The annual Farm Aid benefit concert has a long and storied history in Illinois, and on September 19 the event is coming to Chicago to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Taking place at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, Farm Aid 30 boasts an exciting lineup of musicians, delicious food and the opportunity to interact with with local and regional farmers. If you want to support family farms while enjoying the final weekend of summer, you better grab tickets before they're gone. Here's what we're looking forward to:
A multitude of musicians
Farm Aid started as a gigantic concert, so it's no surprise that the lineup for this year's event is stacked with music legends. Founder Willie Nelson will be closing out the evening with his family band, on the heels of sets from Farm Aid board members Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews. Earlier in the afternoon, Old Crow Medicine Show will bring its twangy Americana to the stage, ahead of sets from outspoken country singer-songwriter Kasey Musgrave and local soul icon Mavis Staples. Keep your eyes peeled for familiar faces—the concert usually attracts a surprise guest or two.
Fresh food
Taking inspiration from local farmers' markets, Farm Aid's Homegrown Concessions will serve a variety of dishes, exclusively using ingredients produced by family farmers. Attendees will be able to try an organic chicken banh mi sandwich, vegetarian nachos and something called a "Chicago-style burger" (let's hope it involves sports peppers and celery salt). If you're still hungry, you can purchase produce from local youth involved in urban agriculture at the Homegrown Youthmarket or sample creations from Chicago vendors like the Goddess and Grocer, Hewn and Stock Café.
Environmental activities
One of the best things about Farm Aid is that the event isn't just a way to support family farmers, it's also a way to learn from them. The event's Homegrown Village gives attendees the chance to meet regional farmers and learn firsthand about the ways in which they help the environment while growing healthy foods. You can expect plenty of hands-on activities for kids and adults, including a composting workshop and a beekeeping demonstration. The Homegrown Village also has a place to take action, by registering to vote and learning about organizations that are helping support America's farmers.