In February, Dr. Dog came to Minneapolis for two packed shows at First Avenue. (They also stopped by to play a set in the Current's studios.) This summer they’ll return to the Twin Cities to perform at a very different venue: the Minnesota State Fair. They’re part of the Fair's recently released free stage entertainment lineup.

Dr. Dog will be playing at the State Fair Bandshell on August 27 and 28 at 8:30 p.m. Other national acts playing free (with Fair admission) sets include Buckwheat Zydeco (August 29 and 30), Creed singer Scott Stapp, and American Idol runner-up Bo Bice fronting Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Among the other artists playing at the Fair's many free stages will be local favorites Sonny Knight & the Lakers (Bazaar After Dark, August 29 and 30); Chastity Brown (West End at Sunset, August 21 and 22); and the Belfast Cowboys (Bazaar After Dark, August 31 and September 1). Doctor Zhivago fans will enjoy St. Mary's Balalaika Orchestra, one of a number of internationally-oriented acts such as the Axis Mundi World Jazz Quintet and the Irish Brigade. Family entertainment at Baldwin Park will include the Okee Dokee Brothers.

Grandstand acts (playing shows for additional paid admission) announced to date include Kid Rock; Linkin Park and Thirty Seconds to Mars; Fall Out Boy and Paramore; Journey and Joan Jett; and A Prairie Home Companion. For the complete free stage lineup, click here; for Grandstand shows, click here.

Ellie Fuqua is a freshman at Macalester College. She plans to double major in international studies and media and cultural studies, and hopes to pursue journalism as a career.