Minnesota State Fair Announces New Grandstand Headliner With Dozens Of Popular Hits

This week, organizers for the Minnesota State Fair announced an old-school act with dozens of hits that people young and old know and love.

While most younger folks may not know who this is when I mention Tommy James & The Shondells, I bet you know the group's music. They're the next headliner announced as a headliner for the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand music series.

Tommy James & The Shondells rose to fame in the 1960s with chart-topping hits like "Hanky Panky", "I Think We're Alone Now", “Crystal Blue Persuasion", and "Crimson and Clover".

In total, the group has over 100 million records sold worldwide and more than 30 Billboard Hot 100 charting hits. The legendary music of Tommy James & The Shondells has lived on over the years, with music acts through the years reimagining their songs to have success of their own.

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Some examples include Billy Idol covering their song "Mony Mony", Tiffany covering their song "I Think We're Alone Now", and Joan Jett covering their song "Crimson and Clover". Other acts like Prince, Kelly Clarkson, and Cher have also covered songs by this iconic group over the years.

Joining Tommy James & The Shondells for this throwback show at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair will be Herman's Hermits, starring Peter Noone. For those who don't know the era, this opening act is worth a deep-dive on their catalog. This British pop group had some huge hits of its own in the 1960s.

This show will be on Monday, August 31, at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, with music starting at 7 pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 27, at 10 am, with tickets ranging from $33 to $53 via the Minnesota State Fair website.

Here's a look at the full 2026 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand lineup that has been announced so far: