A recent Reddit thread in r/bonnaroo captured a feeling a lot of long-time Roo-goers are wrestling with: should I cancel my layaway ticket?
The original poster — a Bonnaroo vet — said they bought a ticket on release day but never felt right about it. Between higher fees, what they described as a “lackluster” 2026 lineup, changes to the festival footprint, and broader world uncertainty, they decided to cancel their layaway and say they feel much better for it. The post drew 86 upvotes and a long string of replies from people on both sides of the fence.
Why folks are cancelling (common themes from the thread):
– Money and stress: Several people reported layaway payments were causing anxiety. One commenter said they canceled to avoid having their money tied up and would gamble on tickets still being available closer to June.
– Value vs. price: Multiple vets pointed to rising fees and perceived diminishing value — paying more for what feels like “less Roo.”
– Lineup disappointment: Many said the 2026 card didn’t excite them; others pushed back that every year people complain about lineups and that it’s still worth going for the experience.
– Real-world uncertainty: Global events, work instability, and personal circumstances made some decide now wasn’t the year.
Why others are sticking with it:
– Tradition and community: For lots of longtime attendees, Bonnaroo is about the people, the ritual, and the chance to reconnect with friends.
– Give it a chance: Several vets said they’re excited to check out deep-cut or lower-billed acts and still expect a full schedule of stuff they want to see.
– Ticket policy nuances: One commenter pointed out layaway is refundable until fully paid (they cited a $20 layaway fee and a $50 cancellation fee per ticket) — but that was first-hand reporting from the thread, so double-check the official Bonnaroo ticketing terms before making a move.
Bottom line: If you’re on the fence
– Check the official layaway/refund policy for exact fees and deadlines.
– Decide which matters more this year: the lineup and logistics, or the people and ritual.
– If layaway is stressing you out and the experience doesn’t feel worth it, there’s no shame in canceling. If the tradition is what keeps you coming back, you might find the farm will still be worth it.
The original poster said they canceled and felt better. Others urged them to enjoy something else this year and to take care of each other out there. If you’re making the call right now, weigh the financials, your peace of mind, and how much Roo still means to you.
Have you made your decision yet? Share your thoughts and tips — especially if you’ve canceled before and later regretted it (or were glad you did).
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/bonnaroo/comments/1qv9h9c/considering_cancelling_my_layaway_ticket/