Local Favorites to Take Concert Stage at State Fair

(KNSI) – Several bands with local ties will be playing the free stage during the 2025 Minnesota State Fair.

As the name implies, as long as someone has paid admission, they have the chance to enjoy the live music and shows at the bandshell. Daytime acts include Tonic Sol-Fa, which started at St. John’s University and is on their final tour. St. Joseph-based Matt Vee and The Killer Vees will bring their Neil Diamond show to the fair.

In the past, Davina and The Vagabonds have played both the Paramount Center for the Arts and Summertime by George. Church of Cash is also no stranger to Eastman Park and the concert series put on by St. Cloud Rotary. Dennis Curley’s tribute to John Denver, “Country Roads,” is another act with St. Cloud connections via the Paramount. The 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band will serenade the crowd with patriotic music and marches.

Pam McNeill from The Fabulous Armadillos closes out the fair with her show “Janis, Stevie, Dolly, and Me” on August 31st and September 1st. The Armadillos are music royalty in central Minnesota.

There’s plenty of fun and star power from outside our area, too. Bandshell Tonight! features some high profile national acts, including pop singer Rachel Platten, hip hop group Arrested Development, and Los Lobos, who are still persevering 40 years after their huge hit, “La Bamba.”

And a sneaky good time is “History on a Schtick” from the Minnesota Historical Society. The Great Minnesota Get-Together runs for 12 days beginning August 21st.

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