Throwback discussions on r/festivals have reignited fond memories of the very first Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival held in June 2002, in Manchester, Tennessee. Longtime festivalgoers describe that inaugural edition as “the Wild West,” capturing the raw, grassroots vibe that set the tone for Bonnaroo’s enduring identity.
Early attendees reminisce about the jam-heavy lineup featuring Widespread Panic, Trey Anastasio, and The String Cheese Incident, which created a uniquely intimate and unpolished atmosphere. The festival’s grassroots promotional style—eschewing traditional ads in favor of internet buzz and fan networks—fueled a rapid sell-out and forged an early community bond that still resonates.
One Reddit user, davegrohlisawesome, perfectly summed it up capturing that unscripted pioneer spirit. Another user, rg35xxsp, recounted attending the first few years, returning in selected later years, and eventually stepping back after 15 years—illustrating how deeply intertwined Bonnaroo is with personal festival journeys.
This thread invites the Bonnaroo community to tally their first visits and share those original memories, underscoring the festival’s legacy as a trailblazer that has grown into a global music pilgrimage while honoring its roots.
For those looking to travel back through Bonnaroo history, the first 2002 lineup and fan stories offer vivid glimpses of a moment when the festival scene was still wide open, wild, and full of possibility.
Source: r/festivals