Erie County Fair reveals second wave of 2026 grandstand events

4 free nights of live music at Buffalo News Grandstand

Erie County Fair press release & graphic

The Erie County Fair is excited to announce its 2026 free grandstand entertainment lineup, featuring four nights of live performances included with admission at the Buffalo News Grandstand, from Aug. 12-23 in Hamburg. No extra ticket is required for these shows!

From tribute performances and legendary classic rock to crowd-favorite throwbacks, this year’s free shows offer something for every fairgoer. These performances are free with gate admission and provide unforgettable nights of entertainment during Western New York’s biggest summer tradition.

Free shows include:

•Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience (Prince tribute), 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Opening day kicks off in electrifying fashion with one of the nation’s top Prince tribute acts. Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience deliver the iconic sound, style and energy of Prince with hits like “Purple Rain,” “1999” and “When Doves Cry.”

•The Marshall Tucker Band, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. Southern rock legends Marshall Tucker Band take the grandstand stage for a night of timeless classics including “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song” and “Fire on the Mountain.”

•“That Arena Rock Show,” 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. A high-energy concert experience celebrating the biggest rock anthems of the ’70s and ’80s, “That Arena Rock Show” recreates the sights, sounds and excitement of arena rock with music from bands such as Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi and AC/DC.

•Gary Lewis & The Playboys, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. Take a trip back to the golden age of pop-rock with Gary Lewis & The Playboys, known for chart-topping hits including “This Diamond Ring,” “Count Me In” and “Save Your Heart for Me.”.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Erie County Fair admission tickets go on sale July 7 at www.ECFair.org. Advance sale admission available July 7-Aug. 7 will be $15 (fees included). Regular pricing of $19 (fees included) takes effect Aug. 8-23 online and in-person at the gate during the Erie County Fair.

The final round of grandstand events during the “Best 12 Days of Summer” will be announced May 19. Stay tuned!

More about the Erie County Fair: The Erie County Fair is produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society, a private, not-for-profit membership organization established in 1819. It is recognized as the oldest civic institution in Western New York. The ECAS’ mission is to connect communities through agriculture, education and entertainment.