’s going to be an exciting year for the Mississippi State Fair!”
Here’s the full list of events planned for this year’s state fair:
- Thursday, October 5 – Grammy-nominated country music star Josh Turner will perform as part of his “Long Black Train 20th Anniversary Tour” following his opening act, Mississippi native and winner of “The Voice,” Todd Tilghman.
- Sunday, October 8 – Line Dance with Cupid, a special dance concert featuring R&B vocalist Cupid. The concert will remain open to the public from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 12 – Mississippian Walker Wilson will open for up-and-coming country music star ERNEST.
- Friday, October 13 – Mississippi native and comedian Rita Brent will provide a comedy show for the public, along with JJ Williamson, Kerwin Claiborne, Marvin Hunter, and DJ Koolaid.
- Saturday, October 14 – Motown and R&B artists, The Commodores, will perform following their opening act, Four Washington.
- Sunday, October 15 – The last headliner to perform will be Grammy-nominated Christian solo artist Jeremy Camp. Mississippi native Kayla Berry will open.
Local artists and bands will perform on the Michelob Ultra Main Stage near the Midway throughout the duration of the State Fair.
“We always try to do something new and exciting for the State Fair,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson said. “This year, our fairgrounds staff have put together a lineup of renowned musical artists, as well as an all-new comedy show and line dancing event. There is truly something for everyone at the Mississippi State Fair.”
According to Gipson, 519,000 people attended last year’s Mississippi State Fair after the commissioner implemented several new safety measures, including seven points of entry with metal detectors, video surveillance overseeing the entirety of the fairgrounds, an increase in law enforcement, as well as a nightly curfew for those under the age of 18.
