For the first time in its history, Farm Aid is bringing its renowned festival to Minnesota to celebrate its 40th anniversary. On Saturday, Sept. 20, Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis will host Farm Aid 40, a landmark event that launches a year-long tribute to four decades of advocacy, cultural significance, and unforgettable musical performances.

Farm Aid, originally founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young, emerged in response to the escalating crisis faced by American family farmers. Since then, the annual festival has raised more than $85 million to support family farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen rural communities. Minnesota, a state deeply rooted in agricultural advocacy and reform, is an ideal backdrop for this milestone occasion.

Farm Aid 40 will feature an impressive array of musical performances, including headliners Willie Nelson, Neil Young (with the Chrome Hearts), John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price. Joining them will be Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Jesse Welles, Madeline Edwards, and more artists to be announced.

Beyond the music, festival attendees will experience the profound contributions of family farmers firsthand. HOMEGROWN Concessions® will offer a menu crafted from locally grown ingredients produced by farmers using ecological practices. Meanwhile, Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village will provide interactive exhibits showcasing sustainable farming, soil preservation, and agricultural innovation.

Farm Aid board members and organizers are making it clear—this year’s celebration is more than just an anniversary; it’s a rallying cry for a stronger, more equitable food system. Farm Aid President Willie Nelson emphasized the importance of standing by farmers facing economic hardship and corporate pressure.

“Family farmers are the heart of this country, and we depend on each other for good food and strong communities,” Nelson stated. “For 40 years, Farm Aid and our partners have fought to keep farmers on their land despite challenges. This year, we’re proud to bring Farm Aid to Minnesota to celebrate the farmers who sustain us and to fight for a food system that works for everyone.”

Jennifer Fahy, Farm Aid’s Co-Executive Director, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the ongoing threats to small-scale farming and food sovereignty.

“There are significant threats to the future of family farm agriculture and our food system,” Fahy said. “Farm Aid 40 is an opportunity to address these challenges and work towards a system that farmers, eaters, and the planet deserve.”

Tickets for Farm Aid 40 go on sale on May 16 at 10 a.m. CDT, with prices ranging from $101 to $390 (plus applicable fees and sales tax). A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. CDT on May 14. For additional event details, visit farmaid40.org.

As Farm Aid steps into its fifth decade, this festival serves as both a celebration of its past and a crucial push toward a future where family farmers thrive. In Minnesota, with its history of agricultural advocacy, the legacy of Farm Aid will continue to grow—proving that music and community remain powerful forces for change.