Ludacris & Brantley Gilbert heat up Delaware State Fair. More headliners are announced

Andre Lamar, Delaware News Journal

Updated January 25, 2024 at 1:27 AM·4 min read

Which music stars will heat up the Delaware State Fair when it returns Thursday, July 18, to Saturday, July 27?

Some of these scorchers include country artist Brantley Gilbert, power-pop icon Rick Springfield and rap legend Ludacris, organizers announced Tuesday evening.

Tickets for some performances go on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 26, while most of the others will go on sale Friday, Feb. 2.

Here's a look at the other headliners that were revealed for the Delaware Lottery Summer Concert Series at the M&T Bank Grandstand, plus ticket prices, and when tix go on sale for each concert.

Thursday, July 18: Rick Springfield

Rick Springfield performs onstage during Keep Memory Alive Hosts Star-Studded Lineup At 26th Annual Power Of Love Gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena on February 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Known for '80s hits like "Jessie’s Girl" and "Don't Talk to Strangers," Rick Springfield will open the Summer Concert Series with a lot of nostalgic pop tunes to choose from.

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 26. Prices range from $35-$69 (plus service fees).

Friday, July 19: Jon Pardi with Walker Montgomery

Jon Pardi turned heads with big country numbers like "Dirt on My Boots," "Heartache Medication" and "Head Over Boots." The singer will be joined by Walker Montgomery.

Tickets are on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 26. Prices range from $64-$99 (plus service fees).

Saturday, July 20: Ludacris with DJ Infamous

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 03: In this image released on October 10, 2023, Ludacris performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 03, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Terence Rushin/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775920236 ORIG FILE ID: 1728775165

Rapper and actor Ludacris dropped hits like "Number One Spot," "Rollout (My Business)" and "Act a Fool." Ludacris will be accompanied by DJ Infamous.

The rapper's acting career includes "Crash" and the "Fast & Furious" franchise. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023.

Tickets to see Ludacris are on sale at noon Friday, Feb. 2. Prices range from $49-$84 (plus service fees).

Sunday, July 21: Jordan Davis

Country Singer Jordan Davis performs during the Kane Brown Blessed & Free Tour at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on Nov. 5, 2021 in New York City.

CMA winner Jordan Davis is known for serving up homemade country like "Singles You Up," "Slow Dance in a Parking Lot" and "Next Thing You Know." The multiplatinum hit-maker will be joined by opener Greylan James.

Tickets are on sale at noon Friday, Feb. 2. Prices range from $54-$89 (plus service fees).

Monday, July 22: Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac

Cooper Alan performs onstage during the Daytime Village at the 2023 iHeartCountry Festival presented by Capital One at Moody Center on May 13, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Rising country artist Cooper Alan is blazing his path with favorites such as "Take Forever (Hally's Song)," "First Rodeo" and "To the Bar." He'll be joined by up-and-coming singer Thomas Mac, who boasts popular tunes like "Beer vs Women" and "I Love My Truck."

Tickets are on sale at noon Friday, Feb. 2. Prices are $29-$64 (plus service fees).

Tuesday, July 23: We the Kingdom

Franni Rae Cash of musical group We The Kingdom performs onstage during the 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Consistently bringing in Christian artists has been a tradition at the state fair. This year music lovers will hear the band We the Kingdom, a group that made a splash with "Holy Water," "Child of Love" and "Take It All Back." We the Kingdom will be joined with Consumed by Fire.

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 26. Prices range from $29-$64 (plus service fees).

Wednesday, July 24: Brantley Gilbert

Brantley Gilbert performs before Nickelback at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.

The last time Brantley Gilbert headlined the state fair was in 2017, back when Luke Combs was the opener. The country rocker whipped the crowd into a frenzy that last time he played the fair. Gilbert is beloved for his many hits like "Bottoms Up," "Kick It in the Sticks" and "One Hell of an Amen."

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 26. Prices range from $49-$84 (plus service fees).

Thursday, July 25: Harness racing

Although this is a concert lineup, the state fair has a tradition of throwing non-concerts into the mix. Harrington Raceway and Casino will host harness racing, an event that's been held multiple times on the fairgrounds.

Friday, July 26: Demolition Derby

Visitors watch the Demolition Derby presented by Taylor & Messick at the Grandstand on day 9 of the 10-day Delaware State Fair in Harrington, Friday, July 28, 2023.

The Demolition Derby is a popular event in Harrington that promises to get the audience revved up for a different type of heavy metal. The event is presented by Taylor and Messick.

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 26. Prices range from $18-$20 (plus service fees).

Saturday, July 27: Mystery performer

The grand finale of the concert series will be announced soon, according to State Fair organizers. This performance will cap off the Summer Concerts Series with a fireworks display.

Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 27. General admission tickets are up to $10 in person or $10.50 (online). Concerts on the Grandstand are extra. Visit delawarestatefair.com or (302) 398-3269.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.