The annual Farm Aid music festival takes place in Virginia Beach, featuring performances by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and others to support family farms.
Key facts
- •The festival is taking place at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach.
- •CNN's live broadcast runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on September 26.
- •SiriusXM is broadcasting the festival for the 17th consecutive year on channels 61 and 30.
- •Farm Aid has raised over $85 million for family farm programs since it was founded in 1985.
- •Last year's broadcast reached 3.88 million people and generated over $615,000 in donations from CNN viewers.
Farm Aid 2026 is being held at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Saturday, September 26. The annual benefit concert, which raises funds and awareness for American family farmers, is being broadcast exclusively on CNN from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. This event marks the second consecutive year that CNN has served as the festival's broadcast partner.
By the numbers
Performers and Coverage
The festival lineup features performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds. Additional artists scheduled to perform include Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, Ty Myers, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Jesse Welles, Sierra Ferrel, Mon Rovîa, I’m With Her, Amythyst Kiah, Lily Meola, and Chris Pierce. CNN coverage will be co-anchored by John Berman and Laura Coates, with on-the-ground reporting provided by chief climate correspondent Bill Weir. Beyond the CNN broadcast, fans can access the festival through various digital platforms. Live streaming is available via the Farm Aid website, the Farm Aid YouTube channel, and the nugs platform, which also offers access through Roku and Apple TV for subscribers. SiriusXM is providing audio coverage on channels 61 and 30, featuring backstage interviews hosted by Dallas Wayne and Joey Black.
Organization History and Impact
Founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp, Farm Aid aims to support programs that help family farmers thrive while advocating for changes to the industrial agriculture system. The organization has raised more than $85 million since its inception to promote food from family farms. Last year’s broadcast of the festival reached 3.88 million people globally. During that event, CNN audiences contributed more than $615,000 to the organization.
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