Wyoming native Ian Munsick is set to return to his home state as the headlining act for the 2026 Lincoln County Fair, taking the stage Friday, July 31, at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Afton.

The announcement has generated strong local and regional excitement, with fair organizers noting the effort it took to bring the rising country star to Lincoln County.

“We started this process as early as August of last year,” said Brandon Taylor, chairman of the Lincoln County Fair Board. “There were a lot of times that we didn’t think this was going to work… so for it all to come together is really, really exciting.”

BUY TICKETS AT LINCOLNCOUNTYFAIR.INFO –

Munsick, a Sheridan native, has quickly gained national attention while staying rooted in his Western upbringing. Raised on a ranch alongside his father and two older brothers, he began performing at a young age.

“By the time I was about 10 years old, I was on stage playing with those guys,” Munsick said. “We’d play any kind of rodeo or after party—anywhere that would allow three kids to go play music.”

That background continues to define his sound. Munsick said he made a conscious decision early on to represent the Rocky Mountain West in his music.

“I would always hear tunes about Georgia and Texas … but I knew the kind of country lifestyle that we had out here was really special,” he said. “So I made a promise at a very young age that the kind of country music I would make would be about the things that are unique to the West.”

Fair organizers say that authenticity, combined with his growing popularity, made Munsick a natural fit.

“He headlined Frontier Days last year,” Taylor said. “To have someone of his caliber—and a Wyoming homegrown guy—come to the Lincoln County Fair is just really exciting.”

Munsick’s career has continued to rise through national tours and collaborations with artists such as Cody Johnson and Lainey Wilson. His duet “Long Live Cowgirls” remains a standout in his catalog.

Fans attending the July 31 show can also expect new music. Munsick’s upcoming album, The Mountain Goats, is set for release Aug. 21.

“All of my albums have had animal titles,” he said, explaining the name as a play on “greatest of all time.” “It’s easy to be the greatest of all time if you’re the only one from the mountains.”

Known for his high-energy stage presence, Munsick said audiences can expect an engaging live performance.

“My band and I, we love what we do, and I think that comes across very clearly,” he said. “We like to throw down and have the time of our lives on stage.”

Taylor echoed that sentiment, encouraging residents and visitors alike to attend.

“As great as he is on the radio… he’s even better live,” Taylor said. “He just puts on an incredible show.”

“When you get someone of his caliber, it doesn’t come without a cost,” Taylor said. “We need as much community support as we can get… bring your family from out of town and come enjoy premier country music.”