The 2025 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has officially canceled the remainder of its weekend in Manchester, Tennessee. The highly anticipated event began as scheduled on Thursday, but relentless heavy rains on Friday led to the postponement of the day’s activities, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of the festival.
In a push alert sent through the festival app, organizers expressed their deep disappointment: “We are beyond gutted, but we must make the safest decision and cancel the remainder of Bonnaroo.” A comprehensive statement on the festival's official website elaborated on the situation, confirming that the National Weather Service had issued an updated forecast indicating significant and steady precipitation. This weather pattern was expected to create hazardous camping and egress conditions in the days to come.
The festival organizers emphasized their commitment to safety, stating, “We are going to make things right with you, and you will find refund information at the end of this message.” They requested patience from the Bonnaroo community as many campers faced challenging conditions. Some campsites were reported to be in rough shape due to standing water, complicating management efforts in sections of Outeroo.
To facilitate a safe exit for attendees, the festival team urged those whose campsites were in good condition, as well as RV and pre-pitched accommodation guests, to consider staying the night. They assured attendees that services in Outeroo, including food vendors and health and safety infrastructure, would continue to operate as usual. “We have put our hearts and souls into making this weekend the most special one of the year, and cannot express how crushed we are to have to make this decision,” the statement concluded, expressing gratitude for the community's understanding and resilience.
For those affected, refund information is available on the festival's website. Despite the unfortunate cancellation, the festival had initially set the stage for notable performances. Alongside Luke Combs, who performed on Thursday, Bonnaroo 2025 was set to feature headliners such as Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier. Of the headliners, only Combs managed to take the stage, delivering an electrifying set that included surprise guest appearances by Miranda Lambert, Jon Bellion, and Marcus King.
Thursday's lineup also included standout performances from various artists, with King paying tribute to music legends Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, both of whom sadly passed away this week. The night was filled with memorable sets from acts like Wisp, the Droptines, the Lemon Twigs, Die Spitz, Daniel Donato, and the Insane Clown Posse, who captivated the audience in This Tent after midnight.
As the Bonnaroo community navigates this challenging situation, the festival organizers remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees while also acknowledging the unforgettable moments that were shared during the event's brief run.
