Willie Nelson returned to the Farm Aid stage in 2026, bringing his unmistakable voice, longtime songs and signature guitar, Trigger, to the annual festival he helped create more than four decades ago.
What Is Farm Aid?
Farm Aid was founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young, who came together to organize the first benefit concert in Champaign, Illinois, during a devastating crisis for America’s family farmers.
At the time, falling crop prices, high interest rates and growing financial pressure were forcing many farmers to lose their land. What began as a one-day concert eventually developed into a year-round nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting family farmers and strengthening the family-farm food system.
More than 40 years later, Farm Aid remains an important annual gathering that combines music, farming and advocacy. Over the years, some of the biggest names in music have performed at the event alongside emerging artists, helping keep the struggles and contributions of family farmers in the national conversation.
According to Farm Aid, the organization has raised more than $90 million since its founding. The money has helped support programs that provide resources to farmers, encourage family-farm food systems and promote a stronger agricultural community.
Farm Aid 2026 was held September 26 at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, marking the festival’s first visit to the city.
The lineup featured longtime Farm Aid performers Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds. Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, Ty Myers, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Jesse Welles, Sierra Ferrell, Mon Rovîa, I’m With Her, Amythyst Kiah, Lily Meola and Chris Pierce also took the stage.
As always, the festival offered more than music. Farmers, locally produced food and agricultural experiences were also part of the celebration, keeping family farmers at the heart of the event.
Willie Nelson Performs a 15-Song Set
At 93, Nelson once again showed why his presence remains such a special part of Farm Aid.
The country legend performed a 15-song set that included some of his most recognizable songs, including “On the Road Again,” “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”
Several artists joined Nelson onstage throughout the performance, including Neil Young, Lukas Nelson, Lily Meola, Nathaniel Rateliff, Margo Price and Turnpike Troubadours.
Nelson looked every bit like the country icon fans have known for generations. He wore his familiar red bandana and performed with Trigger, his famously well-worn guitar, complete with its recognizable red, white and blue strap.
But one performance stood out above the rest.
Nelson delivered an emotional rendition of “Last Leaf,” a song written and originally recorded by Tom Waits. Nelson released his version in 2024 as the first single from his 76th solo album, The Last Leaf on the Tree.
The song takes on an especially powerful meaning when performed by Nelson. Its lyrics reflect on aging, loss and being among the last survivors of a generation.
That message felt even more poignant following the recent death of Nelson’s longtime friend, Dolly Parton.
Nelson previously revealed that he had spoken with Parton shortly before her death and said he had no idea she was seriously ill. “I had no idea,” he said. “I did an interview with her shortly before she died. She seemed fine.”
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Against that backdrop, hearing Nelson sing about being the “last leaf” carried an added emotional weight.
Fans watching the performance quickly reacted online. One viewer wrote that the song brought them to tears while thinking about Nelson and other beloved artists from his generation.
For longtime fans, the moment was more than another performance. It was a reminder of how much history Nelson carries with him every time he steps onto a stage.
After decades of music, friendship, loss and unforgettable memories, Willie Nelson continues to turn songs into deeply personal moments.
And at Farm Aid 2026, “Last Leaf” became one of those moments fans are unlikely to forget.