The 2025 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival came to an unexpected halt after dangerous weather conditions forced organizers to cancel the remainder of the event. What began as a vibrant four-day celebration of music and art turned into disappointment for thousands, as heavy rainfall and flooding in Manchester, Tennessee made it unsafe to continue.
The festival kicked off on Thursday, June 12, with high anticipation, but by Friday, June 13, everything changed. Around 1 p.m., intense storms moved in, prompting organizers to suspend performances and evacuate the Centeroo area. The National Weather Service issued an updated forecast predicting steady, worsening precipitation, leading to the decision to call off the rest of the weekend.
Flooding not only made camping grounds unsafe but also compromised emergency access and exit routes. Organizers prioritized the safety of attendees, artists, and staff, urging those in secure accommodations like RVs and pre-pitched sites to remain overnight for a safer exit the next day.
Organizers have committed to issuing refunds for unused ticket days. One-day ticket holders for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will receive a full refund. Those who purchased four-day passes and camping accommodations are entitled to a 75% refund, which will be processed within approximately 30 days.
Fans were especially disappointed as major headliners like Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier were scheduled to perform over the weekend. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Bonnaroo thanked attendees for their patience, understanding, and positive attitude during a very tough call.