38 Special to Headline 2026 Northern Wisconsin State Fair

Iconic southern rock band celebrates 50th anniversary with new album and NWSF performance.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Northern Wisconsin State Fair has announced that the legendary southern rock band 38 Special will be a main stage act at the 2026 fair on July 11. 38 Special is celebrating their 50th anniversary and will be releasing a brand-new album, "Milestone", in September featuring collaborations with other music icons.

Why it matters

38 Special is one of the most iconic southern rock bands, with over 20 million albums sold and a catalog of classic hits. Their performance at the 2026 Northern Wisconsin State Fair is a major get for the event and will likely draw large crowds of both longtime fans and new listeners eager to experience the band's legendary live show.

The details

38 Special will be performing on the main stage at the 2026 Northern Wisconsin State Fair on July 11. Tickets for the show will go on sale on Friday, February 13 at noon. The band is celebrating their 50th anniversary and will be releasing a new album called "Milestone" on September 19, which will feature collaborations with artists like Pat Monahan of Train, Randy Bachman of Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who, and longtime collaborator Jim Peterik of Survivor.

  • 38 Special will perform at the 2026 Northern Wisconsin State Fair on July 11.
  • Tickets for the 38 Special performance will go on sale on Friday, February 13 at noon.
  • 38 Special's new album "Milestone" is set to be released on September 19, 2026.

The players

38 Special

An iconic southern rock band that has sold over 20 million albums and is known for hits like "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You," and "Second Chance." The band is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026.

Northern Wisconsin State Fair

An annual fair held in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin that features entertainment, agricultural exhibits, food, and other attractions.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 38 Special performance at the 2026 Northern Wisconsin State Fair will go on sale on Friday, February 13 at noon.

The takeaway

The 2026 Northern Wisconsin State Fair will feature a performance by the legendary southern rock band 38 Special, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. This is a major booking for the fair and will likely draw large crowds of both longtime fans and new listeners eager to experience 38 Special's iconic live show.