Bonnaroo’s latest attendee survey has sparked a wave of backlash across the festival community. While fans generally welcome efforts to gather feedback, many slam the survey’s closed-ended questions as manipulative—especially those asking attendees to rank secondary stages or consider paying higher prices.
Critics see the survey less as an honest dialogue and more as a data grab to justify potential price hikes or reductions in stages and amenities. The conspicuous absence of open-ended questions has left attendees feeling their biggest concerns—like vendor quality and festival infrastructure—are going unheard.
This skepticism isn’t new. Similar criticism emerged in 2016 over restrictive survey formats that boxed fans into limited response options. The timing also follows Bonnaroo’s tumultuous 2025 season, marked by late cancellations from severe weather and safety failures, which led to widespread fan frustration and demands for transparency. Organizers initially offered partial refunds but eventually committed to full reimbursement for all ticket holders.
The community now calls on Live Nation and Bonnaroo leadership to move beyond surface-level surveys. True progress will require open forums, transparent communication, and real responsiveness to fan feedback. Only then can the festival rebuild trust and regain its status as a beloved cornerstone in the summer festival lineup.
Source: r/bonnaroo