Get ready to crank up the volume at the 2026 Dubuque County Fair. On Friday, July 31, Rock Day (also called Rock Night) takes over the mainstage with rising hard-rock powerhouse Sleep Theory and special guest Silly Goose. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. (doors/grounds open earlier—check dbqfair.com for the latest schedule and ticket details).

This is the kind of high-energy double bill that turns a classic fair night into something louder, heavier, and a lot more memorable.

Sleep Theory – Memphis Metalcore Meets R&B Soul

Sleep Theory hails from Memphis, Tennessee, and has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in modern rock. Fronted by U.S. Army veteran Cullen Moore, the band blends crushing metalcore and nu-metal riffs with soaring, melodic vocals and R&B-tinged grooves. The current lineup features Moore on clean vocals, Daniel Pruitt on guitar and unclean vocals, Paolo Vergara on bass and backing vocals, and Ben Pruitt on drums.

What started as Moore’s solo project in 2019 evolved into a full band that exploded with the 2023 EP Paper Hearts and their 2025 debut full-length Afterglow (Epitaph Records). Tracks like “Static,” “Gravity,” and “Numb” showcase the band’s signature mix of heavy drop-tuned aggression and massive, radio-ready hooks. Moore’s powerful voice and the band’s tight, dynamic live show have earned them a rapidly growing fanbase and spots on major rock tours.

Listen to Sleep Theory:

•  “Static” (Official Music Video) – YouTube

•  “Gravity” – YouTube

•  Spotify artist page – open.spotify.com/artist/26eBHxdouBH2KB7P6Oi9HN

•  Official site – sleeptheoryofficial.com

Silly Goose – Atlanta’s High-Octane Rap-Rock / Nu-Metal Crew

Special guest Silly Goose brings pure chaotic energy from Atlanta. The band was founded by vocalist Jackson Foster and drummer Alan Benikhis (who started jamming together in high school). The current lineup also includes guitarist/backup vocalist Ian Binion and bassist/backup vocalist Yalli Alvarez.

Silly Goose channels late-’90s and early-2000s rap-rock and nu-metal (think Limp Bizkit, Rage Against the Machine) with modern intensity, funky grooves, and unapologetic attitude. They built a grassroots following through guerrilla-style shows and have released a string of high-energy tracks and EPs, including Bad Behavior and Keys to the City. Songs like “Bad Behavior,” “King of the Hill,” “Keys to the City,” and newer cuts such as “Set It Off” deliver big riffs, rapid-fire vocals, and nonstop momentum—perfect for a fairgrounds crowd ready to move.

Listen to Silly Goose:

•  “Set It Off” (Official Video) – YouTube

•  Spotify artist page – open.spotify.com/artist/0GicbfMtwhn3Ch0PdwkADQ

•  Official site – sillygooseraprock.com

Why You Should Be There

Sleep Theory’s anthemic, emotionally charged rock paired with Silly Goose’s raw, party-starting rap-rock energy makes for an ideal fair night soundtrack. Expect heavy riffs, huge choruses, and a crowd that’s ready to jump, headbang, and sing along under the summer sky at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.

Details at a glance:

•  Date: Friday, July 31, 2026

•  Time: 7:30 p.m. mainstage

•  Location: Dubuque County Fairgrounds, Dubuque, Iowa

•  Tickets & more info: dbqfair.com (fair admission required; concert details and any reserved seating available through the fair’s ticketing partners)

Whether you’re already a fan of these bands or just looking for a loud, fun night at the fair, Rock Day delivers. Grab your tickets, clear your schedule, and get ready to rock the fairgrounds. See you there!