Since launching in 1977 with a lineup that included Willie Nelson and Happy Days star Anson Williams – epic duo, right? – the Arizona State Fair’s Coliseum Concert Series has held firm as a pillar of the Valley’s fall music scene. The 2026 lineup is the most eclectic in recent memory, offering a little something for everybody.
Local Band Makes Good: Gin Blossoms, October 2
Perhaps the defining band of Tempe’s seminal ’90s alt-rock scene, the “Hey Jealousy” quartet is moving from Mill Avenue to the Arizona State Fair to kick off this year’s State Fair concert series.
Ain’t Nothing But a “G” Thing: Becky G, October 9
The sultry “MAMIII” singer and Blue Beetle actress is returning to her hip-hop roots with her latest album, Baraja Bendita.
Pretty Fly for Some Punk Guys: The Offspring, October 16
Known for skewering suburban teenage life through a punk lens, the SoCal rockers will head to the desert to perform “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy),” “Self Esteem” and other hits from their 42-year career.
Country-Rap Collab: Russell Dickerson, October 17
Shortly after his single “Love You Like I Used To” hit the top of the country charts in 2020, this Union City, Tennessee, native’s popularity began to plateau. But that all changed thanks to last year’s party anthem “Worth Your Wild” and “Boots,” his summer collab with rapper Fetty Wap.
By the Time They Get to Arizona: Public Enemy, October 24
It does feel ironic that Public Enemy is playing the State Fair 35 years after the release of its song “By the Time I Get to Arizona.” Chuck D wrote the song as a harsh critique of then-governor Evan Mecham’s cancellation of Martin Luther King Day. Maybe time – and overdue legislation – does heal all wounds.
– Jason Keil
Fashion: Classic Rock Couture
Arizona-based designer Claire Harlin’s sartorial success story began at a music festival, befitting for a fashion brand named Classic Rock Couture.
In 2017, the vintage-clothing shop owner made the leap to the designer realm by hawking her now-iconic Rising Sun Bomber Jacket at Desert Daze in Joshua Tree.
“I had a prototype and I sold 100 pre-orders,” she says.
When pop stars like Miley Cyrus and Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips were spotted donning the ’70s-style satin jacket, Harlin’s brand “blew up,” she says.
She sells the bomber both online and in storefronts in Tucson (168 W. Kennedy St.) and Bisbee (38 Main St.) along with an entire line of styles, from corduroy jumpers to branded tees.
– Bella Mazzilli
