The 2025 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival came to an abrupt end on Friday, June 13, as organizers officially canceled the remainder of the event due to dangerous weather conditions. What began as a vibrant celebration of music in Manchester, Tennessee, quickly turned into a weather emergency as thunderstorms and flooding made the festival site unsafe for attendees.
The festival, which had kicked off successfully on Thursday with high-energy performances by Luke Combs, Dom Dolla, Insane Clown Posse, and Rebecca Black, faced mounting challenges just a day later. On Friday afternoon, officials suspended all shows and issued an evacuation notice for the main performance area, Centeroo.
National Weather Service Updates Prompt Swift Action
According to Bonnaroo organizers, the National Weather Service (NWS) provided an updated forecast on Friday that predicted significant and continuous rainfall, creating conditions unsuitable for both camping and safe evacuation. By 7:30 p.m. local time, the official Bonnaroo social media accounts shared the heartbreaking news.
“We are beyond gutted, but we must make the safest decision and cancel the remainder of Bonnaroo,” the statement read. It noted that steady precipitation had already started to deteriorate campsite conditions, especially in areas like the Outeroo and surrounding fields. The message emphasized that safety was the top priority as the storm intensified.
Fans Urged to Stay Overnight If Safe
The announcement urged those in RVs, pre-pitched accommodations, or relatively unaffected sites to stay overnight if safe, in order to allow festival staff to prioritize evacuating attendees in the most challenging or hazardous situations, especially those with accessibility needs.
“The number one thing we need from the Bonnaroo community is patience,” organizers said. “Let’s start by helping those in rough shape get out first. If you’re safe and dry, please consider holding off until tomorrow.”
A Weekend of Big Performances Cut Short
The cancellation affected a star-studded lineup of scheduled performers. Friday night was set to feature Tyler, The Creator, John Summit, and Glass Animals. Saturday had headliners like Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne, and Justice, while Sunday was expected to close with Hozier, Vampire Weekend, and Queens of the Stone Age.
Unfortunately, none of these artists had the chance to perform. The only major set that went on as planned was on Thursday, when Luke Combs made history as Bonnaroo’s first-ever country headliner. His memorable performance included a special appearance by Miranda Lambert, delighting fans with a powerful set that now stands as the festival’s only major headliner moment of 2025.
Despite ongoing showers and worsening conditions, many attendees remained upbeat throughout Friday afternoon, with some even mud-wrestling and dancing in the storm, reflecting the resilient and spirited nature of the Bonnaroo community.
Refund Policy Announced
In their statement, organizers pledged to “make things right” with disappointed festivalgoers. The refund plan is as follows:
- Full refunds will be issued for all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday single-day admission tickets and parking passes purchased via Front Gate Tickets.
- Four-day admission ticket holders and those who purchased camping accommodations will receive a 75% refund.
- All refunds will be automatically processed to the original method of payment, with a timeline of up to 30 days.
Organizers expressed deep sorrow over the cancellation, saying, “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.”
A Tough But Necessary Decision
While the decision to end Bonnaroo 2025 early is undeniably disappointing for thousands of fans, organizers made it clear that safety had to come first. With flooded grounds, torrential rain, and limited access in and out of the festival site, continuing the event posed too much risk.
Despite the abrupt ending, the spirit of Bonnaroo remained intact. The community’s patience, positivity, and understanding stood out even amidst chaos, living up to what organizers lovingly called the “Bonnaroovian spirit.”
Also Read: Disney and Universal Sue Midjourney for Copyright Infringement Over AI-Generated Characters
