Country star Hunter Hayes and Queen tribute band Queen Nation will headline the main stage at the 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo, which runs July 29 through Aug. 1 at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
All concerts on the main stage are free with $10 daily fair admission, organizers announced. The four-day event will also include 4-H livestock shows, rodeos, a carnival, competitive exhibits and a youth market auction.
“The Benton County Fair is one of those events that brings our whole community together, and this year’s lineup reflects that,” Jennifer Martin, Benton County Fair manager said through a press release. “Whether you’re a lifelong country fan, a rock music lover, or you’re just bringing the kids out for a great time, there’s something on that stage for you.”
The fair opens July 29 with Family Day, offering free admission to children 16 and under. Main stage entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with Bright Hearts Circus, the Matt Baker Comedy Stunt Show and Jeff Martin Magic and Hypnosis.
Senior Day follows on July 30 with free admission for those 60 and older. The day features the Battle of the Bands competition, in which local and regional artists compete for a spot on Friday’s main stage.
The Battle of the Bands winner will open July 31 at 7 p.m., followed by Queen Nation at 8:30 p.m. The Los Angeles-based tribute group, founded in 2004, performs classic Queen hits from the 1970s and 1980s. The band has been recognized in the California Music Hall of Fame and won Best Live Band at the 2020 VCMA Awards.
Country Night closes the fair Aug. 1. Oregon Jamboree veteran Jacquie Roar opens at 7 p.m. Roar finished fourth on Season 24 of NBC’s “The Voice,” where she earned a four-chair turn performing Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party.” She has shared stages with Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Kelsea Ballerini and Dan+Shay.
Hayes takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. The Louisiana native, a Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling multi-instrumentalist, has amassed more than 3 billion global on-demand streams since his debut. He has toured with Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood and headlined sold-out shows in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. His most recent release, “Evergreen,” completes a trilogy that began with “Wild Blue” and “Red Sky.”
“We’re especially excited to have Hunter Hayes close out the fair on Saturday night,” Martin said. “He’s an incredible performer. Pairing him with Jacquie Roar, who has a strong Oregon connection, makes for a really special evening.”
Additional fair attractions include the Willamette Valley Fiddle Contest and a beard, mustache and goatee competition.
Concert seating in the outdoor venue is first-come, first-served, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
Tickets are on sale now for $10. For schedules and additional information, visit bentoncountyfair.net or call 541-766-6521.