Summer concert series lineup announced for Delaware State Fair
The Delaware State Fair announces its summer concert series lineup for 2016. It includes 16 of the hottest music artists around, two-wheeled events, a comedian, a rodeo and the traditional harness racing. Previously announced acts include comedian Jeff Dunham appearing at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 23, and country music legend Alabama which will perform at 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 25.
This year for the first time, the Delaware State Fair will present a Kick-off Concert. Country music sensation Jake Owen along with Granger Smith will perform at M&T Bank Grandstand at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 20. Owen, known for his thrilling performances and laid-back style of country music, will be the perfect kick-off to the 10-day fair in Harrington. Gate admission will not be required, but no fair basics will be in place including carnival rides, livestock animals, circus performances and food vendors.
Tickets are $31 to $71. Delaware State Fair General Manager Bill DiMondi said, “We are excited to offer our enthusiastic patrons another night of country music at this concert-only evening at the fairgrounds. We hope fans can come enjoy Jake Owen’s extra concert performance here in Harrington as they prepare for Thursday’s start of the 97th Delaware State Fair.”
The 2016 Summer Concert Series continues with the return of the Monster Trucks with Monster Truck Meltdown presented by Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 21.
Tickets are $18 to $20. The show will include a pit party, monster trucks, ride truck and a tough truck challenge. The Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association invites ticket holders to visit one of more than 60 fire and EMS companies after Sunday, May 1, for a special-access ticket. This ticket, along with their event ticket will give them access to the pit party where fans can meet the drivers and take pictures with the trucks.
Also July 21, the Quillen Arena Painted Pony PRCA Rodeo will bring the best cowboys and cowgirls around for some roping, riding and racing. The show starts at 7 p.m. in Quillen Arena. Tickets are $16. Youth 12 and under enter free.
The M&T Bank Grandstand is the place to see car-smashing fun at the Demolition Derby presented by Manlove Auto Parts at 7 p.m., Friday, July 22. Tickets are $16-18.
Little Big Town with Kristian Bush presented by Delaware Lottery will perform at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 24. The Grammy-winning group will perform their country hits like “Girl Crush” and “Day Drinking.” Multi-award-winning Kristian Bush of Sugarland, who debuted his solo album "Southern Gravity" in 2015, will join the group in making an evening of some of the best country music for all to remember. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $79.
The brothers out of Australia are back. For King and Country headlines this year with Sidewalk Prophets and Jordan Feliz at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, welcomed by 88.7FM the Bridge. These Christian chart-topping bands will come together for an evening of "Something Different" that will inspire “Beloved” fans to “Run Wild, Live Free and Love Strong.” Tickets are $20 to $45.
Pop artists X Ambassadors, Rachel Platten and A Great Big World join the lineup with one of the biggest nights of music and fun at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 27. With knockout songs like “Fight Song,” “Renegades” and “Say Something” the pop trio will bring performances that will make their mark on the 2016 Delaware State Fair. Tickets are $39 to $79.
Harrington Raceway & Casino presents harness racing at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 28. There is no charge for harness racing, and July 28 is also Governor’s Day at the Fair.
George Thorogood and The Destroyers with Fabulous Thunderbirds will perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 29. Tickets are $34 to $74.
The 2016 fair will close with an evening of enjoyable entertainment, a relaxed atmosphere and some delectable brews at the Craft Beer Festival featuring Blues Traveler with Lower Case Blues Saturday, July 30. Music-only tickets are $25. Craft beer tickets are $35. Craft beer ticket holders will receive a souvenir cup and five beer-tasting tickets. Craft beer ticket holders must be 21 years or older. Gates will open at 5 p.m.
“I believe we have put together a versatile lineup for our concert fans. We are looking forward to producing an unforgettable 2016 Summer Concert Series at the M&T Bank Grandstand and Quillen Arena,” said Assistant General Manager Danny Aguilar. Advance tickets for admission and for the concerts will go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, March 11.
The Delaware State Fair M&T Bank Grandstand is at 18500 S. DuPont Highway in Harrington. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.delawarestatefair.com or call eTix at 1-800-514-3849.
