Outdoor portion of Nebraska Lottery Concert Series kicks off Wednesday

Wednesday night music will fill the air in the Nebraska State Fair’s TD Landing Concert Stage, all thanks to hardworking state fair personnel who are making it happen.

Crews spent 16 hours erecting the stage that will serve as host to four-straight concerts, starting Wednesday with country sensation Riley Green taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Nebraska State Fair Events & Entertainment Director Karli Schulz said it’s these 16 hours that determine how smooth the next 96 hours will go.

“It’s definitely one of our most important days,” Schulz said. “It’s going to make the rest of our week with all of our concerts going on out here.”

All Nebraska Lottery Concert Series outdoor concerts start at 7:30 p.m. The lineup is:

Wednesday, August 28: Riley Green, with Fairest Showdown runners-up The Kyle Sayler Band
Thursday, August 29: Los Huracanes Del Norte
Friday, August 30: Turnpike Troubadours with Shane Smith and the Saints
Saturday, August 31: Yung Gravy with special guest Tayler Holder

The concerts will also see a variety of improvements upon the 2023 series. Millions of dollars went straight into the grounds as the drainage of the infield has been drastically improved. Chairs will also be allowed in the general admission areas in 2024, and the VIP section will be much larger than last year. These are three of several changes that have been sparked by feedback.

“We’re not going to please everybody,” Schulz said. “We know that, but our goal is to please as many people as we can. We’re always trying to make the Fair enjoyable for everyone. We’re trying to make the Fair a place where people can come out and make those memories.”

Gates for these concerts open approximately 90 minutes before showtime. Parking can be found at the main gate on State Fair Boulevard or east of the Fonner Park Campus on Stuhr Road. 

Tickets for all outdoor concerts are still available online at www.statefair.org and include your gate admission into the Nebraska State Fair. Tickets to the concerts will also be sold at TD Landing 90 minutes before the show.

With the theme, All Roads Lead to Fun, the 2024 Nebraska State Fair is August 23-September 2 at Fonner Park in Grand Island. The fair has drawn more than 4 million visitors to its home in Grand Island since 2010. More information about agricultural events and competitions, carnival entertainment, and other musical performances is available at statefair.org.