Country stars, throwback vibes, and bull riding shape the 2025 grandstand
Forget the rumor mill—the official 2025 grandstand slate at the Rock County 4-H Fair points to a modern country lean with a punch of nostalgia and arena-style action. The acts announced: Conner Smith, Niko Moon, Blue Steel, Totally Neon Band, and Rice Bull Riders. Names like Craig Morgan, Uncle Kracker, and Charlie Berens were floated in conversations, but they aren’t part of the current lineup.
That country core starts with Conner Smith, one of Nashville’s young breakouts. If you’ve heard his viral tracks or seen clips of packed festival sets, you know his show runs high-energy—singalong choruses, slick hooks, and a radio-ready band. It’s the kind of night that brings teens, twenty-somethings, and parents into the same chorus without trying too hard.
Niko Moon brings a different lane of country—sunny, feel-good, and built for a crowd that wants a loose night with a big chorus. He’s leaned into a blend of country, pop, and a little hip-hop rhythm, and that crossover feel tends to land well at fairs where the audience wants a familiar groove more than a deep cut.
For local and regional flavor, Blue Steel adds the bar-band punch that county fairs crowd around: tight guitars, a setlist that spans modern country to heartland rock, and the kind of crowd work that keeps a grandstand noisy. Totally Neon Band rounds out the throwback edge—bright 80s hits, big harmonies, and sequins you can spot from the bleachers. Families recognize the songs; kids learn them in real time.
Then there’s the spectacle: Rice Bull Riders. A full bull-riding production changes the grandstand vibe fast—sound of the chute gate, eight-second rides, and the kind of hush-then-roar you only get with live competition. These shows usually blend riders, barrels, and event-style pacing so there’s no dead space between bursts of action. It’s an easy sell for a multigenerational crowd.
Put together, the lineup follows a playbook that’s working across Midwest fairs: an anchor country night or two, a nostalgia band that pairs well with neon merch and a fair-fried dinner, and a high-adrenaline show that pulls in folks who don’t care who’s on the charts. It’s variety with a clear lane, aimed at full grandstands across multiple nights.
If you’re building your week, a few basics help. Country headliners tend to draw the most traffic, so arrive early for parking and a clean view. Bring a light layer for late-night sets, and expect a different crowd energy on bull-riding night—big groups, louder pops, and more families with younger kids. Check the fair’s official channels for set times, tickets, seating rules, and any last-minute changes—schedules can shift with weather and production needs.
About that earlier chatter—who’s actually on the bill?
Early talk pointed to Craig Morgan, Uncle Kracker, and Charlie Berens. That’s a believable trio for a Midwest fair, but they’re not on the Rock County poster this time. It’s easy to see how the wires got crossed—those names make regular stops at regional fairs and festivals, and lineups travel quickly in Facebook groups and text chains. The posted lineup for 2025 points to Conner Smith, Niko Moon, Blue Steel, Totally Neon Band, and Rice Bull Riders.
Bottom line: the fair is leaning into current country heat, a familiar throwback party, and a live-action show that sells itself. If you want a seat you love, plan ahead. If you just want the big singalongs and the midnight midway, you’ll get those too—no setlist required.