The music keeps coming at the California State Fair as another weekend of nationally recognized performers takes over the Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage, offering everything from hip-hop and disco to regional Mexican music, classic rock tributes and R&B legends over the next several days.
With the Fair now in full swing at Cal Expo, visitors still have more than a week of headline entertainment ahead, with concerts included with paid Fair admission and a lineup that spans multiple genres and generations. Reserved seating remains available for many performances, while approximately 700 free first-come, first-served seats are also offered nightly beginning with the concert queue at 5 p.m.
Friday night’s spotlight belongs to Ja Rule, one of the defining voices of early-2000s hip-hop and R&B. The Grammy-nominated rapper helped redefine the genre by blending melodic hooks with rap, producing crossover hits that dominated radio and MTV during the era. Fans can expect favorites including “Always on Time,” “Mesmerize,” “Livin’ It Up,” “Put It on Me,” “Between Me and You” and other collaborations that helped make him one of the biggest-selling artists of the early 2000s.
Beyond music, Ja Rule has expanded into acting, entrepreneurship and business ventures, appearing in films including The Fast and the Furious, Scary Movie 3 and Assault on Precinct 13. He has also launched successful business ventures and continues to tour internationally while remaining active in charitable efforts supporting education and historically Black colleges and universities.
Saturday night shifts from hip-hop to disco as KC & The Sunshine Band brings one of the most recognizable catalogs in popular music to Sacramento.
Led by founder Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, the group has spent more than five decades creating feel-good dance music that helped define the disco era. With worldwide record sales exceeding 100 million, KC & The Sunshine Band continues entertaining audiences with timeless hits including “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Get Down Tonight,” “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” “Boogie Shoes,” “Keep It Comin’ Love” and “Please Don’t Go.”
While the band’s music first dominated dance clubs during the 1970s, its songs have remained fixtures in movies, television, commercials and sporting events, introducing new generations to one of the era’s most influential bands. Casey continues to lead the group, delivering the same upbeat energy and dance-floor atmosphere that made KC & The Sunshine Band a household name.
Sunday evening brings a change of pace as regional Mexican superstar Ezequiel Peña takes the stage.
Known internationally as the “King of Banda and Mariachi,” Peña has built a career spanning decades through his powerful vocals and authentic ranchera style. Originally from Nayarit, Mexico, he has become one of the most respected voices in regional Mexican music, earning fans throughout Mexico and the United States with beloved songs including “Yo Vendo Unos Ojos Verdes,” “Botón de Rosa” and “Ven y Ven.”
His appearance adds another cultural dimension to this year’s diverse concert lineup while showcasing one of Mexico’s most celebrated musical traditions.
The music continues Monday, July 27, with Queen Nation, widely recognized as one of the world’s premier Queen tribute bands.
Since forming in 2004, Queen Nation has earned national acclaim for recreating the sound, appearance and theatrical stage presence of Freddie Mercury and Queen. The band was recognized by AXS TV’s The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands and has performed throughout the United States and internationally. Concertgoers can expect faithful performances of legendary anthems including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now” and many more.
Tuesday, July 28, welcomes R&B icon Keith Sweat to the Sky River Casino Stage.
A pioneer of the New Jack Swing movement, Sweat helped shape modern R&B beginning in the late 1980s with his debut album Make It Last Forever. Throughout his career, he has sold millions of albums while producing enduring favorites including “I Want Her,” “Make It Last Forever,” “Twisted,” “Nobody,” “I’ll Give All My Love to You” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
More than three decades into his career, Sweat remains one of R&B’s most successful performers, continuing to tour while hosting his nationally syndicated radio program, The Sweat Hotel.
Country music returns Wednesday, July 29, as multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins brings his unmistakable baritone voice to the Fair.
With more than 12 million albums sold and 40 charting country singles, Adkins has become one of Nashville’s most enduring stars. His career includes iconic hits such as “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” “Ladies Love Country Boys” and “Every Light in the House.”
Beyond music, Adkins has appeared in numerous television shows and feature films while recently celebrating nearly three decades since the release of his breakthrough debut album.
The week concludes Thursday, July 30, with Dark Star Orchestra, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier Grateful Dead tribute experiences.
For nearly 30 years and more than 3,300 performances, the seven-piece ensemble has recreated classic Grateful Dead concerts using authentic historical setlists while capturing the improvisational spirit that made the legendary band famous. Dark Star Orchestra has welcomed guest appearances from original Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux, Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten, while also sharing the stage with musicians from Phish and other renowned jam bands.
Remaining 2026 Toyota Concert Series Schedule
Friday, July 24 – Ja Rule (Hip-Hop/Rap)
Saturday, July 25 – KC & The Sunshine Band (Disco, Funk & Dance)
Sunday, July 26 – Ezequiel Peña (Regional Mexican/Banda & Mariachi)
Monday, July 27 – Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)
Tuesday, July 28 – Keith Sweat (R&B/New Jack Swing)
Wednesday, July 29 – Trace Adkins (Country)
Thursday, July 30 – Dark Star Orchestra (Grateful Dead Tribute)
Friday, July 31 – Boyz II Men (R&B)
Saturday, Aug. 1 – WAR (Funk, Soul & Rock)
Sunday, Aug. 2 – Yacht Rock Revue (Classic Soft Rock Tribute)
Rather than simply performing cover songs, the group recreates the entire Grateful Dead concert experience, making each performance unique while remaining faithful to the band’s celebrated live tradition.
The music doesn’t stop there. The Toyota Concert Series continues into the Fair’s final weekend with Boyz II Men on Friday, July 31, legendary funk band WAR on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Yacht Rock Revue closing out the 2026 California State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 2.
Beyond the nightly concerts, the California State Fair continues offering visitors carnival rides, award-winning fair food, livestock exhibits, agricultural showcases, shopping, family attractions, cultural exhibits and entertainment throughout the Cal Expo grounds. The Fair runs through Aug. 2, with hours from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Gates and buildings close at 10 p.m., with admission ending at 8 p.m. on closing day.
Every Toyota Concert Series performance is included with paid California State Fair admission. Guests seeking free seating may line up beginning at 5 p.m. each concert day for one of approximately 700 first-come, first-served seats, while reserved seating is available for purchase separately. Fair admission is required for all concert attendees.
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