State Fair brings big names in music, comedy and more to Minnesota

The Minnesota State Fair is the largest state fair in the United States, with nearly 2 million people passing through the gates last summer. That's a lot of folks in need of some entertainment! 

Luckily, the Great Minnesota Get-Together entices some big names in entertainment to make their way to the Grandstand and put on a show. This year's 12 headlining acts range from Minnesota darling Garrison Keillor to rock legend John Mellencamp to comedy superstar Jim Gaffigan. 

But the Grandstand isn't the only stage that will feature high-energy performances; there is an almost incomprehensible amount of free entertainment happening every day of the fair. At any given moment on the fairgrounds there are dozens of things to do and acts to see — so, how is a fair-goer to choose? 

While ultimately one's choice of State Fair entertainment comes down to personal preference, we've rounded up some highlights for each day of the fair. From musical acts to comedy to acts and somewhere in between, you're bound to find something you like. 

Aug. 24, 8:30 p.m: The Pointer Sisters

Are you so excited? Can you just not hide it? That may be par for the course when this Grammy-winning, dynamic trio kicks off the first night of the fair with their greatest hits. Get down to "We Are Family" as The Pointer Sisters light up the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. If you can't catch them Thursday night, they'll be back for a repeat performance the following evening.

Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m: Stevie Nickswith special guest Vanessa Carlton

Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac will take the Grandstand stage with her dreamy-yet-rough-around-the-edges sound, taking audiences back to 1975 with songs like "Rhiannon" and "Landslide." Nicks will be joined by Vanessa Carlton, whose debut single "A Thousand Miles" was early-2000s hit. For fans of Fleetwood Mac — or anyone who enjoys a good twirl — this performance is a must-see event.

Aug. 26, 8 p.m: Jim Gaffigan

If Jim Gaffigan is a familiar name to you, it's for a good reason. This stand-up comedian has starred in over 200 commercials and nearly 30 films in his career. His brand of clean-but-uproarious comedy has made his specials wildly popular. It's earned him Grammy nominations and won him an Emmy. If you're a fan of David Letterman, Jerry Seinfeld, or fancy yourself a deadpan snarker, you'll love Gaffigan's set on the Grandstand stage.

Aug. 27, 8 p.m: Charanga Tropical 

On a hot summer, what's better than some dancing under the stars? Charanga Tropical brings their authentic Cuban music to the International Bazaar, a smaller stage with programming that focuses on acts from diverse cultures. The 11-person band recorded their most recent album, appropriately titled "In Cuba," while in Havana in 2015. Their full, lush sound will transport you to the island without having to leave Minnesota. 

Aug. 28, noon, 3 p.m, 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m: Timberworks Lumberjack Show

In the market for some family fun? Try the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, which plays every day of the fair at The North Woods performance area. This high-energy, action-packed show challenges world -lass athletes to climb, saw and throw their way through lumberjack-themed obstacles. This flannel-clad show of strength, speed and showmanship will delight every member of the family. 

Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m: John Mellencampwith special guest Carlene Carter 

This rock singer-songwriter's nearly 40-year career in music has earned him international acclaim, one Grammy award (and 12 nominations), and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He'll be joined on the Grandstand stage by Carlene Carter, daughter of June Carter Cash and a country musician in her own right. Fans of true-blue American heartland music will enjoy this performance by a major player in our collective musical history. 

Aug. 30, 8 p.m: Pentatonix with special guest Us The Duo 

Fans of the "Pitch Perfect" film series will be delighted by this a-ca-awesome act on the Grandstand stage. Pentatonix was launched into the limelight when they won the third season of NBC's "The Sing-Off," impressing audiences with their a capella covers of pop songs. The group makes five voices sound like an entire orchestra and will astonish with their ability to manipulate sound.

Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m: Usherwith special guest Black Coffee

Yeah! Usher thrills with his R&B-pop vocals and incredible dance moves. This eight-time Grammy winner has been on top of the charts since he was just 14 years old. He was named the Top Hot 100 Artist of the Decade by Billboard in 2009. Expect to hear his greatest hits like "OMG," "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" and "You Make Me Wanna ..." when he takes the Grandstand stage.

Sept. 1, 7:45 p.m: The Minnesota Show with Garrison Keillor 

It's nearly impossible to talk about Minnesota entertainment without talking about Garrison Keillor. This legend of the airwaves will bring a special broadcast performance to the Grandstand, an act that will include comedy, songs, the "News from Lake Wobegon" and much more. Native Minnesotans, new transplants to the state and even those just passing through shouldn't miss this slice of pure Minnesotan culture.

Sept. 2, 8 p.m: Bad Bad Hats 

This emotive, Minneapolis-based indie band is inspired by the female singer-songwriters of the 1990s, with a healthy twist of Millennial angst and a retro vibe. Bad Bad Hats shares music accessible even for those new to the indie scene. Catch them Sept. 1 or Sept. 2 on Schell's Stage at the West End Market to enjoy their fresh, energetic tunes that scream "summertime in Minnesota."

Sept. 3, 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m: Tank and The Bangas

Funk. Soul. Hip-hop. Spoken word. Tank and The Bangas are a genre-defying group that has made fun, funky tunes with a joyous spirit their currency. The New Orleans-based six-person band won the 2017 National Public Radio Tiny Desk Contest, with their entry video going viral and setting them straight on the path to stardom. Fronted by Tarriona "Tank" Ball, their catchy and clever lyrics paired with bouncy instrumentation will have you dancing at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell.

Sept. 4, 6 p.m: C. Willi Myles

C. WIlli Myles rounds out the 12 days of the State Fair with his humor and storytelling. The family-friendly comedian is a former student athlete and assistant coach at St. Cloud State University, and he even recorded his latest comedy DVD "Yea, I Said It" at the Paramount Theater in downtown St. Cloud. Catch him at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Sept. 3 and Sept. 4 and bid the Great Minnesota Get-Together fair-well with some side-splitting humor. 

Follow Alyssa Zaczek on Twitter @sctimesalyssa, email her at azaczek@stcloudtimes.com, or call her at (320) 255-8761.