Willie Nelson Taps John Mellencamp, Neil Young to Headline Farm Aid in Virginia Beach

Willie Nelson is gathering talent for Farm Aid in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and he just scored a few major headliners. The 2026 event is scheduled for Sept. 26 at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, and it’s actually the annual benefit’s first time at that venue.

According to a statement released by organizers, Farm Aid board members Neil Young and John Mellencamp have been tapped to join Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews, Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff as performers at the event. Young will appear with his band The Chrome Hearts, and Matthews will perform with Tim Reynolds.

Other musicians slated to appear include Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Jesse Welles, Sierra Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, I'm With Her, Mon Rovîa, Amythyst Kiah and Lily Meola, among others. It’s shaping up to be a star-studded lineup.

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“Family farmers grow our food and strengthen our communities. And when farmers struggle like they are now, communities feel it too,” Nelson said in a statement. “The challenges farmers face threaten their livelihoods and put all of us at risk.”

He adds: “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.”

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Those who want in can get in early with a presale starting Wednesday, June 10, at 10 a.m. EST. Then, tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. For information, head to Farm Aid’s official website.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 12:35 PM.