What was supposed to be a weekend of music, mud, and magic turned into an abrupt shutdown as the 2025 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival was officially canceled midway due to severe weather warnings. The decision came late Friday, June 13, after heavy thunderstorms drenched the Manchester, Tennessee grounds and created unsafe camping and evacuation conditions.
What Happened?
On Friday evening around 7:30 p.m. local time, Bonnaroo organizers released a statement confirming that the rest of the weekend would not continue. While the festival had kicked off Thursday without any hiccups, featuring Luke Combs, Insane Clown Posse, Rebecca Black, and Dom Dolla, by Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated forecast predicting “significant and steady precipitation” that would render both camping and exit routes unusable.
“We are beyond gutted,” the organizers posted on social media. “But we must make the safest decision and cancel the remainder of Bonnaroo.”
Why Was Safety the Key Concern?
Let’s break it down:
- Heavy Rainfall turned the campgrounds into swampy, unstable terrain.
- Egress (exit) routes were compromised, risking vehicles getting stuck or collisions.
- Some festivalgoers were already stranded in areas with deep mud or impassable paths.
- There was concern for accessibility, attendees with mobility needs were at higher risk.
Rather than take a chance on worsening conditions, organizers pulled the plug to avoid putting tens of thousands of people in harm’s way.
Evacuation Instructions and Camper Guidance
Organizers didn’t just cancel the event, they issued a structured evacuation plan. Those in RV setups or stable pre-pitched accommodations were encouraged to stay overnight so that those in “rough shape” campsites could be prioritized for exit on Friday night.
“We’d like to prioritize getting those folks… off The Farm as soon as possible,” the organizers added, referring to the venue’s nickname.
Fans were urged to remain calm and patient as the Bonnaroo team coordinated what essentially became an emergency mass departure.
What About the Lineup?
The cancellation means fans missed out on a massive star-studded weekend. Here’s what got axed:
- Friday night: Tyler, The Creator, John Summit, and Glass Animals
- Saturday: Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne, Justice
- Sunday: Hozier, Vampire Weekend, Queens of the Stone Age
It’s a crushing blow, especially for fans who had traveled cross-country or even internationally to catch those headliners live.
Will Fans Get Refunds?
Yes, partial and full refunds are being issued.
- Thursday attendees, who saw a full day of performances, will receive partial refunds.
- Those holding multi-day passes will be refunded for the canceled days.
- Parking passes and camping fees will also be addressed depending on usage and access.
Details were included in the festival’s social media post and will be emailed directly to all ticket holders.
Has Bonnaroo Ever Been Canceled Before?
Yes. Bonnaroo was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and again in 2021 due to Hurricane Ida’s remnants. However, this marks the first mid-festival cancellation after the event had already begun.
It’s a sobering moment for one of America’s most iconic music festivals, and a stark reminder of how climate unpredictability is becoming an operational threat to large-scale outdoor events.
What’s Next for Bonnaroo?
While no immediate announcements have been made regarding rescheduling or compensation festivals, the team signed off their message with this note:
“We have put our hearts and souls into making this weekend the most special one of the year… and cannot express how crushed we are.”
Fans can likely expect updates in the coming weeks on any rescheduled acts, loyalty perks, or 2026 early bird passes, but for now, safety comes first.
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