Billy Strings Joins Willie Nelson on BIG 4th of July Picnic Lineup
Willie Nelson will turn 93 on April 29th, but his showing no signs of slowing down. After taking the stage for his first announced appearance in six months at the Luck Reunion on March 19th, a bevy of activity has been coming from the Willie Nelson camp, including the announcement of a new album Dream Chaser on May 29th, tour dates in the Mid Atlantic in April, and the initial dates for his annual Outlaw Fest touring festival for this summer (see below).
Part and parcel with these announcements is the details about Willie Nelson’s annual 4th of July Picnic—one of the most long-standing traditions in country music that grew out of Willie’s Dripping Springs Reunion in 1972—a.k.a the “Hillbilly Woodstock.”
Billy Strings can pack out arenas all by himself, but he’ll be sharing headliner duties with Willie Nelson on the 4th at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX at the Circuit of the Americas. Also set to perform are Rodney Crowell, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, and Lily Meola.
Though the 4th of July Picnic is it’s own separate animal, it’s also part of the greater Outlaw Fest lineup for 2026, with a dozen total stops so far going through August. Don’t be surprised if more stops are added as well.
Tickets for the 4th of July Picnic and all Outlaw Fest dates are on sale Friday, March 27th Local time. More more information and to purchase tickets, go to OutlawMusicFestival.com.
Outlaw Fest Dates & Lineups:
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Woodlands, TX
Willie Nelson
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
March 26, 2026 @ 7:17 pm
I initially thought more Outlaw dates would be added in September around Farm Aid, but when I read the press release it purposefully states “a limited run.” There were 30 dates year, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s just the 11 dates this year (or I wouldn’t be surprised if a few dates get added in September). Either way, go see Willie now if you ever plan to.
I’d love to make the 4th July picnic, but a lot would have to go right in my finances and the world (gas prices and the airlines mess).
I’ll try to at least hit a couple more regional Outlaws or maybe Farm Aid.
March 26, 2026 @ 7:23 pm
I wanted to ask, where are the country artists? If this could be the final tours for Willie, you’d think country artists would show up. And is still a stretch as to why Willie is in the rock n roll HOF? These later tours have been stacked with rock artists showing up and not enough country artists.