Willie Nelson recently announced his annual Outlaw Music Festival and Fourth of July Picnic. Here’s everything you need to know.
Abbott native and country music icon Willie Nelson announced his annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour, which will see the 93-year-old singer/songwriter taking the stage alongside other big names. His popular Fourth of July Picnic event is also scheduled to take place during this run of shows. Joining Willie Nelson & Family on the road for two of his Texas stops (The Woodlands and Dallas) are Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lily Meola, Margo Price, and Stephen Wilson, Jr. The Austin date will welcome that exciting bunch along with Billy Strings, Rodney Crowell, and Lukas Nelson.
In a statement announcing the much-loved events, Willie wrote, “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.” It’s an impressive feat for someone who kicked off their music career in 1956 and has put out a steady stream of records ever since. In May, Willie will release his 104th (!) album, titled “Dream Chaser.”
The outlaw singer has been holding an annual Fourth of July Picnic since 1973. That year, a host of country music legends joined him for the celebration, including Waylon Jennings, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Sammi Smith, John Prine, and Doug Sahm. Willie most often hosts the picnic in the Lone Star State—1973’s was held in Dripping Springs—but he’ll occasionally let other states get in on the fun, like the times he scheduled it in Oklahoma and New Jersey.
His Outlaw Music Festival first began in 2016. Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, ZZ Top, and Luke Combs rounded out the initial lineup. In addition to its string of Texas shows, the festival will head to Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and New York.
Here’s how you can grab tickets
Tickets for the Outlaw Music Festival and Fourth of July Picnic go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 27. Members of the general public can purchase tickets through ticketmaster.com or directly from the Outlaw Music Festival website here. VIP packages will be available for purchase then as well. If you’re a Citi card member, presale tickets are available until 10 p.m. today, March 26, through the Citi Entertainment program. Click here to access those tickets.
The Texas tour dates are as follows:
- July 3 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, TX
- July 4 (Willie Nelson Fourth of July Picnic) – Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- July 5 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, TX
Set times for each stop will be announced closer to their respective dates. Updates will be posted on social media, including Instagram and Facebook. In addition to an entire day filled with memorable performances, the festival will include special vendor villages where you can purchase food, beverages, and merchandise. If you’re a local vendor who’s interested in setting up a tent at one of the Texas shows, this link has the information and applications you need to get started.
All events are family-friendly and are scheduled to take place rain or shine. If you have questions regarding ADA policies, the Outlaw Music Festival website notes that you’ll need to contact the venue directly to have these addressed ahead of time.
