Many Greats To Play Willie Nelson’s 40th Anniversary Farm Aid

Farm Aid, an iconic benefit concert dedicated to supporting family farmers across America, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a grand festival on September 20th, 2025 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This year’s lineup is headlined by legendary artists Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews, along with Margo Price, who have all consistently championed the cause of sustainable agriculture through their unwavering support and participation in Farm Aid events. The concert will also feature a robust lineup of additional performers including Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Jesse Welles, and Madeline Edwards. The event, which Nelson has described as a chance to “celebrate the farmers who sustain us,” continues to stand as a testament to the lasting bond between music and social advocacy.

Initiated by Willie Nelson in 1985 following an impassioned plea by Bob Dylan at Live Aid, Farm Aid has since become a pivotal movement in supporting farmers' rights and promoting a sustainable food system. Over the years, the nonprofit behind the festival has raised nearly $85 million, contributing significantly to the resilience of America’s small family farms. Farm Aid provides emergency relief, educational programs, and advocates for policy reform related to sustainable agriculture. Nelson, who remains deeply involved, articulates the festival's mission succinctly: “For 40 years, Farm Aid and our partners have stood with farmers, supporting them to stay on their land even when corporate power, bad policies, and broken promises make it harder to keep going.”

This year marks Farm Aid’s first-ever appearance in Minnesota, a state long known for its robust support of the farming community and sustainable agricultural practices. Minneapolis was specifically chosen for this milestone event due to its strong agricultural advocacy and the significant contributions of local leaders and activists to the farm movement over the past four decades. The concert not only aims to raise funds but also to highlight key issues faced by the farming community today, including climate change impacts and economic challenges. Jennifer Fahy, co-executive director of Farm Aid, acknowledges the crucial timing of this event, noting, “Our anniversary marks a critical time for the nation to come together in support of the family farmers we all depend on.”

In addition to the concerts, Farm Aid includes educational exhibits, discussions, and its trademarked HOMEGROWN Concessions, featuring food grown by family farmers who use ecological practices. These elements serve both to entertain and educate attendees about the importance of supporting local agriculture and making sustainable food choices. The HOMEGROWN Village will feature exhibits on soil, water, energy, food, and farming, further reinforcing Farm Aid’s commitment to environmental awareness and advocacy.

The upcoming Minneapolis event reaffirms the long-standing mission of Farm Aid to unify diverse communities in support of a common cause—ensuring the survival and prosperity of America’s family farmers. It sets the stage for continued dialogue and action around sustainable agriculture, offering a platform to amplify the voices and struggles of farmers in a celebratory and inspirational environment. With performances by some of the most revered artists in music, Farm Aid 40 promises not only a memorable musical experience but also a powerful call to action for all who attend. As the festival approaches, it stands as both a celebration of past achievements and a rallying cry for future solidarity in the ongoing fight for a just and equitable food system.