Styx, Nelly and Blippi Added to 2026 Ohio State Fair Concert Lineup

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Three more acts have been added to the Ohio State Fair concert lineup, organizers announced Tuesday. The new additions include a family show, a Grammy-winning rapper, and a classic rock band.

Blippi, a popular children's YouTube character, rapper Nelly, and rock band Styx are scheduled to perform at the fair, which runs from July 29 to Aug. 9.

Styx, joined by Eagles guitarist Don Felder, will open the concert series on July 29 at 7 p.m. Styx, formed in 1972, is known for mainstream hits such as "Lady," "The Best of Times," "Too Much Time on My Hands," and "Mr. Roboto." Felder, formerly of the Eagles, co-wrote the band's hit "Hotel California."

Nelly is set to perform Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. The St. Louis native rose to fame in 2000 with his debut album "Country Grammar," which sold more than 10 million copies. Nelly previously performed at the Ohio State Fair in 2022.

Blippi, an educational YouTube channel for toddlers and young children, will appear at the fair July 30 with the Be Like Blippi Tour at 6:30 p.m. The show will feature Blippi and Meekah performing songs including "The Excavator Song," "Monster Truck," and "Dino Dance."

These acts join previously announced performers such as "Weird Al" Yankovic, Alison Krauss, and Blues Traveler.

Tickets for the newly announced concerts go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets for previously announced shows are already available. All concert tickets include admission to the fair on the day of the show.

The current 2024 Ohio State Fair concert lineup is as follows:

- Wednesday, July 29, 7 p.m.: Styx with Don Felder
- Thursday, July 30, 6:30 p.m.: Be Like Blippi Tour
- Saturday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m.: Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas with Theo Lawrence
- Monday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.: for KING & COUNTRY
- Tuesday, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Nelly
- Wednesday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m.: "Weird Al" Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour with Puddles Pity Party
- Friday, Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Bailey Zimmerman
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.: Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler with Spin Doctors

Additional Ohio State Fair concerts are expected to be announced on Feb. 17.