The Dakota County Fair Has 30+ Free Concerts This Year — Here's the Full Music Lineup
TLDR
- The Dakota County Fair runs August 10–16 in Farmington, and the music is 100% free.
- There are more than 30 shows across the week — country, classic rock, polka, and more.
- Big returning acts include GB Leighton, Good for Gary, and the Cory Farley Band.
- Not just bands: there's dueling pianos, a master hypnotist, and comedy too.
- Bring the whole family. Most shows are all ages, and you don't need a ticket to watch.
So here's the deal. The Dakota County Fair is back August 10–16, and the music might be the best-kept secret on the whole fairground. More than 30 free shows. Seven days. Zero cover charge. Let's walk through it.
Wait, all the music is really free?
Yep. Every concert and stage show at the fair is free once you're inside. You pay to get into the fair, and then the music is just... there. Country, classic rock, polka, dueling pianos, plus comedy and a hypnotist. It's a lot. The fair is even listed on Explore Minnesota as one of the state's big summer draws.
The shows happen on a few different stages around the grounds, like the beer gardens and the Dakota City stage. So you can wander, grab food, and catch a set almost any time of day. If you like planning ahead, keep this page handy and check what else is going on that week too.
The headliners you'll want to know
A few names come back every year because people love them. GB Leighton plays Thursday night at 8:30. If you've been to a Minnesota bar or festival in the last 20 years, you've probably heard this band. It's a great one to end your night on.
Good for Gary takes the stage Friday at 8:30. They're a high-energy cover band that gets the crowd moving. Then Saturday night, the Cory Farley Band closes things out at 8:30 with country you can dance to.
Want something different? Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos plays Thursday and Saturday at 7:00. Two pianos, tons of requests, and a lot of laughs. And Freddie Justice the Master Hypnotist does shows Friday and Saturday if you want to see your neighbor cluck like a chicken.
The full music schedule, day by day
Monday, August 10
- 2:30 p.m. — Logan Mark
- 3:00 p.m. — Andy Tacket
- 7:00 p.m. — The Johnny Table All-Stars
- 7:00 p.m. — Shaw Brothers
Tuesday, August 11
- 12:00 p.m. — Richie Yurkovich & Polkarioty (polka!)
- 2:30 p.m. — Jud Hailey
- 3:30 p.m. — Wayne & the Boys
- 7:00 p.m. — Crimson Root
- 7:00 p.m. — Rival 5
Wednesday, August 12
- 11:00 a.m. — Earl's County Corner
- 12:00 p.m. — Ben Aaron
- 2:30 p.m. — Drake Walters
- 3:30 p.m. — Poor Cousin John
- 7:00 p.m. — TrainWreck Duo
- 7:00 p.m. — Foster Grand
Thursday, August 13
- 10:30 a.m. — Wayne & the Boys
- 1:00 p.m. — Anthony Brunstad
- 2:30 p.m. — Gus Sent Me
- 3:00 p.m. — Hermann N Jones
- 7:00 p.m. — Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos
- 8:30 p.m. — GB Leighton
Friday, August 14
- 10:30 a.m. — Ben Aaron
- 1:30 p.m. — Jordan Boatman
- 2:30 p.m. — Self-Titled
- 5:00 p.m. — Freddie Justice, Master Hypnotist
- 7:00 p.m. — Mitchell Hall & The Tennessee Trio
- 8:30 p.m. — Good for Gary
Saturday, August 15
- 10:30 a.m. — Wayne & the Boys
- 1:30 p.m. — Freddie Justice, Master Hypnotist
- 2:30 p.m. — Johnny Buffalo Band
- 3:00 p.m. — Anthony Brunstad
- 5:00 p.m. — Freddie Justice, Master Hypnotist
- 7:00 p.m. — Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos
- 8:30 p.m. — Cory Farley Band
Sunday, August 16
- 1:30 p.m. — Drake Walters
- 1:30 p.m. — 5 Day Forecast
Times can shift, so it's smart to double-check the official fair site before you head out.
Not into concerts? There's more happening
The music isn't the only free show. Thursday morning at 11 there's a Magic & Juggle Show that's perfect for kids. And the grandstand has its own lineup all week.
Monday night there are ATV races (free to watch). Tuesday is Kids Mutton Bustin', where little ones ride sheep. That one's free to watch too. The bigger grandstand shows, like the Rodeo on Wednesday and the Demo Derby Thursday through Saturday, do need tickets — and the derby tends to sell out, so grab those early. You can see all of it on the grandstand events page.
The Bottom Line
If you like live music, the Dakota County Fair is a steal. You get a full week of free shows across every genre, plus comedy, magic, and a hypnotist, all in one place right here in Farmington.
Our advice? Pick one or two headliner nights, show up a little early to grab a good spot, and let the afternoon acts surprise you. Bring lawn chairs if the stage allows them. And check our Farmington page for parking tips and everything else going on around town that week.
FAQ
Is the music at the Dakota County Fair really free? Yes. Once you pay to get into the fair, every concert and stage show is free. You don't need a separate ticket for the music.
When does the fair happen? August 10 through 16, 2026, at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. Music runs all seven days.
Who are the big acts this year? GB Leighton (Thursday), Good for Gary (Friday), and the Cory Farley Band (Saturday) headline the 8:30 p.m. slots. Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos and Freddie Justice the hypnotist are also crowd favorites.
Is there anything for kids? Tons. There's a Magic & Juggle Show Thursday morning, Kids Mutton Bustin' Tuesday night, and most concerts are all ages and family-friendly.
Do I need a ticket for the grandstand shows? Some yes, some no. ATV races and Mutton Bustin' are free to watch. The Rodeo and Demo Derby need tickets, and the derby often sells out, so buy ahead. Check the full event calendar so you don't miss anything.
