Willie Nelson’s iconic Fourth of July Picnic is set to make a triumphant return to Austin, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025. The event will take place at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, marking a homecoming for the storied festival after a year away from the Lone Star State. This year’s celebration promises a star-studded lineup, featuring performances by Nelson himself, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel, and Tami Neilson.
Doors for the all-ages event will open at 3:00 p.m., with music commencing at 4:00 p.m. Tickets remain available, with general admission lawn passes starting at $77.70 and reserved seating options priced higher. Attendees can purchase tickets through official outlets such as Ticketmaster.
The Fourth of July Picnic has been a Texas tradition since its inception in 1973, when Nelson organized the first event in Dripping Springs. Over the years, the picnic has traveled to various locations, including Tulsa, Syracuse, and Atlanta. However, Austin has frequently served as its home base, and the 2025 edition marks a return to familiar grounds after the 2024 event was held in New Jersey.
This year’s lineup is particularly notable for the inclusion of Bob Dylan, who will be performing at the picnic for the first time in over a decade. The event also features The Avett Brothers, known for their blend of folk, rock, and bluegrass; The Mavericks, celebrated for their eclectic mix of country and Latin influences; Asleep at the Wheel, a group synonymous with Western swing; and Tami Neilson, a powerhouse vocalist hailing from New Zealand.
Nelson, now 92, remains an active performer and continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive voice and guitar work. In addition to headlining the picnic, he is currently touring as part of the Outlaw Music Festival, alongside artists like Bob Dylan and Sheryl Crow.
Despite recent challenges, including the cancellation of a July 1 show in El Reno, Oklahoma, due to severe weather that damaged equipment, Nelson’s team has confirmed that the Austin picnic will proceed as planned. Organizers have assured fans that necessary precautions are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Attendees should be aware of venue policies at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. The facility operates as a cashless venue, accepting only credit cards for purchases. Regarding bags, small clutches are permitted, but backpacks and large totes are prohibited. Standard parking is included with admission, with upgraded and ADA-accessible options available for purchase. Ride-shares and taxis have a designated area in Lot E, and bicycle parking is provided near the Grand Plaza entrance.
As the Fourth of July approaches, Willie Nelson’s picnic offers a blend of musical excellence and patriotic celebration, continuing a legacy that has become an integral part of Texas’s cultural fabric.
