The Kendall Toyota of Bend FREE Summer Concert Series, presented by Mike's Fence Center.

All concerts are outside and FREE with Fair admission. No additional ticket is required for entry.

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is proud to welcome multi-platinum artist Ja Rule as part of the Kendall Toyota of Bend Free Summer Concert Series. Taking the stage on Friday, July 31, 2026, Ja Rule will bring a high-energy night of iconic hits, summer vibes, and unforgettable entertainment to Central Oregon.

Known for dominating the early 2000s with chart-topping collaborations and crossover hits, Ja Rule helped define an era of hip-hop and R&B. Fans can expect a crowd-energizing performance featuring songs like “Always On Time,” “Mesmerize,” “Put It On Me,” and more, delivering a mix of nostalgia and party-ready energy to the fair stage.

Jeffrey Atkins, better known by his stage name Ja Rule, was born in Hollis, Queens, NY. He debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its lead single "Holla Holla". During the 2000s, Ja Rule was signed to Murder Inc., formerly known as The Inc., and led by Irv Gotti. From 1999 to 2005, Ja Rule had multiple hits that made the top 20 of the U.S. BillboardHot 100 chart, including "Between Me and You" (featuring Christina Milian), "I'm Real (Murder Remix)" and "Ain't It Funny" (both with Jennifer Lopez)—which both topped the Hot 100—the number 1 hit "Always on Time" (featuring Ashanti), "Mesmerize" (featuring Ashanti), and "Wonderful" (featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti).

Rule has been nominated for two American Music Awards and four Grammy Awards with respective collaborators Lil' Mo, Vita, Ashanti, and Case. Following the release of his platinum-selling debut Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), he released his second and third albums, Rule 3:36 (2000) and Pain Is Love (2001). Both albums topped the US Billboard 200 album chart, launching him into the mainstream, selling over a combined 15 million units to a wide audience, and attaining triple platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), becoming his best-selling albums to date. Rule followed up with his fourth, fifth, and sixth albums, The Last Temptation (2002), Blood in My Eye (2003), and R.U.L.E. (2004), with The Last Temptation attaining Platinum status and R.U.L.E. reaching Gold status. As of 2018, Rule has sold 14.4 million units in the USA and has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is proud to welcome multi-platinum country artist Clay Walker as part of the Kendall Toyota of Bend Free Summer Concert Series. Taking the stage on Saturday, August 1, 2026, Walker brings a night of classic country hits, fan favorites, and high-energy entertainment to Central Oregon.

Known for his smooth vocals and a long list of chart-topping hits, Clay Walker has remained a staple in country music for decades. Fans can expect a memorable live performance featuring songs like “Live Until I Die,” “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” and “Rumor Has It,” delivering a blend of timeless country sound and crowd-pleasing energy to the fair stage.

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo would like to thank our proud concert sponsors Wilco, Indian Head Casino, Kendall Toyota of Bend, and Mike’s Fence Center.

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Clay Walker stands as a towering figure in country music, his illustrious career marked by multi-PLATINUM sales, 11 chart-topping hits, and 40 singles on the charts. His songs, including classics like "If I Could Make A Living" and "She Won’t Be Lonely Long," resonate deeply, etching his name into the fabric of the genre. In 1996, Walker faced a new battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but rather than yielding to its challenges, he emerged as a fierce advocate and fundraiser, establishing The Clay Walker Foundation to support those affected by the disease. Each year, the Clay Walker Charity Classic at Pebble Beach shines a light on his tireless efforts, raising awareness and funds for MS research. Last year, he dropped two singles, “Cowboys in Heaven” and “I Know She Hung The Moon,” originally written and released by his friend and music superstar, the late Toby Keith. His latest album, Texas To Tennessee, soared to No. 1 on the iTunes Country Albums chart, drawing inspiration from legends including George Jones, James Taylor, and Bob Seger. He recently headlined Ryman Auditorium for the first time in his career, performing to a sold-out crowd, and playing major festivals in 2026, including CMA Fest, Tortuga, Boots In The Park, Two Step Inn, and more. A member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Walker continues to captivate audiences nationwide, gracing stages with his electrifying performances, and is currently on his headlining “Doin’ What I Love” tour. In addition to touring, Clay is in the studio working on multiple new projects. For more information and to stay up-to-date, visit ClayWalker.com