Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong to Perform at Oakland Benefit Concert

The punk rock icon will take the stage at the annual Notes & Words fundraiser for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong is set to headline the 16th edition of the Notes & Words benefit concert in Oakland on May 2. Armstrong will perform with his covers band, the Coverups, at the Fox Theater event, which raises funds for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. Other acts on the bill include hip-hop duo Black Violin, singer-songwriter August Lee Stevens, and students from the Oakland School for the Arts.

Why it matters

Notes & Words is a highly anticipated annual fundraiser that has featured many notable musicians over the years, including Alanis Morissette, Beck, and Dave Grohl. Armstrong's participation is expected to draw a large crowd and significant donations for the children's hospitals.

The details

Armstrong is returning to the Bay Area for the first time since his controversial Super Bowl LX pregame performance, where he avoided making any politically-charged statements. At the Pier 29 concert during Super Bowl week, however, the Green Day frontman did call out U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and reference the infamous Epstein files, in line with his reputation as a politically-engaged artist.

  • The Notes & Words concert is scheduled for May 2, 2026.
  • Armstrong last performed in the Bay Area during Super Bowl LX last month.

The players

Billie Joe Armstrong

The lead singer and guitarist of the punk rock band Green Day, known for his politically-charged lyrics and stage presence.

The Coverups

Armstrong's covers-only side project, which will be performing at the Notes & Words benefit concert.

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

The recipient of the proceeds from the annual Notes & Words fundraiser concert.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Billie Joe Armstrong's participation in the Notes & Words benefit concert is a significant draw for the event, which has become a must-attend for music fans in the Bay Area while also raising critical funds for the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.