What performers are coming to the Mississippi State Fair in October? We have the details

Kiara Fleming, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·2 min read
Mississippi State Fair
Mississippi State Fair

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds has announced its musical entertainment lineup for this year's 2023 Mississippi State Fair festivities.

The 164th annual state fair is set to open this year on Thursday, Oct. 5 and run through Sunday, Oct. 15. Those are similar sates to last year, when it ran from Oct. 6-16.

Gone are some of the daily fairground draws, such as Rattlesnake Dave, who announced his retirement last year, but, rest assured there will be new daily staples. And if you are in the mood for music, the fair has you covered with most every genre, headlined by The Commodores.

Entertainment lineup:

Josh Turner

  • This performance is part of his “Long Black Train 20th Anniversary Tour.” His opening act will be Mississippi native and winner of “The Voice,” Todd Tilghman.

  • When: Thursday, Oct. 5, the first day of the fair

Line Dance with Cupid

  • A special dance concert featuring R&B vocalist Cupid.

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 8

Walker Wilson

  • The Mississippi native will open for country music’s artist ERNEST.

  • When: Thursday, Oct. 12

Rita Brent

  • The comedian will be doing a comedy show, along with JJ Williamson, Kerwin Claiborne, Marvin Hunter and DJ Koolaid.

  • When: Friday, Oct. 13

The Commodores

  • The R&B group was formed in Tuskegee Alabama in the 1960s. Lionel Richie has not headlined the group for many years, but expect many of their classic hits, from "Nightshift" to "Brick House." They follow opening act Four Washington.

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 14

Jeremy Camp

  • The Christian solo artist will close the fair with his performance featuring opener Mississippi native Kayla Berry.

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 15

'Idol' auditions hit state fair: 'American Idol' auditions are headed to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. See details

The Mississippi State Fair will also host a talent competition to recruit singers for “American Idol.” The top 40 performers will showcase their talents at the competition. The competition begins Oct. 9 inside the Mississippi Coliseum.

The top 20 finalists will advance to one last performance on Oct. 10th at 6 p.m. where the top five will be selected. The final five contestants in the competition will have the chance to win a VIP executive producer audition.

Applications and videos must be received by the Sept. 1 deadline to participate.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: See the entertainment lineup for the 2023 Mississippi State Fair