The Bonnaroo subreddit community has collectively voiced strong demands for major improvements following the turbulent 2025 festival. Longtime attendees are calling on organizers to rebuild trust by prioritizing clearer communication channels—bringing back Radio Bonnaroo and printed schedules/maps to reduce dependence on phones and improve emergency messaging.
Key community priorities include:
- Professional, paid staff: Replace reliance on volunteers in essential roles like security, medical, and traffic control with properly trained personnel.
- Infrastructure upgrades: Focus on drainage solutions and flood prevention in campsites rather than investing in flashy new stages or expansions.
- Inclusive advisory committee: Create a direct partnership between organizers and both veteran fans and newcomers to guide improvements.
- Reinstate festival staples: Bring back popular features such as the Kalliope stage and handwashing stations to improve hygiene and late-night entertainment options.
- Sponsor booth and food reform: Cut down on sponsor booth over-saturation in Centeroo and ensure affordable food choices.
- Transparency and accountability: Festival management must offer formal apologies for past issues and share clear, actionable plans for 2026.
Many in the community stressed how the 2025 disruptions impacted their financial and emotional investments, pushing some to demand refunds or compensation. The passionate fanbase is united in its goal to “right the ship,” emphasizing that organizational and logistical reforms are critical to preserving Bonnaroo’s legacy.
Organizers are reportedly monitoring these conversations closely, highlighting the importance of community engagement as Bonnaroo charts its course for the next year.
Source: r/bonnaroo