Hip-Hop Superstars to Headline Champlain Valley Fair

Soulja Boy, Fat Joe, and Bow Wow to perform at Vermont's annual festival

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction, Vermont has announced a major hip-hop lineup for this year's event, with Soulja Boy, Fat Joe, and Bow Wow set to perform on September 5th. Tickets for the concert go on sale this week, with presale starting on Monday and regular sales opening on Thursday.

Why it matters

The Champlain Valley Fair is one of Vermont's largest annual events, drawing thousands of attendees from across the region. Securing a high-profile hip-hop lineup represents a strategic move to attract a younger demographic and diversify the fair's musical offerings beyond its traditional country and rock focus.

The details

The three hip-hop artists will take the stage on Saturday, September 5th at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $40 for bleacher seats up to $69 for pit access. Presale tickets will be available starting Monday, February 17th at 10am through Wednesday at midnight, with regular ticket sales opening on Thursday.

  • The Champlain Valley Fair runs from September 1-10, 2026.
  • The hip-hop concert featuring Soulja Boy, Fat Joe, and Bow Wow is scheduled for Saturday, September 5th at 7pm.

The players

Soulja Boy

An American rapper, record producer, actor and entrepreneur who rose to fame with his 2007 hit single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)".

Fat Joe

A veteran American rapper known for hits like "What's Luv?" and "All the Way Up", as well as his collaborations with artists like Remy Ma and Lil Wayne.

Bow Wow

An American rapper, actor and television host who first gained fame as a teenage rapper in the late 1990s, with hits like "Bounce with Me" and "Let Me Hold You".

Champlain Valley Fair

An annual county fair held in Essex Junction, Vermont that features carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, live music, and other entertainment.

WCAX

A CBS-affiliated television station serving the Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York media market.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be bringing such a big-name hip-hop lineup to the Champlain Valley Fair this year. Soulja Boy, Fat Joe, and Bow Wow are sure to put on an amazing show and attract a whole new audience to the fair.”

— Champlain Valley Fair Spokesperson (WCAX)

What’s next

Tickets for the hip-hop concert go on presale this Monday, February 17th at 10am, running through Wednesday at midnight. Regular ticket sales will open on Thursday, February 20th.

The takeaway

The Champlain Valley Fair's decision to book a high-profile hip-hop lineup represents an effort to evolve the event's musical offerings and appeal to a younger demographic, building on its status as one of Vermont's premier annual festivals.