Minnesota State Fair Entertainment Venues Undergo Name Changes Again

No, it isn't an identity crisis. But there have been some name changes at two of the popular entertainment hotspots at the Minnesota State Fair.

After being known for many years by the sponsored names "Leinie Lodge" and "Schell's Stage", two of the Minnesota State Fair's entertainment stages had new names last year when the sponsorship naming rights deals ended.

Going into the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, organizers revealed that Schell’s and Leinenkugels would not be renewing their naming sponsorships for the respective venues, leaving them temporarily with the Leinie Lodge taking the name "The Bandshell", and The Schell's Stage becoming "West End Market Stage at Schilling Amphitheater".

The Leinie Lodge had been the name of the bandshell since Leinenkugels took on naming rights in 2001, and the Schell's Stage became the name of the Schilling Amphitheater in 2014.

READ MORE: See The 2026 Minnesota State Fair Free Entertainment Lineup

In a comment to the media last year about the sponsorship deals ending, organizers said, "We recognize that companies reassess their budget priorities for a variety of reasons, and we respect that every situation is unique".

That left the door open for new sponsors to come in, and fair organizers said they were open to all sponsorship inquiries. As preparations are underway for the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, both venues will have new (sponsored) names you'll want to remember as you head around the fair looking for entertainment this year.

The Bandshell (formerly the Leinie Lodge) will now be known as the Luther Auto Bandshell starting in 2026. Fair organizers announced this spring that Luther Auto will be taking over the naming rights opportunity for the venue, which will host free entertainment that includes acts like Vertical Horizon, Margo Price, and Durry this year.

While a car dealership is taking over the bandshell's name, another beer brand is taking over the amphitheater at the West End.

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Pryes Brewing Company from Minneapolis jumps aboard for 2026, with the amphitheater now being called the Pryes Stage at Schilling Amphitheater at the West End. It's a bit of a mouthful, but I'm guessing most people will just call it the "Pryes Stage" rather than the full 9-word name.

The Pryes Stage will host a bunch of free regional entertainment throughout the fair, including Nur-D, Keith Secola, Maygen & The Birdwatcher, and Steve Solkela (and a bunch of others).

You can see the full free entertainment schedule for both of these venues and the others around the fairgrounds here. As far as the big (paid) shows go at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, here's a look at the shows announced for 2026: