Rising Country Stars Kameron Marlowe and Ashley Cooke to Headline Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand

The two fast-rising Nashville artists will co-headline the major concert event on August 30.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, angular shapes in deep red, orange, and grey tones, conveying the dynamic energy and emotional resonance of a live country music performance.The upcoming Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand show will showcase the raw talent and rising star power of country music's newest hitmakers.Du Quoin Today

The Du Quoin State Fair has announced a high-profile Grandstand show on August 30 featuring two of country music's most talked-about rising stars, Kameron Marlowe and Ashley Cooke. The concert continues the fair's tradition of bringing top country acts to southern Illinois and is expected to be one of the biggest nights of the 10-day event.

Why it matters

The booking of Marlowe and Cooke, who have both seen rapid success in the country music scene in recent years, is a major coup for the Du Quoin State Fair and will likely draw a large crowd of fans eager to see the two rising talents perform live.

The details

Kameron Marlowe has surged in popularity with hits like "Giving You Up" and his debut album "We Were Cowboys," while also sharing the stage with established stars like Morgan Wallen and Thomas Rhett. Ashley Cooke continues her own breakout run after winning at the 2024 CMT Music Awards and landing a No. 1 hit with "your place." She's also performed at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry.

  • Tickets for the August 30 Grandstand show went on sale on April 3.
  • The Du Quoin State Fair runs from August 28 through September 7.

The players

Kameron Marlowe

A rising country music star known for hits like "Giving You Up" and his debut album "We Were Cowboys." He has also performed with established country artists like Morgan Wallen and Thomas Rhett.

Ashley Cooke

A fast-rising country music artist who won at the 2024 CMT Music Awards and had a No. 1 hit with "your place." She has also performed at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Jerry Costello II

The Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, who praised the booking of Marlowe and Cooke as "two of the most exciting voices in country music today."

Luke Davison

The Du Quoin State Fair manager, who said fans can expect an "unforgettable night" when the two stars share the stage.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Two of the most exciting voices in country music today.”

— Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director

“Fans can expect an unforgettable night when the two stars share the stage.”

— Luke Davison, Du Quoin State Fair Manager

What’s next

Tickets for the August 30 Grandstand show at the Du Quoin State Fair featuring Kameron Marlowe and Ashley Cooke are on sale now, with prices ranging from $30 to $40.

The takeaway

The booking of rising country stars Kameron Marlowe and Ashley Cooke for the Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand show is a major coup for the event, showcasing the fair's ability to attract some of the hottest new talent in the genre and providing country music fans in southern Illinois with a must-see concert event this summer.