NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Country star Scotty McCreery will headline the 2026 Lincoln County Fair, officials announced Friday morning during an interview on Z 93.5 Country & Q Country Classic's 107.3 with Derek Beck. McCreery is scheduled to perform Friday, July 24, with tickets going on sale at noon today.
Amanda Carr and April Fricke with the Lincoln County Fair Board revealed the news while discussing the momentum built from last summer’s record-setting Gary Allan concert — the largest show in fair history.
“We’re so excited to announce that we will have Scotty McCreery at the 2026 fair,” Carr said. “Tickets go on sale at noon today, so we don’t have to wait very long.”
General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $70, available at LinCoFair.com. Fricke said VIP passes are limited and sold out quickly last year. “If this is something you want, don’t wait,” she said. “Get them today so you’re not upset tomorrow when they’re gone.”
Fair organizers said last year’s event drew standing-room-only crowds and prompted several improvements for 2026, including additional beer stations and expanded service areas in VIP sections.
“We had a few bumps in the road, but we’re making changes that people asked for,” Carr said. “It was the biggest concert we’ve ever had, and we hope to keep trending that way.”
The fair also unveiled a redesigned website and a new official Facebook page featuring the fair’s green-and-tan logo.
McCreery, 31, has been putting out hits since he started. His debut album, Clear as Day, made him the youngest male artist in any genre to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200. With more than 4 million albums sold, McCreery has earned six No. 1 hits, including “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It,” and his recent chart-topper “Cab in a Solo.”
He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry last year and continues to earn accolades, including multiple Platinum-certified singles, CMT Music Awards, and BMI songwriting honors. McCreery's most recent album is Rise & Fall, and his current EP Scooter & Friends includes the hit “Bottle Rockets” featuring Hootie & The Blowfish.
Jason Mayer will open the show. The Nebraska artist last performed at the fair four years ago, when organizers began rebuilding the concert series.
“It’s neat for some of those guys to get an opportunity to play in front of a big crowd,” host Derek Beck said during the interview.
Gates for the July 24 show will open at 6 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available starting at noon at LinCoFair.com.
LISTEN TO PODCAST
