Bonnaroo Festival to Return in 2026 After Record-Setting Rainfall and Changes

Bonnaroo festival will make a comeback in 2026 after the 2025 event was canceled due to extreme rainfall, promising major campground and site upgrades.

The 2025 Bonnaroo Cancellation: A Weather Nightmare

Bonnaroo, the iconic music festival held in Manchester, Tennessee, faced an unexpected and dramatic cancellation in 2025. The event was abruptly called off after record-setting rainfall led to hazardous conditions for attendees, especially on-site campers. Organizers made the tough decision to cancel the festival after the first day due to heavy thunderstorms and unsafe grounds.

The festival had kicked off on Thursday, June 12, with lively performances from stars like Luke Combs and Rebecca Black. Friday was set to host headliners including Tyler, The Creator, John Summit, and Glass Animals. Saturday’s roster featured Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne, and Justice, while Sunday was to close with Hozier, Vampire Weekend, and Queens of the Stone Age.

However, after Friday night’s weather forecast worsened drastically, the organizers decided to cancel the remainder of the festival, prioritizing safety.

Bonnaroo 2026: A Promising Return with Improvements

Despite the setback, the great news is that Bonnaroo is officially coming back in 2026! The festival will return to its beloved Farm location in Manchester, Tennessee, on the same weekend: June 11-14, 2026.

Organizers explained the extreme weather was a rare anomaly, stating:

“Weather experts have confirmed that we saw record-setting rainfall this spring and early summer, making what we experienced extremely uncommon. All things considered, our traditional June time frame remains the most optimal time of year for Bonnaroo.”

This reassurance means fans can expect the festival’s usual summer vibe, but with some key changes to avoid a repeat of this year’s issues.

Key Changes to Improve the Bonnaroo Experience

To enhance safety and venue conditions, Bonnaroo organizers plan to make several significant upgrades:

• Avoiding the most flood-prone campground: The area that suffered the worst flooding in 2025 will no longer be used.
• Investment in infrastructure: A “multi-million-dollar multi-year plan” is underway to improve campground facilities and other festival areas.
• Site and stage layout adjustments: Modifications to the festival’s layout will help manage crowds and weather resilience better.

These changes highlight a commitment to learning from this year’s challenges and creating a safer, more enjoyable festival experience.

Refunds and Community Response

Initially, after the cancellation, Bonnaroo planned to offer 75% refunds to ticket holders. However, this decision sparked backlash from fans. In response, the festival issued an update:

“We are still listening and actively discussing plans to improve The Farm... We are updating the refund to 100%, rather than the 75% originally offered.”

This move helped alleviate tensions and showed the organizers’ dedication to their community.

Reflecting on a Turbulent Festival History

The 2025 cancellation marked the third time in five years that Bonnaroo had to pull the plug on its event, signaling a rough patch for one of the most beloved music festivals in the U.S.

In the midst of this turbulent period, the festival community also mourned the loss of Jonathan Mayers, co-founder of Superfly Entertainment and a visionary behind Bonnaroo and Outside Lands.

Looking to the Future

While 2026 is confirmed for Bonnaroo’s return, the festival team hinted they won’t immediately announce future dates beyond that. They assured fans:

“When plans for the future take shape, you all will be the first to know.”

In the meantime, the organizers expressed heartfelt thanks to the fans for their understanding:

“This cancellation broke our hearts beyond measure, but we knew it had to happen for your safety.”

FAQs About Bonnaroo’s 2026 Return

• Will Bonnaroo still happen in June?
  Yes, the 2026 festival is scheduled for June 11-14, continuing its traditional early summer timing.
• What changes are being made to the festival site?
  The flood-prone campground will be off-limits, and there will be significant investments in infrastructure and site layout improvements.
• Are refunds available for 2025 ticket holders?
  Yes, the festival now offers 100% refunds for the canceled 2025 event tickets.
• Who were some of the planned headliners for 2025?
  Artists included Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne, and Hozier among others.
• Will Bonnaroo announce dates beyond 2026 soon?
  No, the organizers said they will announce future dates when plans are finalized.

Ready to celebrate your favorite artists and unforgettable moments? Shop your favorite album cover posters and festival memorabilia now at Architeg Prints to keep the Bonnaroo spirit alive year-round!