The Kingfish of Country Music are returning to the Grandstand.
In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the country music community, fair officials have officially announced that the legendary band Alabama will be the final act in the 2026 Iowa State Fair Grandstand concert series . This isn’t just another concert booking; it’s a homecoming for a group that has become synonymous with the fair itself, marking a historic 14th appearance on the iconic Des Moines stage .
After weeks of anticipation and a stacked lineup featuring everyone from Rod Stewart to Lainey Wilson, the final puzzle piece is in place. Alabama will take center stage on Friday, August 21st, at 8:00 PM . And as a special treat for fans of classic country, they won’t be coming alone; the special guest for the evening will be the group Exile, adding a double dose of nostalgia to what promises to be a perfect summer night .
A Legacy of Hits on the Grandstand
For many artists, playing the Iowa State Fair is a bucket-list achievement. For Alabama, it’s tradition. This performance marks the band’s return to the fairgrounds, with their first show at the Grandstand dating all the way back to 1982 . Their most recent appearance in 2017 left such a lasting impression that fans have been eagerly awaiting their return .
“You really can’t talk about the history of country music at the Iowa State Fair without mentioning Alabama,” a sentiment echoing among fans on social media. They have become a staple of the fair’s rich musical heritage, and their return solidifies the 2026 fair as a must-attend event.
Why This Show is a “Can’t Miss”
Alabama isn’t just a band; they are pioneers. They are arguably the most successful band in country music history, having sold over 73 million albums and secured 42 number-one singles . They weren’t just musicians; they were trailblazers who broke the mold in Nashville.
Before Alabama, country music was dominated by solo acts with backing bands. Alabama proved that a tight-knit group—cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook—could not only play their own instruments but also dominate the charts in a way that redefined the industry . “We were the first ones who actually sang our own music and played our own stuff as a group,” founding member Jeff Cook once stated, highlighting the shift they brought to country music . They paved the way for modern powerhouses like Rascal Flatts and Lonestar .
This performance carries an even deeper resonance for fans. Founding member Jeff Cook, the band’s legendary lead guitarist and fiddler, passed away in 2022 . His spirit, however, lives on through the music. Fans attending this show will be treated to the timeless catalog that defined an era, including hits like:
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“Mountain Music”
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“Dixieland Delight”
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“Song of the South”
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“Feels So Right”
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“I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)”
It will be a night to celebrate the legacy of a band whose music represents family, faith, and pride in where you come from .
The Complete Lineup and How to Secure Your Spot
Alabama caps off a diverse and exciting Grandstand lineup for the 2026 fair, which runs from August 13th to 23rd . Here is the complete list of Grandstand headliners:
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Aug 13: HARDY w/ McCoy Moore
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Aug 14: Rod Stewart w/ Richard Marx
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Aug 15: The Red Clay Strays
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Aug 16: Lainey Wilson w/ Tigirlily Gold (Sold Out)
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Aug 17: Staind w/ Hoobastank
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Aug 18: TLC & Salt-N-Pepa w/ En Vogue
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Aug 19: AJR w/ Em Beihold
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Aug 20: Riley Green w/ Mackenzie Carpenter
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Aug 21: Alabama w/ Exile
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Aug 22: BigXthaPlug w/ XOLEX
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Aug 23: Josiah Queen w/ Ben Fuller
Ticket Information
If you want to witness this piece of country music history, you need to act fast. Tickets for the Alabama concert will go on sale Friday, April 24th, at 10:00 AM . Prices range from $31.40 to $81.40 .
Tickets will be available for purchase at iowastatefair.org. Keep in mind that your Grandstand ticket does not include admission to the fair, so you will need to purchase a separate fair admission ticket for August 21st .
This is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of a legacy. Whether you grew up listening to Alabama on vinyl or discovered their music later in life, this is your chance to hear the songs that defined country music live in one of the best settings the Midwest has to offer. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Alabama under the Iowa sky.