Rocker-turned-reality star to perform at California State Fair in 2025. Who else is playing?
Two big-name acts will perform at the California State Fair for the first time in 2025, organizers said: a rock singer-turned-reality star and Grammy Award-winning country band.
Bret Michaels and Brothers Osborne will take the stage as part of the Toyota Concert Series in the summer, fair organizers announced Monday in new releases.
The 17-day event will also feature food, carnival rides and agriculture competitions.
Bret Michaels will perform on the fair’s main stage on Saturday, July 12.
Michaels is best known as the frontman of platinum-selling rock band Poison, whose hits songs include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Talk Dirty to Me” and “Nothing but a Good Time.”
He’s also enjoyed fame as a reality show star, appearing on dating show “Rock of Love with Bret Michaels” and competing on “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
Brothers Osborne will bring its “signature sound” at the fair on Saturday, July 26, organizers said.
The country music duo is known for songs including “It Ain’t My Fault,” “I’m Not For Everyone” and “Younger Me.”
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 is playing at Sacramento fair in 2025?
Michaels and Brothers Osborne join a Toyota Concert Series lineup that includes six previously announced artists.
Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor Ludacris will kick off the fair on opening day, Friday, July 11, with a performance on the main stage.
Soft rock band Air Supply will perform on the fair’s main stage on Sunday, July 13.
Country singer-songwriter Dustin Lynch is set to perform on the main stage on Thursday, July 17.
Tesla, a hard rock band with Sacramento roots, will take the main stage on Friday, July 18.
Country star Joe Nichols will play the main stage on Wednesday, July 23.
Rock band O.A.R. will perform on the main stage on Friday, July 25.
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? Carnival wristband costs?
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 24, 2025 at 9:55 AM.
