From Babyface and Boyz II Men to Lee Brice, Trace Adkins, WAR and Tower of Power, this summer’s lineup offers something for nearly every music fan.
Music fans heading to the California State Fair this summer will have no shortage of reasons to stay after sunset as the annual Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage returns with a diverse lineup of award-winning performers, legendary bands and crowd-pleasing tribute acts spanning multiple genres and generations.
Long regarded as one of the Fair’s signature attractions, the concert series offers fairgoers the chance to see nationally recognized artists while enjoying everything else the California State Fair has to offer, from carnival rides and agricultural exhibits to food, shopping and family entertainment. Best of all, every concert is included with paid Fair admission, making the series one of the best entertainment values of the summer.
The 2026 lineup features an impressive mix of R&B, country, hip-hop, funk, soul, classic rock, regional Mexican music and tribute performances, ensuring there is something for virtually every musical taste.
Opening the series on Friday, July 17, is one of the most influential figures in modern R&B.
Babyface launches the concert series with an evening celebrating one of music’s most remarkable careers. The 13-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer has sold millions of albums as a solo artist while writing and producing iconic hits for Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Madonna, Usher, TLC and countless others. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening featuring timeless R&B ballads and chart-topping favorites that have helped define multiple generations of popular music.
The following night, Saturday, July 18, Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean brings his signature blend of hip-hop, reggae, R&B and world music to Sacramento. Best known as a founding member of the legendary Fugees, Wyclef has built a reputation as one of music’s most energetic live performers, mixing his solo hits with fan favorites from one of hip-hop’s most influential groups.
Northern California legends Tower of Power return home on Sunday, July 19, showcasing nearly six decades of funk and soul excellence. The Oakland-based band remains one of the world’s premier live acts thanks to its powerhouse horn section and timeless classics including “You’re Still a Young Man,” “What Is Hip?” and “So Very Hard to Go.”
Country music takes over the stage Tuesday, July 21, when Grammy-nominated trio Midland performs. Known for bringing traditional honky-tonk influences back to mainstream country music, the group has built a devoted following with hits including “Drinkin’ Problem,” “Burn Out” and “Cheatin’ Songs.”
Another country superstar follows Thursday, July 23, as Lee Brice arrives with one of Nashville’s deepest catalogs of modern hits. With billions of career streams and numerous No. 1 singles, Brice is expected to perform favorites including “Hard to Love,” “Rumor,” “One of Them Girls” and the emotional anthem “I Drive Your Truck.”
Fans of early 2000s hip-hop can relive one of the genre’s biggest eras when Ja Rule performs Friday, July 24. Known for crossover hits including “Always on Time,” “Mesmerize” and “Livin’ It Up,” Ja Rule helped define an era when rap and R&B dominated the charts and remains one of the most recognizable artists from that period.
Regional Mexican music takes center stage Sunday, July 26, as Ezequiel Peña brings his celebrated ranchera and banda performances to the State Fair. Widely recognized as the “King of Banda and Mariachi,” Peña has earned an international following through his powerful vocals and passionate live performances.
Classic rock fans will have an opportunity to celebrate one of history’s greatest bands Monday, July 27, when Queen Nation performs. Regarded as one of the world’s premier Queen tribute acts, the band faithfully recreates the music, vocals and stage presence made famous by Freddie Mercury and Queen with classics including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love” and “We Are the Champions.”
Country returns Wednesday, July 29, with longtime hitmaker Trace Adkins. Having sold more than 12 million albums during a career spanning nearly three decades, Adkins continues to captivate audiences with his unmistakable baritone voice and favorites including “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing.”
Grateful Dead fans can enjoy one of the nation’s most respected tribute bands Thursday, July 30, when Dark Star Orchestra takes the stage. With more than 3,300 performances to its credit, the band recreates authentic Grateful Dead concerts using original setlists while preserving the improvisational spirit that made every Dead performance unique.
One of the most successful vocal groups in music history headlines Friday, July 31, as Boyz II Men return with their unmistakable harmonies. The group has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide while producing enduring classics including “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “Motownphilly,” “On Bended Knee” and “One Sweet Day.”
Legendary funk pioneers WAR perform Saturday, Aug. 1, bringing more than five decades of timeless music to Sacramento. Their catalog includes iconic songs such as “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “The Cisco Kid” and “Spill the Wine,” blending funk, soul, Latin, jazz and rock into one unforgettable live show.
Closing out the concert series on Sunday, Aug. 2, is Yacht Rock Revue, widely regarded as America’s premier yacht rock tribute band. The group recreates the polished soft-rock sound that dominated radio throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s with music made famous by Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan and many other iconic artists.
The Toyota Concert Series continues to be one of the California State Fair’s signature attractions, offering visitors the chance to enjoy nationally recognized entertainment while experiencing everything else the Fair has to offer, from carnival rides and exhibits to food, agriculture and family activities.
All Toyota Concert Series performances begin at 8 p.m. and are included with paid California State Fair admission, making the nightly shows one of the Fair’s biggest values. Guests hoping to take advantage of the free concert seating can begin lining up at 5 p.m. each performance day, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 700 attendees admitted into the concert venue.
For those wanting a guaranteed seat, reserved concert tickets are currently on sale through the official California State Fair website and start at $25, with prices varying depending on the artist and seat location. Reserved seating includes assigned seats in premium Sections A through D near the stage, while reserved general admission seating is also available. Fair officials remind concertgoers that reserved concert tickets do not include California State Fair admission, meaning every guest must also purchase Fair admission separately before entering the concert venue.
2026 Toyota Concert Series Schedule
Friday, July 17 – Babyface — 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 18 – Wyclef Jean — 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 19 – Tower of Power — 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 21 – Midland — 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 23 – Lee Brice — 8 p.m.
Friday, July 24 – Ja Rule — 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 26 – Ezequiel Peña — 8 p.m.
Monday, July 27 – Queen Nation — 8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29 – Trace Adkins — 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 30 – Dark Star Orchestra — 8 p.m.
Friday, July 31 – Boyz II Men — 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1 – WAR — 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 2 – Yacht Rock Revue — 8 p.m.
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