HUTCHINSON, Kan. — BigXthaPlug, a Dallas rapper who has expanded his audience through collaborations with country music artists, will perform during the opening weekend of the 2026 Kansas State Fair.
Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz announced Monday that BigXthaPlug will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
“We’re very excited about announcing our rap and hip-hop night, which is going to take place on the first Saturday,” Schulz said. “Over the years, the Kansas State Fair has had a great history of bringing in some really awesome hip-hop and rap artists.”
Previous rap and hip-hop acts at the fair have included Nelly, T.I., Chingy, Ja Rule and Ludacris. Schulz said Ludacris drew one of the fair’s strongest grandstand crowds in recent years when he performed in 2025.
“When we had Ludacris in here, his numbers were some of the best ones we’ve had for a long time,” Schulz said. “We’re thinking that BigX is probably going to be the same.”
BigXthaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, has built a national following with his Texas-rooted sound and storytelling. His platinum-certified singles include “Texas,” “Mmhmm” and “Levels.”
His sophomore album, “Take Care,” debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 with 48,000 album-equivalent units during its first week. The album has since surpassed 3 billion streams.
BigXthaPlug has also reached country music audiences through collaborations with several prominent artists. His single “All the Way,” featuring Bailey Zimmerman, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Hot Country Songs charts. The song also debuted at No. 1 on Spotify’s U.S. chart and reached No. 4 globally on the streaming platform.
He has also recorded “Home” with Shaboozey, “Holy Ground” with Jessie Murph and “All Gas No Breaks” with Teddy Swims.
Schulz said the fair is working to finalize an opening act for the concert, but he was not yet able to announce the artist.
“I was hoping I could announce the opener for this as well,” Schulz said. “If everything falls into place, we’re still dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. The opener is going to be as big as BigXthaPlug.”
Tickets will go on sale to the general public Friday, June 5, through KansasStateFair.gov and at the Kansas State Fair ticket office. People who sign up to receive fair emails will receive a presale code and can purchase tickets beginning Thursday, June 4.
Reserved grandstand tickets are $45, $50 and $60. The prices include fees and gate admission for the day of the concert.
Several upgraded ticket options are also available.
Track Party Pit tickets are $85 and provide standing-room access on the floor in front of the stage. VIP Deck standing-room tickets are $110 and include early entrance to the grandstand, two drink tickets and complimentary appetizers from 6 to 7 p.m.
A reserved VIP Deck table for six people is available for $835. The package includes early entry, two drink tickets per person and complimentary appetizers.
Schulz said concertgoers can also use a payment plan through the fair’s electronic ticketing system. Tickets purchased through a payment plan must be paid in full by Aug. 1.
He encouraged customers to purchase tickets directly through the Kansas State Fair’s website rather than through third-party sellers.
“If you run into some problems, you reach out to Margo or her team at the ticket office,” Schulz said. “At least you know you’re going to get what you paid for, and if there are any issues there, we’ll take care of it.”
The BigXthaPlug concert will be part of a busy opening weekend for the fair. Trace Adkins will perform Friday, Sept. 11, and Jo Dee Messina will take the grandstand stage Sunday, Sept. 13.
The 2026 Kansas State Fair will run from Sept. 11-20.
For tickets or additional information, visit KansasStateFair.gov or call 620-669-3618.