Willie Nelson New Braunfels 2026: Whitewater Amphitheatre Date, Tickets & Setlist

Willie Nelson & Family return to Whitewater Amphitheatre on May 2, 2026, for a one-night-only performance that officially kicks off the venue’s 2026 season. This is the final date on his spring 2026 headline tour and the only show on that run without support act Drayton Farley. Tickets went on sale March 13, and the show is already listed as sold out on the venue’s official calendar. Ad-hoc news: If you have tickets, here is everything you need to know before you go.

Event Details at a Glance

About Whitewater Amphitheatre

Since opening its gates in 2007, Whitewater Amphitheatre has grown into a nationally iconic live music venue, nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, below the canyon bluffs, and right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, with a capacity of 5,600.

It is known as one of the favourite touring destinations for Willie Nelson and The Avett Brothers nboth acts have played Whitewater Tickets numerous times throughout the years.

The setting is unlike any standard amphitheatre. Canyon bluffs rise behind the stage. Ancient cypress trees line the river. On a May night in Texas, there are few better places to see live music.

Willie Nelson’s History at Whitewater

This is not a one-off. Willie Nelson plays Whitewater almost every single year.

His confirmed past appearances at this venue include April 18 and 19, 2025; May 10 and 11, 2024, with Robert Earl Keen; April 14 and 15, 2023, with ZZ Top; October 8 and 9, 2021; and multiple spring runs dating back to 2016.

The 2021 October dates carry particular weight. Willie and his sister Bobbie Nelson played some of their final shows together at this venue. Bobbie passed away in February 2022. Those Whitewater nights are now part of the venue’s history.

His return to Whitewater is not just another concert—it is a tradition. This performance launches the 2026 season lineup, and there is no better artist to do it than Willie.

Tickets: Where to Buy

The May 2 show is sold out on the official Whitewater Amphitheatre website. Ad hoc news: Resale tickets remain available through verified secondary markets.

Tickets start at $107 on Vivid Seats, with an average resale price of $267. Outlaw Music Festival Expedia lists resale tickets from $110 with a 150% money-back guarantee. Parade

Buy resale through Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, or Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan. All three platforms offer buyer guarantees on verified resale tickets.

Expected Setlist May 2, New Braunfels

No official setlist is released before showtime. Willie Nelson does not use a fixed set list. Based on verified Setlist.fm data from his most recent 2026 performances, here is what New Braunfels can expect.

Opening always:

1. Whiskey River
2. Stay a Little Longer

Core set: 3. Still Is Still Moving to Me 4. I Never Cared for You 5. Honeysuckle Rose 6. Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground 7. Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys 8. Funny How Time Slips Away / Crazy / Night Life (medley) 9. Workin’ Man Blues (Merle Haggard cover) 10. Last Leaf (Tom Waits cover) 11. Paul and I 12. On the Road Again 13. You Were Always on My Mind

Texas wildcards—likely at a home-state show:

• Texas Flood
• Bloody Mary Morning
• Die When I’m High (Halfway to Heaven) (Micah Nelson)
• Everything Is Bullshit (Particle Kid cover)

Closing stretch: 14. Good Hearted Woman 15. Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die 16. Will the Circle Be Unbroken 17. I’ll Fly Away 18. I Saw the Light (exit song)

The show runs approximately 75 to 90 minutes. Lukas Nelson handles mid-set vocals throughout. Willie opens, anchors the late set, and closes every night.

What to Bring

Clear bags only, no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″. Small non-clear clutches are permitted at 6″ x 9″ or smaller. No backpacks, oversized purses, or coolers.

The venue isa fully cashless box office, parking, and merchandise all require card payment. All major credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted.

A valid photo ID is required at the gate and at all bars. Photos of IDs are not accepted. No outside food, drinks, or alcohol. No chairs or blankets. General Admission is standing room only on rock and gravel ground.

Wear closed-toe shoes. Cowboy boots or athletic shoes are strongly recommended. Heels and flip-flops will be a problem on caliche ground.

What NOT to Bring

Prohibited items include cameras with detachable lenses, pocket knives, pepper spray, fireworks, glow sticks, vape refill liquid in containers over 5 ounces, and any marijuana or cannabis products—Texas law prohibits them, and the venue cannot test CBD or hemp products to distinguish them.

No re-entry. If you leave, you need a new ticket to get back in.

Getting There

From San Antonio and I-35 Northbound: take Exit 191 Canyon Lake, turn left under I-35, and proceed approximately 11 miles—Whitewater Amphitheatre on your right. From Austin and I-35 Southbound: take Exit 191 Canyon Lake, turn right onto FM 306, and proceed approximately 11 miles.

Pre-paid parking is cashless. No limos, buses, RVs, or oversized vehicles are permitted. Rideshare drop-off is at the main lot entrance under the marquee sign.

Cell signal is spotty near the venue. Download your tickets and schedule your rideshare pickup in advance. Free WiFi is available on-site to help connect with drivers after the show.

Where to Stay Nearby

Hideout on the Horseshoe and Whitewater Condos offer the closest, most convenient stays—just minutes from the venue with concert-day shuttle service so you can skip the parking lot entirely.

The Gruene Historic District is approximately 10 minutes from the venue and offers restaurants, bars, and lodging options for a full evening experience around the show.

FAQ

Is the Willie Nelson Whitewater show sold out? Yes. The May 2 show sold out on the official venue site. Resale tickets are available from $107 via Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster.

What time does the show start? Doors open at 6:00 PM. Willie Nelson & Family take the stage at 7:30 PM.

Who is the support act? Roger Creager opens the May 2, 2026, show.

Is there seating at Whitewater Amphitheatre? General Admission is standing room only on rock and gravel ground. Wing and box seating exist but are limited. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Can I bring a chair or blanket? No. Chairs and blankets are strictly prohibited for all General Admission attendees.

What song does Willie Nelson open with? He has opened every headline show with “Whiskey River” since 1973. New Braunfels will be no different.

Is this part of the Outlaw Music Festival? No. This is a standalone headline show. The 2026 Outlaw Music Festival begins separately on July 3 in Irving, Texas.

Is marijuana allowed at Whitewater Amphitheatre? No. Texas law prohibits it, and the venue bans all cannabis products, including CBD and hemp items.