Tickets are on sale for the Du Quoin State Fair's 2021 grandstand lineup, from R&B, rock and country to rap and stand-up comedy. The fair, which was canceled in 2020 for the first time in its history due to COVID-19, is slated to run Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, 2021.
In addition to the ARCA and USAC races, the grandstand will play host to eight performers -- and fair-goers who buy grandstand tickets will receive a full refund if COVID-19 prevents the Du Quoin State Fair from being held.
Tickets to the Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand go on sale starting Dec. 15 at Ticketmaster.com. Admission to the fair is free.
"We have it all next year, from up and coming artists, to artists who will take you back to a simpler time and a night that will be filled with laughter," said Du Quoin State Fair Manager Josh Gross.
"I appreciate being able to look ahead to 2021 with some optimism and I'm excited to be able to bring this high caliber lineup to southern Illinois this summer."
En Vogue will kick things off on Saturday, Aug. 28. The R&B group has been entertaining with their vocals infused with soul and class for over 30 years. tickets: Tier 2, $15; Tier 1, $20.
Sunday, Aug. 29 will feature a rock band formed in Champaign, Illinois: REO Speedwagon. With hits like "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" and "Keep on Loving You," fans will be taken back for a night of nostalgia. They are accompanied by guests Rob Ickes and the Trey Hensley Duo. Tickets: Tier 2, $25; Tier 1, $35.
Modern country music artist Hardy will bring his signature loud-and-rowdy style to Du Quoin on Monday, Aug. 30. The CMA and ACM nominated songwriter will perform his hits "One Beer" and "Rednecker" just to name a few. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
Grammy-winning recording artist, songwriter, actor and philanthropist Ludacris will perform on the grandstand stage on Tuesday, Aug. 31. Hits including "Stand Up," "Get Back" and "Money Maker," have solidified Ludacris as one of music's best entertainers with more than 20 million albums sold domestically. Tickets: Tier 2, $25; Tier 1, $30.
ACM's New Artist of Year Riley Green will take the stage on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Green, known for his hits "There was This Girl" and "I Wish Grandpas Never Died," toured with Brad Paisley before getting his own tour in 2020. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
JJ Grey and MOFRO will bring the blues to Du Quoin on Thursday, Sept. 2. JJ Grey sings with blue-collared spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his composition. With Brandon "Taz" Niederauer. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is one of the very few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year awards from both the CMA and ACMs. Johnson will perform on the grandstand Friday, Sept. 3, with the band Walker County. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
Saturday, Sept. 4: ARCA Races.
Sunday, Sept. USAC Races.
The final night of the fair, Monday, Sept. 6, serves up some Tater Salad, when Ron White brings his classic storyteller brand of comedy to the grandstand. As one of the founding members of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, White will have the audience laughing about daily issues we can all relate to. Tickets: Tier 1, $25.
