Bonnaroo 2025 Canceled, Severe Weather Halts Iconic Music Festival
The Bonnaroo 2025 Music and Arts Festival, a beloved annual event held at The Farm in Manchester, Tennessee, was abruptly canceled on June 13, 2025, due to severe weather and flooding. Scheduled to take place from June 12 to June 15, the four-day festival boasted a lineup, including performances by Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, and Hozier.
However, relentless storms and deteriorating conditions forced organizers to prioritize safety, ending the event after just one day. This marks the second time in four years that Bonnaroo has faced cancellation due to weather, following a similar fate in 2021 caused by Hurricane Ida’s remnants.
Fans, artists, and organizers expressed deep disappointment, but safety concerns took precedence as the National Weather Service warned of continued rainfall.
The festival kicked off on Thursday, June 12, with a vibrant start. Performances from Luke Combs, Dom Dolla, Insane Clown Posse, and Rebecca Black thrilled attendees, setting the stage for what promised to be a memorable weekend. By Friday afternoon, the weather underwent a significant shift.
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rain and thunderstorms descended upon Manchester, delivering approximately an of rainfall, as reported by the National Weather Service. This resulted in flooding within Centeroo, the primary concert venue, and inundated the nearby campgrounds.
Organizers issued an evacuation notice, urging attendees to seek shelter in vehicles. By 7:40 p.m. on Friday, Bonnaroo 2025 was officially canceled, with the festival announcing the decision via social media and its app. The statement referenced “significant and steady precipitation,” which would deteriorate camping and exit conditions.
The cancellation left approximately 80,000 festivalgoers grappling with muddy campsites and disrupted plans. Organizers expressed heartbreak, stating, “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 to have to make this decision.”
They urged attendees in stable campsites or RVs to stay overnight to allow safer evacuation for those in worse conditions. Refunds were promised, with one-day tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday fully refunded and four-day tickets receiving a 75% refund, processed within 30 days.
Artists like John Summit and Effin shared their disappointment online, with Summit posting, “Bonnaroo cancelled 🙁 so bummed for everyone who came, this was gonna be a special one but u can’t control mother nature.” Meanwhile, some artists, including Of The Trees and Jack’s Mannequin, quickly arranged makeup shows in Nashville at venues like Cannery Hall.
The emotional toll of the cancellation was palpable, especially following the recent passing of Jonathan Mayers, Bonnaroo’s co-founder, just days before the event. Fans and artists alike mourned the loss of what was meant to be a tribute to Mayers’ legacy.
Local meteorologist Elijah Kirby, a National Weather Service partner, had warned of potential storms before the festival, advising attendees to pack waterproof gear. “The forecast showed a high chance of thunderstorms, especially Friday through Sunday, which unfortunately proved too severe for the festival to continue safely,” Kirby said.
Despite the setback, the “Bonnaroovian spirit” shone through as fans supported each other during the evacuation, and some took to social media to share memories of Thursday’s performances. Organizers vowed to make things right, thanking attendees for their patience and positivity.
FAQs About Bonnaroo 2025 Cancellation
Why was Bonnaroo 2025 canceled?
Bonnaroo 2025 was canceled due to severe storms and flooding at The Farm in Manchester, Tennessee, which created unsafe conditions for attendees and artists.
Will Bonnaroo 2025 attendees receive refunds?
Yes, one-day tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be fully refunded, while four-day tickets and camping passes will receive a 75% refund, processed within 30 days.
What caused the severe weather at Bonnaroo 2025?
Heavy rain and thunderstorms, dropping about an inch of rain, swamped the festival grounds, with the National Weather Service forecasting continued precipitation.
Were any performances held at Bonnaroo 2025?
Yes, Thursday’s performances, including Luke Combs, Dom Dolla, and others, took place before the weather deteriorated on Friday.
Are artists rescheduling Bonnaroo 2025 performances?
Some artists, like Of The Trees, Tape B, and Jack’s Mannequin, have announced makeup shows in Nashville at venues like Cannery Hall and Barstool Nashville.
Has Bonnaroo been canceled before?
Yes, Bonnaroo was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2021 due to flooding from Hurricane Ida’s remnants.
What should attendees do after the cancellation?
Organizers advised those in stable campsites or RVs to stay overnight, while prioritizing evacuation for those in flooded areas or with accessibility needs.
Summary and Call to Action
The cancellation of Bonnaroo 2025 was a heartbreaking blow for fans, artists, and organizers, but safety remained the top priority as storms ravaged The Farm. While the festival’s vibrant start showcased the magic of live music, Mother Nature had other plans, forcing an early end to the event. Refunds are underway, and some artists are keeping the spirit alive with impromptu Nashville shows. For the latest updates on Bonnaroo 2025, including refund details and rescheduled performances, visit the festival’s official website or follow their social media. Stay tuned for news on Bonnaroo 2026, and let’s keep the Bonnaroovian spirit alive until we return to The Farm