California State Fair announces 2 new headliners for concert series. Who’s playing?
The California State Fair is continuing the rollout of its 2025 musical lineup with the announcement of two new headliners.
Country singer Joe Nichols and rock band O.A.R. will perform on the main stage as part of the Toyota Concert series in the summer, fair organizers announced Monday.
The 17-day event will also feature food, carnival rides and competitions.
Nichols, a platinum-selling artist known for hit singles “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and “Gimme That Girl,” will perform Wednesday, July 23, organizers announced Monday.
O.A.R. will take the main stage on Friday, July 25.
The Grammy Award-nominated band is known for singles including “Love and Memories” and “Heard the World.”
When is California State Fair in 2025? Where is it?
The California State Fair begins Friday, July 11, and lasts until Sunday, July 27, with a different headliner performing each night.
The fair is at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento.
Who’s playing at the Sacramento fair in 2025?
Nichols and O.A.R. join a pair of previously announced artists in the Toyota Concert Series lineup.
Grammy-winning rapper and actor Ludacris will kick off the fair on opening day, Friday, July 11, with a performance on the main stage.
Country singer-songwriter Dustin Lynch is set to perform on the main stage on Thursday, July 17.
California State Fair spokesperson Darla Givens previously told The Sacramento Bee that fairgoers can expect performances by artists in a variety of genres, from country music to “old school soul and R&B.”
Givens said State Fair organizers will announce additional fair performers each Monday, leading up to the start of the fair.
To stay updated, check out the fair’s newsletter.
What are ticket prices?
California State Fair concerts are free with fair admission, and can be purchased online or at participating Save Mart locations.
However, fairgoers can reserve seats for the Toyota Concert Series at $45 a seat.
Fair tickets cost $16, or $12 for seniors ages 62 and up and $10 for youth ages 5 to 12.
Children ages 4 and under get in free.
Parking is $15.
Carnival tickets cost $1 apiece, or $10 to $15 for a fast pass.
Unlimited ride wristbands, which must be purchased in the carnival area, cost $39 to $44 depending on the day.
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM.