Willie Nelson’s 4th Of July Picnic Returns To Austin

Eric Church, Merle Haggard, Kacey Musgraves, Sturgill Simpson, Asleep At The Wheel, Jamey Johnson, Jason Isbell, and Leon Russell are among those heading to Austin, Texas, to help Willie Nelson & Family celebrate Independence Day.’

You read that right. Having hosted his annual July 4th picnic in Fort Worth since 2011, Nelson is bringing the party back to Austin where he’ll take over the Austin360 Amphitheater. Featuring music on two stages, the all-day event will also welcome Billy Joe Shaver, Ray Wylie Hubbard, David Allan Coe, Chris Stapleton, Johnny Bush, Insects Vs Robots, Folk Uke, Amber Digby, Raelyn Nelson Band, Pauline Reese and others.

“The first 4th of July picnic was outside Austin at Dripping Springs, Texas, Nelson said. “I got the idea from Woodstock about how music could bring people from different places together. I had just moved to Austin and had come to realize what a great music center it was and could be.

“I thought it would be a nice idea to this year have it back in Austin, but at a more comfortable venue for the fans and the pickers. The Austin360 Amphitheater at Circuit Of The Americas is that place.”

While the amphitheater’s stage will serve as the main performance area, the second stage will be located at the venue’s Grand Plaza where folks can eat, drink and sit a spell while watching their favorite entertainers.

Of course, calling a shindig the “4th of July Picnic” means nothing unless you have the fireworks to go with it. Nelson is planning a very special pyrotechnics display in celebration of America’s birthday.

Tickets go on sale April 10. Click here and here for more information.