John Prine 80th Birthday Celebration in Chicago set for October 8-10th 2026

This fall, John Prine’s life, music, and enduring spirit will be celebrated in a way fitting for one of America’s most beloved songwriters. If Prine were still with us in 2026, he would be turning 80 years old — and those who knew and loved him would likely tell you he’d still be doing what he always did best: offering his time, humor, wisdom, kindness, and unforgettable stories to everyone around him.

On October 8, 2026, Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine will bring together an extraordinary community of musicians and fans at The Chicago Theatre to honor the legendary songwriter’s remarkable life and legacy. More than simply a concert, the event will serve as a celebration of the songs and values that defined Prine’s five-decade career and continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Throughout his life, Prine created music that transcended genres and generations. His songs found beauty in ordinary moments and humanity in every corner of life. Whether writing about heartbreak, humor, loneliness, or joy, he possessed a rare ability to make listeners feel seen. His work became a source of comfort and connection for countless people, creating a legacy that remains as powerful today as ever.

Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine will feature a remarkable lineup of artists performing their favorite Prine songs, each bringing their own voice and perspective to the celebration. Backed by Prine’s longtime live band, the initial lineup includes host and performer John C. Reilly alongside Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Amos Lee, Andrew Sa, Briscoe, Jon Langford, Josh Ritter, Joy Oladokun, Kathleen Edwards, Margo Price, Noeline Hofmann, Ratboys, Shemekia Copeland, Steve Earle, The Cactus Blossoms, The Sullivan Sisters, and many more.

Additional artists and events taking place from October 8 through October 11 will be announced in the weeks and months ahead, creating a weekend-long celebration dedicated to preserving and honoring Prine’s impact on music and culture.

The celebration will also continue one of the causes closest to John’s heart: helping people. Proceeds from Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine will benefit the Hello in There Foundation and its ongoing grantmaking efforts in John’s memory.

Established in 2021, the Hello in There Foundation has distributed nearly $1.4 million in grants to more than 100 organizations working to strengthen communities across the country. The Foundation supports efforts addressing food insecurity, housing access, immigrant and refugee justice, mental health, addiction recovery, and other critical issues. Its work reflects the same compassion and generosity that John carried throughout his life.

At its heart, Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine is more than a birthday celebration. It is a reminder of the values John embodied and the belief he carried into every song — that every life matters, every story deserves to be heard, and that music, at its very best, creates community.

This October, friends, family, artists, and fans will come together once again to celebrate the man whose songs continue to inspire generations and whose spirit remains woven into every note.