Willie Nelson returned to the Farm Aid stage in 2026, bringing his unmistakable voice and legendary presence to the annual festival he helped create in 1985.
Farm Aid began when Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young came together to support America’s family farmers during a devastating agricultural crisis. What started as a single benefit concert has grown into a year-round organization dedicated to helping family farmers stay on the land. Since its founding, Farm Aid has raised more than $90 million to support farmers and strengthen the family-farm food system.
Farm Aid 2026 took place September 26 at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, marking the festival’s first visit to the city. The lineup featured Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lukas Nelson, Turnpike Troubadours, Sierra Ferrell, Lily Meola, and many more.
Willie Nelson’s Emotional Performance
Willie Nelson delivered a memorable set that included some of his most beloved songs, including “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,” “On the Road Again,” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” He was also joined onstage by several artists, including Lily Meola and Lukas Nelson.
As always, Willie performed with his iconic guitar, Trigger, by his side.
But one of the most emotional moments came when Nelson performed “Last Leaf,” a song originally written and recorded by Tom Waits.
Nelson included his version of the song on his 2024 album The Last Leaf on the Tree. The lyrics take on an especially powerful meaning when sung by an artist who has spent decades watching friends and fellow musicians come and go.
The song’s message is simple but heartbreaking: being the last one left standing as the people you once shared your life with slowly disappear.
That feeling made Willie’s Farm Aid performance especially moving. At 93, Nelson has spent more than seven decades making music, and his voice carries the weight of countless memories, friendships, and losses.
For longtime fans, hearing him sing “Last Leaf” was more than another performance. It was a quiet, emotional reminder of how much history Willie Nelson carries with him—and why seeing a country music legend like Willie take the stage remains such a special experience.