(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Dead Head fans get to experience the sound that shaped a generation of music lovers as Dark Star Orchestra brings the eclectic sounds of the Grateful Dead to the California State Fair on Thursday, July 30, 2026 as part of the Toyota Concert Series on the Sky River Casino Stage.
Performing for nearly 30 years and over 3300 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. The seven-piece band performs shows based on actual Grateful Dead set lists from their 30 years of touring, or creates unique sets from the Dead’s extensive catalog.
This approach allows fans both young and old to share in the experience while offering a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Dark Star Orchestra offers much more than just the sound of the Grateful Dead. They truly encapsulate the energy and experience. It’s about that sense of familiarity and contagious energy that creates the complete concert experience fans expect.
The band has featured guest performances from six original Grateful Dead members: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, and Tom Constanten, plus longtime Dead soundman Dan Healy. Other notable guests have included Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman of Phish, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, and many more.
"Dark Star Orchestra will bring back fond memories for Grateful Dead fans when they take the stage," said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair. “The music will introduce a new, but familiar sound to the younger generations.”
Concerts are free with Fair admission. Fans who want to get closer to the stage can purchase reserved seats. Presale tickets for newsletter subscribers go on sale Monday, April 20 at 7 a.m., with general sales beginning Tuesday, April 21 at 9 a.m., at www.CAStateFair.com.
The California State Fair runs July 17 to August 2 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. For tickets, concert updates, and more information, visit www.CAStateFair.com.
