Willie Nelson takes the stage during Farm Aid 2024 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
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The iconic Farm Aid festival is setting its sights on Virginia Beach, Virginia, for its highly anticipated 2026 installment. On September 26, the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater will host the star-studded benefit dedicated to supporting American family farmers. The lineup features the festival’s legendary board members—Willie Nelson, Neil Young with the Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews joined by Tim Reynolds—alongside performances from Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff.
The event’s roster continues to expand with appearances by Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Sierra Ferrell, Jesse Welles, Mon Rovîa, I’m With Her, Amythyst Kiah, Lily Meola, and Chris Pierce. Fans can secure tickets when they go on sale to the general public this Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. ET via the official Farm Aid website. Additionally, an exclusive presale window opens for early birds on Wednesday, June 10, at 10 a.m. ET.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, cofounder Willie Nelson shared in a statement, “Family farmers are the backbone of our food supply and our communities. When they face hardship, the entire community feels the ripple effects. Our goal in bringing Farm Aid to Virginia is to stand in solidarity with the farmers and fishers who sustain the Hampton Roads region and beyond, ensuring we cultivate a food system that serves everyone.”
Since its inception in 1985, Farm Aid has successfully funneled over $90 million into initiatives that bolster family farms and promote the “Good Food Movement,” which prioritizes organic, locally sourced, and humanely produced ingredients. This year’s attendees can immerse themselves in the cause through “Homegrown Concessions,” a selection of locally sourced, eco-conscious menu items, and interactive exhibits centered on sustainable soil, water, and energy practices.
This year’s gathering follows last year’s landmark 40th anniversary celebration in Minneapolis, which welcomed an eclectic group of performers including Bob Dylan, Kenny Chesney, Billy Strings, Wynonna Judd, and Steve Earle, further cementing Farm Aid’s legacy as a cornerstone of American music and activism.
