Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris, Dustin Lynch to headline State Fair concert series
The 2025 California State Fair has begun its rollout of music artists, announcing headlining acts scheduled to perform live during the Toyota Concert Series at this summer’s Cal Expo extravaganza.
State Fair organizers announced Monday that three-time Grammy Award-winning Atlanta rapper Ludacris and country singer-songwriter Dustin Lynch will grace the main stage during the first week of the fair, which runs from July 11 to July 27.
Ludacris, who is arguably more recognized for his role in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, first captured music tastemakers with hit songs like “Southern Hospitality”, “Stand Up”, “My Chick Bad” and “Area Codes” a song which shouts out Sacramento’s 916 area code in the outro.
He will be the State Fair’s opening performer, scheduled to perform on Friday night, July 11.
Lynch, known for hits like “Cowboys and Angels”, “Small Town Boy” and “Thinking ‘Bout You”, will perform on Thursday, July 17.
There will be 17 nightly concerts in all during the fair’s 17-day run. Concerts are free with fair admission. Closer seats are also available for purchase.
“It’s the fair! It comes once a year, so we have to make it exciting for everyone,” said California State Fair spokesperson Darla Givens.
Givens said the State Fair will bring in artists of different genres “everything from more country artists, old school soul and R&B and some newer music, as well as tribute bands.”
More performances to be announced
Givens said State Fair organizers will release each Monday two more artists slated to perform, leading up to Cal Expo’s big opening. Givens said info will be shared through the fair’s newsletter.
“Newsletter recipients get first chance to purchase tickets when it releases each Monday and general sales begin Tuesday,” Givens said about attending the 2025 Toyota Concert Series.
State Fair gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Givens said. The gates will close at 10 p.m., no longer allowing fair attendees to enter.
Gates open Friday through Sunday at 10 a.m. and close 10 p.m.
Ticket information is “coming soon,” according to California State Fair website, where purchases for admission and concerts can be made.
This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 11:46 AM.
