Local Singer Cori Kennedy to Open For Country Star at Minnesota Fair
At this point, Cori Kennedy isn’t just a local favorite, she’s a full-on Southeast Minnesota success story!
From singing late at night in a tiny church to The Voice to performing the national anthem in front of 66,000 fans at U.S. Bank Stadium, her rise has felt both surreal and completely earned. And now? Another big milestone has landed.
In case you missed her amazing performance at the Viking's game:
The Kasson-Mantorville grad has just been announced as the special guest for Randy Houser’s Friday night concert at the 2026 Steele County Free Fair.
We all know superstar Randy Houser- nearly two decades in the biz with hits like Runnin’ Outta Moonlight and Like a Cowboy. He’ll headline the August 21st show, but the real magic is seeing a homegrown artist take the stage alongside him.
According to the Steele County Times, Cori was genuinely thrilled when she found out who she’d be opening for, which somehow makes this moment feel even bigger. From a seasoned pro who knows exactly “How Country Feels” to a rising star still writing her own next chapter, this pairing just works.
The Steele County Free Fair runs August 18–23rd. And honestly? Watching Cori take this leap might be the highlight of the fair. I said what I said. Grab your tickets here.
Minnesota is stacking up the big names this year. From fair stages to major venues, it’s shaping up to be a pretty incredible season for live music across the state.
The Biggest Concerts Coming to MN in 2026
Gallery Credit: Samm Adams
