How to Watch Farm Aid 2025 Live on CNN: Celebrating 40 Years of Supporting U.S. Farmers

Farm Aid returns to Minneapolis this year, yet fans nationwide can partake in the celebration. Billboard exclusively reported on Wednesday, September 3, that CNN will stream performances by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and other luminaries to commemorate the festival’s 40th anniversary later this month.

The broadcast of the music and food summit—this year hosted at Huntington Bank Stadium—is slated for Saturday, September 20, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight ET. Audiences can watch live on CNN, on CNN.com, or through CNN’s television and mobile applications, with no cable authentication required.

“CNN is proud to join Farm Aid 40, amplifying our nation’s farmers and agricultural communities,” said Eric Sherling, CNN’s executive vice president of U.S. programming. “This broadcast underscores CNN’s dedication to live coverage and delivering cultural milestones as they unfold.”

In addition to founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, this year’s roster features Dave Matthews, Margo Price, Kenny Chesney, Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson, Trampled by Turtles, Wynonna Judd, Steve Earle, Waxahatchee, Black Pumas frontman Eric Burton, Jesse Welles, Madeline Edwards and the Wisdom Indian Dancers. CNN anchors John Berman and Laura Coates will host the special, with chief climate correspondent Bill Weir providing on-site reporting.

“Farm Aid is delighted to collaborate with CNN to extend Farm Aid 40 to a wide, diverse audience,” said Farm Aid co-director Jennifer Fahy. “This partnership is vital for elevating the role of family farmers, showcasing the remarkable artists who have supported us for four decades.”

Since the inaugural Farm Aid concert in Philadelphia, over 40 years ago, the event has generated more than $85 million to support American farmers and their families.

“Farming was my first vocation,” Nelson reflected. “I handpicked cotton. I harvested corn. I know firsthand the grit of agriculture. My farming heritage is rooted deep in my life’s narrative.”

Tickets for in-person attendance at Farm Aid 40 can be purchased through the University of Minnesota’s official ticketing site.

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