Sister Sledge, the Legendary Wailers and Gear Daddies are among the 900 free shows booked for the Minnesota State Fair

Aug. 23—R&B group Sister Sledge, reggae greats the Legendary Wailers and local favorites Gear Daddies are among the artists set to play the Minnesota State Fair's largest free stage.

The lineup of evening shows at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell includes Sister Sledge (Aug. 26-27), Gear Daddies (Aug. 28-29), Ezra Ray Hart (Aug. 30-31), the Legendary Wailers (Sept. 1-2), Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye (Sept. 3-4) and Yam Haus (Sept. 5-6).

In all, the State Fair's free stage entertainment lineup features more than 900 shows throughout the Great Minnesota Get-Back-Together's 12-day run. The full lineup with showtimes is online at mnstatefair.org.

Highlights include

West End at Sunset at the Schell's Stage at Schilling Amphitheater: Davina and the Vagabonds (Aug. 26-27), the Greeting Committee (Aug. 28-29), Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys (Aug. 30-31), NUR-D (Sept. 1-2), First Avenue Goes to the Fair (Sept. 3-4) and Mae Simpson (Sept. 5-6).

Bazaar After Dark at the International Bazaar Stage: Jaybee and the Routine (Aug. 26-27), Good For Gary (Aug. 28-29), Takin' it to the Limit: An Eagles Tribute (Aug. 30-31), Banda La Verdadera (Sept. 1-2), Socaholix (Sept. 3-4) and Ka Lia Universe and Friends (Sept. 5-6).

Leinie Lodge Bandshell daytime entertainment: Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest (Aug. 26-Sept. 4), Tonic Sol-fa (Aug. 26-27), Shenandoah (Aug. 26-27), King Calaway (Aug. 28-29), Reneta the Band (Sept. 1-2), Melinda Doolittle (Sept. 3-4), Monroe Crossing (Sept. 3-4) and Rosie Flores (Sept. 5-6).

Schell's Stage at Schilling Amphitheater daytime entertainment: Minnesota Historical Society presents History On-a-Schtick (Aug. 26-Sept. 6), Mary Cutrufello Band (Aug. 26-27), the Minnesota State Fiddle Contest (Aug. 28-29), Poppa Bear Norton (Aug. 30-31), Molly Maher Band (Sept. 1-2), Cornbread Harris (Sept. 3-4) and the Dollys (Sept. 5-6).

International Bazaar Stage daytime entertainment: Jack Brass Band (Aug. 26-27), Cafe Accordion Orchestra (Aug. 26-27), Phoenix Chinese Dance Academy (Aug. 28-29), Sumunar Indonesian Music and Dance (Aug. 30-31), Maria Isa and LatinXpolis (Sept. 1-2), Siama's Congo Roots (Sept. 3-4) and Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca (Sept. 5-6).

Ramberg Music Cafe Stage: Tom Hunter (Aug. 26-27), Jack Knife and the Sharps (Aug. 28-29), Dakota Dave Hull and Friends (Aug. 30-31), Jim Berner's Music Legends (Sept. 1-2), Phil Heywood and Eric Lugosch (Sept. 3-4) and Bill Koncar (Sept. 5-6).