The 25th anniversary of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN, was abruptly ended on Friday, June 13, 2025, due to severe weather conditions. Heavy thunderstorms and steady rainfall forced organizers to cancel the remainder of the festival after just one full day of performances.
Attendees on r/bonnaroo shared vivid, firsthand accounts and photos of the intense storm. Dark skies unleashed rapid flooding, turning campsites into soggy challenges. Many campers had to dismantle wet canopies and pack gear amid streams quickly turning into rushing waters. Approximately 75% of one reported camp evacuated by Saturday evening to avoid worsening conditions.
The National Weather Service had forecasted significant steady precipitation, and organizers issued evacuation notices to ensure safety. Refunds were promptly announced:
- Full refunds for single-day tickets and day parking for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- 75% refunds for four-day admission and camping passes
These were processed back to original payment methods within 30 days.
Despite the disruption, the Bonnaroo community showed resilience. Fans spontaneously organized smaller gatherings and alternative events in Nashville, sharing camaraderie and support. The spirit of the festival refused to wash away with the storm.
This marks the second Bonnaroo cancellation due to severe weather in four years, following the 2021 event halted by Hurricane Ida flooding. Looking ahead, the community holds hope for better conditions and a triumphant return in 2026.
For more in-depth details, see:
- Pollstar: Bonnaroo 2025 canceled after day 1
- Consequence: Bonnaroo refunds and cancellation
- MusicFestNews: Bonnaroo community response
Source: r/bonnaroo