This fall, a landmark tribute concert is set to honor what would have been John Prine’s 80th birthday. Titled Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine, the one-off celebration will take place on Thursday, October 8, at The Chicago Theatre. Hosted by the acclaimed performer John C. Reilly, the event will draw on Prine’s profound songbook and feature a packed roster of guest artists, all committed to immortalizing the man and his music.
During the autumn gathering, a diverse list of artists will pay tribute to Prine through live performances, including Alynda Segarra (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, and The Sullivan Sisters. These guests will receive support from Prine’s longtime live band.
“Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine will serve as the centerpiece to a milestone weekend that the Prine Family’s Hello in There Foundation is organizing alongside Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, Siskel Film Center, and other civic and nonprofit community partners, in the same neighborhoods where Prine’s musical journey began,” the event’s official press release states. Additional events are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The event is produced by the Prine Family and The Hello in There Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization established by the family of John Prine to celebrate his memory and generous spirit through a philanthropic commitment to community care.
Prior to the official birthday celebration, Songwriters Celebrate John Prine is scheduled for June 9 at the Filene Center in Vienna, Va. That event features a guest list including Emmylou Harris, Margo Price, Patty Griffin, I’m With Her, Lucius, Allison Russell, Hayes Carll, Jobi Riccio, Fancy Hagood, and Tommy Prine.
Furthermore, on May 29, 2026, the Prine Family will host the virtual premiere of You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine, a new tribute concert film captured in October 2022 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Tickets for Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine go on sale at 10 am CT this Friday, May 15, following an artist presale starting at 10 am CT on Wednesday, May 13, and an Old Town School of Folk Music presale at 10 am CT on Thursday, May 14.