A retired Army dad and his sons shared their first Bonnaroo experience in a heartfelt Reddit post on r/festivals, spotlighting both the festival’s vibrant energy and the severe disruptions caused by inclement weather.
Day One Highlights:
- The family enjoyed an impressive lineup including Wilderado, The Lemon Twigs, Marcus King, Green Velvet, Luke Combs (with Miranda Lambert), Rebecca Black, Joey Valence, and Brae.
- They soaked in the festival’s variety, hopping between stages and tents, grabbing merch, tasting diverse foods, and engaging in memorable moments like getting sprayed with Faygo and riding trams and rickshaws.
Weather Hits Hard on Day Two:
- Heavy rain and flooding on June 14, 2025, led to major delays and cancellations, eventually forcing the festival to shut down early.
- The family faced crowding and logistical headaches at the rideshare pickups, struggling to secure Uber rides back to their cabin near the air base lake.
Making the Best of a Rough Situation:
- With their cabin reservation non-refundable, they pivoted plans and spent the remainder of their trip enjoying an indoor waterpark in Pigeon Forge, giving the kids a fun ending despite the disappointing festival cut short.
Community Response:
- Festival fans on Reddit expressed empathy and kept the tone positive, applauding the father’s optimistic spirit and the family’s goodwill. There was also buzz around some of the favorite artists encountered at the fest.
The accompanying photo captures the family grinning on the festival grounds, a snapshot of joy amid challenges. This story encapsulates the unpredictability of festival life—and the resilience to make memories regardless.
Source: r/festivals