Wisconsin State Fair: Why was Lynyrd Skynyrd concert cancelled? When will ticket refund begin?
Torrential rain floods roads and shuts down runways at Milwaukee’s airport during life-threatening flash flooding in southeast Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin State Fair is issuing refunds after Saturday night’s much-anticipated Lynyrd Skynyrd concert was canceled when severe storms and flash flood warnings forced the fairgrounds to close early.
The Southern rock legends were scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Bank Five Nine Main Stage, but weather delays and safety concerns ultimately led organizers to call off the show around 8:15 p.m. “While we tried everything within our control to allow this show to go on, for the safety of our artists, team, and Fairgoers, we cannot host this concert,” the State Fair said in a Facebook statement.
Fair officials confirmed that all tickets purchased through Etix, the event’s official ticket provider, will be automatically refunded within 7 to 14 days. Those who purchased tickets in person at the State Fair ticket office using cash can obtain a refund by visiting the ticket office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Original tickets and a valid ID are required.
The cancellation came as the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Milwaukee and surrounding areas, prompting the fair to evacuate attendees for safety.
What is Wisconsin State Fair?
The Wisconsin State Fair is one of the biggest and most beloved annual events in the state, drawing more than a million visitors each summer to West Allis, just outside Milwaukee. First held in 1851, it began as a showcase for Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage, and while farming is still at its core, the fair has evolved into a massive celebration of food, music, rides, and community.
Agriculture remains a centerpiece, with livestock competitions, dairy exhibits, and produce contests highlighting the state’s farming traditions. Visitors can tour barns, meet farmers, and learn more about Wisconsin’s role as “America’s Dairyland.” The fair is also famous for its food, with cream puffs, fried cheese curds, and dozens of inventive deep-fried creations among its most popular offerings.
Entertainment is a major draw, featuring national music acts, local performers, cultural showcases, and family-friendly activities across multiple stages. The midway offers carnival rides, games, and attractions for all ages, while exhibition halls display arts, crafts, and commercial vendors.
Held over 11 days in early August at the Wisconsin State Fair Park — home to the historic Milwaukee Mile Speedway — the event blends rural traditions with modern attractions. For many Wisconsinites, it’s a summer tradition that delivers a unique mix of farm life, festival energy, and unforgettable fair food.
What is Lynyrd Skynyrd concert about?
A Lynyrd Skynyrd concert is all about delivering the Southern rock sound that made the band legendary, mixing raw energy, heartfelt storytelling, and a connection with fans that spans generations.
Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in the 1960s, Lynyrd Skynyrd rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird, songs that became anthems of Southern pride and rock rebellion. Their music blends rock, blues, and country influences, often telling stories about small-town life, resilience, and the Southern experience.
A typical concert is a mix of high-octane guitar riffs, extended jam sessions, and crowd sing-alongs, with Free Bird often closing the night in an epic, emotional performance. The band also pays tribute to members lost in the 1977 plane crash, keeping their legacy alive for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Today, while many original members have passed on, the current lineup — which includes Johnny Van Zant, younger brother of late original frontman Ronnie Van Zant — carries on the Skynyrd tradition. Their shows feel like a celebration of rock history, Southern culture, and the enduring spirit of the band.