1861 Club has quickly become known for having a great atmosphere, great prices and great live entertainment during the Kansas State Fair. This year we plan to make it even better!
Every night of Nine Lives: Free Fairtime Concert Series at the 1861 Club is one you won’t want to miss, but we understand not everyone can make it to every night. So, this article will help you decide which nights need to be at the top of your list!
If you want… Something Country
And we know you do! This is at the top of the list for a reason! If cowboy boots are part of your go-to outfit — start here. From the ’90s songs you still know by heart to new country up-and-comers, these nights offer plenty of that down-to-dirt twang you’re looking for.
All Hat No Cadillac – Fri+Sat, Sept 11-12
Something Country at 1861 Club
Hunter Hicks – Mon, Sept 14
You May Also Like:
MoonShroom – Sun, Sept 13
Talbott Brothers – Sat, Sept 18
If you want… Something Familiar
There’s something special about a song you know every word to. These are the nights for favorite hits and high-energy sing-alongs that never get old!
All Hat No Cadillac – Fri+Sat, Sept 11-12
Something Familiar at 1861 Club
Dueling Pianos – Wed, Sept 16
Artifact – Thu, Sept 17
You May Also Like:
MoonShroom – Sun, Sept 13
If you want… Something New
Get your spotify ready, because you’ll be wanting to add these artists to your playlists once you see them live! These artists offer a fresh sound, unexpected twists, and original music that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Hunter Hicks – Mon, Sept 14
Something New at 1861 Club
Thorn Haze – Tue, Sept 15
Talbott Brothers – Fri, Sept 18
You May Also Like:
Jay Jackson – Sat, Sept 19
If you want… Something Dance-worthy
We won’t promise you’ll dance, but standing still may be fairly difficult. Whether your style is two-stepping, fist-pumping or a simple shoulder-shimmy at your table, these nights bring the energy!
All Hat No Cadillac – Fri+Sat, Sept 11-12
Something Dance-worthy at 1861 Club
MoonShroom – Sun, Sept 13
You May Also Like:
Artifact – Thu, Sept 17
Dueling Pianos – Wed, Sept 16
If you want… Something With Feeling
For the listeners who are all about the lyrics, these nights are for you. These performances pair thoughtful songwriting with plenty of heart for an evening that invites you to settle in and really listen.
Something with feeling at 1861 Club
Thorn Haze – Wed, Sept 15
Jay Jackson – Sat, Sept 19
You May Also Like:
Hunter Hicks – Mon, Sept 14
Talbott Brothers – Fri, Sept 18
Have you figured out which of the Nive Lives is your style? Whether you like country, rock, indie or folk there’s one thing that pairs well with every night: a cold 1861 Brew — For Kansas, For You! Brewed especially for 1861 Club by Walnut River Brewing, you can go ahead and add this to your State Fair bucket list also!
Check out the full Nine Lives lineup and make sure your top nights are on your calendar! We’ll see you at the 2026 Kansas State Fair!
Full Lineup
Check out the full entertainment lineup for the 1861 Club’s Nine Lives: Free Fairtime Concert Series:
- Fri Sept 11: All Hat No Cadillac (90s Country) – Presented by Jacam Catalyst
- Sat, Sept 12: All Hat No Cadillac (90s Country)
- Sun, Sept 13: MoonShroom (Bluegrass)
- Mon, Sept 14: Hunter Hicks (Emerging Country)
- Tue, Sept 15: Thorn Haze (Kansas-based Indie)
- Wed, Sept 16: Dueling Pianos (Interactive Crowd Favorites)
- Thu, Sept 17: Artifact (Kansas-based 80s Rock Cover)
- Fri, Sept 18: Talbott Brothers (Folk-Rock)
- Sat, Sept 19: Jay Jackson (Indie-Folk)
Official concert details will be shared first on 1861 Club Facebook and Instagram and in the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation’s First Friday E-Updates.
About the 1861 Club
The 1861 Club is a flexible, lodge style event venue located on the Kansas State Fairgrounds and operated by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. For most of the year it operates as a high-end venue for weddings, special and corporate events, and activities. During the Kansas State Fair, it is transformed into a climate-controlled food, beverage and entertainment venue for fast fine dining and an entertainment experience for all Fair attendees.
Funds raised at the 1861 Club are put back into projects which improve the Kansas State Fairgrounds. These improvements are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. So, enjoying the 1861 Club during the Fair and year-round supports the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation’s mission: To further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.
