Bruce Springsteen and Alex Warren to Perform at 20th Anniversary Stand Up for Heroes Veterans Benefit

Rock icon Bruce Springsteen is set to reaffirm his longstanding commitment to wounded service members by headlining the 20th anniversary edition of the Stand Up for Heroes benefit concert in 2026. This landmark milestone event will also feature appearances by pop sensation Alex Warren, veteran satirist Jon Stewart, and an array of celebrated entertainers.

Scheduled for November 9 at New York City’s prestigious Lincoln Center, the gala raises vital funds to aid injured veterans, active-duty personnel, and military families navigating catastrophic trauma and illness. Alongside Springsteen, the musical billing showcases chart-topping singer-songwriter Alex Warren and The Resilient—an inspiring musical ensemble composed of wounded combat veterans. The evening’s comedic roster includes stand-up performances by Jon Stewart, Hasan Minhaj, and Josh Johnson.

Two Decades of Impact and Advocacy

Presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation in partnership with the New York Comedy Festival (NYCF), the benefit marks twenty years of leveraging laughter and music to champion the nation’s military community. Since its inception in 2007, the initiative has generated more than $117 million to fund critical rehabilitation, mental health initiatives, and caregiver support programs.

“Two decades ago, we launched Stand Up for Heroes with a straightforward mission: unite people through world-class comedy and music to pay tribute to those who sacrificed for our nation,” remarked foundation co-founder Bob Woodruff. “What was envisioned as a singular evening has evolved into one of the most poignant traditions on the philanthropic calendar.”

The charity showcase takes center stage amidst the broader 2026 New York Comedy Festival, running from November 6 through November 15. The multi-day festival will feature performances across the city from top-tier comedic talent, including Ilana Glazer, Jordan Klepper, Ms. Pat, Adam Friedland, Ziwe, and Sarah Sherman.

Caroline Hirsch, founder of the NYCF, highlighted the sustained resonance of the collaboration: “What began as an inaugural gathering has flourished into a profound and lasting legacy. Reaching this twenty-year milestone offers an incredible opportunity to continue spotlighting our veterans and sharing their resilience with audiences worldwide.”

A Storied Legacy of Generosity

Springsteen has established an exceptional track record with the event, participating in nearly every annual benefit since 2007. Over the past two decades, the Stand Up for Heroes stage has hosted a diverse spectrum of world-renowned talent:

• Musical Luminaries: Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Lumineers, and John Mellencamp.
• Comedy Heavyweights: Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Trevor Noah, Jim Gaffigan, Tracy Morgan, and John Mulaney.

General admission passes and sponsorship packages for the 2026 Stand Up for Heroes benefit are currently available via the organization’s official portal.

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