Willie Nelson is bringing back his Outlaw Music Festival in summer 2026, but this time with a noticeably smaller footprint. Now in its 11th year, the traveling Americana showcase will visit just 12 cities — a sharp reduction from last year’s 35-stop run — making each performance feel more like a rare event than a routine tour date. Organizers describe the 2026 run as “a special limited run,” emphasizing quality over quantity. With Nelson now in his 90s, the reduced schedule is meant to make each night stand out as a unique experience for fans.
The lineup features Nelson & Family as headliners, joined by artists including The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, and Stephen Wilson Jr.. While no single act will appear at every stop, Wilson Jr. is scheduled for nearly the full run, with others rotating throughout the tour.
Additional performers set to join on select dates include Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was with the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola. For Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic — scheduled this year as a one-off August event — Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell will make special guest appearances.
The tour kicks off July 3 in Irving, Texas, with a handful of early dates in Texas before picking back up in mid-August in Maryland Heights, Missouri. From there, it travels through the Midwest and Northeast, wrapping up August 30 in Saratoga Springs, New York. Unlike previous years, the tour will not extend to the West Coast.
Reflecting on the upcoming shows, Nelson said, “Being on the road and playing for the fans is what I love to do. We don’t get to do as many shows as we used to, so every night out there means a little more. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and making it a special time.”
Tickets are on sale at Outlawmusicfestival.com.
Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com
Post expires at 6:41am on Monday April 20th, 2026