Reddit’s latest hot thread, titled "Hate to say it but I am running out of patience for camping festivals," lays bare the mounting frustrations of festival fans grappling with weather woes and rising expenses at camping festivals. The original poster cited four major weather-impacted festivals, including Bonnaroo 2025, triggering a wave of empathy and shared stories from the community.
Key Takeaways:
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Weather Disruptions: Attendees recounted brutal conditions including mud, lightning, and cancellations. Bonnaroo has long battled weather problems – from outright cancellation in 2021 due to Hurricane Ida’s flooding, to partial evacuation in 2023 from storms, and notable weather struggles again in 2025.
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Rising Costs: Festival-goers pointed to climbing ticket prices, travel expenditures, and camping gear investments as factors heightening the sting when unpredictable weather strikes.
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Community Voices: Many users echoed similar suffering at Electric Forest, Hard Summer, and others, highlighting how fickle weather can sour the once-vacation-like vibe.
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Possible Alternatives: The conversation shifted to exploring smaller festivals, non-camping multifests like Austin City Limits, or even cruise ship festivals as weather-proof options.
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Broader Context: Several acknowledged climate change’s hand in increased weather instability and questioned profit-driven festival models that may not prioritize attendee comfort.
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Lingering Love: Despite the headaches, many still cherish the unique social and communal magic that camping festivals ignite.
This thread encapsulates a cultural crossroads: how do camping festivals evolve to balance cherished traditions against the realities of climate, cost, and logistics? The community’s debate offers insight into one of music fest culture’s most pressing struggles in 2025 and beyond.
Source: r/festivals