Interview: Lara Hughes of GRANDSTAND 2026 at Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand has been part of the fair since 1909. Over the years, it has hosted horse and automobile races, thrill shows, comedy and concerts from hundreds of artists.

This year, the Grandstand will once again feature a variety of performers throughout the fair. I spoke with Minnesota State Fair spokesperson Lara Hughes about how the lineup comes together, what goes into booking artists and why Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’ Homecoming show is especially meaningful this year.

How does the State Fair decide which artists to bring to the Grandstand each year?

Booking the Grandstand is like trying to solve a complicated puzzle. We try to find a variety of performers from different genres that will appeal to the widest possible audience. Then, we work with booking agents to determine who is actually touring during the 12 days of the fair. We also have to consider whether they are willing to perform outdoors, whether we can afford them without needing to sell tickets at an unreasonable price point, and whether the artist’s touring schedule allows them to be at the fair on one of our 11 available show dates.

This year’s lineup includes a lot of different styles of music. Was that something you were looking for when booking the shows?

We always strive to offer a wide variety of performers so that we can appeal to the widest possible audiences.

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis have such a strong connection to Minnesota. What makes their Homecoming show special for this year’s fair?

The title of the tour, Homecoming, really says it all. This is a truly special, one-of-a-kind event. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are from Minneapolis, and they have put together an amazing array of artists, including Bell Biv DeVoe, Morris Day & Jerome Benton of The Time, Stokley and many more, to celebrate the Minneapolis Sound in the place where it all began.

Is there a Grandstand show you think people should have on their radar this year, or one that you’re especially excited about?

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound, for the reasons stated above.

The Grandstand has seen plenty of big crowds throughout its history. Christina Aguilera holds the all-time attendance record with 22,117 people at her 2000 show. In the current seating configuration, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hold the record after playing to a sold-out crowd of 16,529 in 2013.

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