The Illinois State Fair announced on May 11 that The Avett Brothers, four-time Grammy Award nominees, will perform at the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Thursday, August 20. The band is known for its energetic folk rock and has built a strong following nationwide.
The event highlights the fair’s effort to attract nationally recognized talent and provide diverse entertainment options for attendees. “The Illinois State Fair continues to bring a diverse lineup of nationally recognized talent to our Grandstand, and The Avett Brothers are a perfect addition,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Since their major-label debut in 2009 with I and Love and You, The Avett Brothers have achieved mainstream success with albums like The Carpenter and Magpie and the Dandelion. Their album True Sadness debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Albums chart in 2016. In recent years, they released Closer Than Together in 2019 with the single “High Steppin’” reaching number one on Americana Radio Singles chart. During the pandemic, their album The Third Gleam also reached top positions across multiple Billboard charts.
In 2024, they released a self-titled project reflecting their evolving songwriting process. That year also saw Swept Away—a Broadway musical inspired by their music—receive positive reviews. They have been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association.
“The Avett Brothers bring an energy and authenticity that will make this a can’t-miss night at the Illinois State Fair,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 16 via Ticketmaster with various pricing tiers available including an additional upgrade for pre-show party access.
The fair runs from August 13 through August 23 in Springfield. The event is organized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture which protects and promotes agricultural resources by administering state fairs as well as consumer services such as inspections and testing; it supports farmers through animal health programs; assists soil and water conservation districts; annually tests more than 91,000 commercial weighing devices; serves all regions of Illinois through regulatory programs; maintains disease-free status for livestock diseases; distributes funds to county fairs; delivers egg inspection services among others according to the official website.
