Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised awareness and support for the loss of the family farm through an annual benefit concert hosted by event founders and philanthropic partners Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp. In preparation for the program’s next chapter, the location for the Saturday, September 26, 2026 event has been unveiled, along with the names of participating players who will weave their songs into the occasion’s multi-act tapestry. 

For the first time, Farm Aid will take place in Virginia Beach, Va., at the Vets United Home Loans Amphitheater, a 20,000-capacity outdoor venue equipped to support the momentous gathering. Participating musicians include Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), Margo Price, and Nathaniel Rateliff. 

Beyond the aforementioned acts, Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Jesse Welles, Sierra Ferrell, Mon Rovîa, I’m With Her, Amythyst Kiah, Lily Meola and Chris Pierce have also signed on to play. 

Speaking to the heart of the event, Nelson says, “Family farmers grow our food and strengthen our communities. And when farmers struggle like they are now, communities feel it too. But we have fewer family farmers on the land now than when we started Farm Aid, and the threats they face put all of us at risk. We’re bringing Farm Aid to Virginia to stand with the farmers and fishers who feed Hampton Roads and beyond—and to grow a food system that works for everyone.”

Farm Aid originated in the mid-’80s with Nelson, Young, and Mellencamp, who leveraged their influence to draw a crowd and raise awareness about the decline of family farms. To support those who feed the masses and keep America’s agricultural system thriving, the trio developed the concept for an annual event that provides financial benefits and gives back to the chosen recipients. 

The nonprofit organization expanded its Board of Directors with Matthews’ arrival in 2001, and two decades later, in 2021, Price joined the elite team, and most recently, Rateliff. Since its launch, Farm Aid has garnered over $80 million and maintained its promise to support US agriculture by ensuring the success of the family farmer. 

Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. ET. For more information, visit https://www.farmaid.org/festival/tickets. 

To mark the return of Farm Aid, watch part of the Grateful Dead’s set from 1986.