Bonnaroo cancels its 2027 music festival. Here’s why

MANCHESTER, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will not take place next year.

Festival organizers announced the popular music festival is taking a “much-needed year off” to let the venue’s grounds, known as The Farm, recover from consecutive years of storms.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, and not one we take lightly, but in our hearts, we know this break will only make Bonnaroo better,” a message posted on the festival’s site said.

The music festival that takes place the first weekend in June has been plagued by severe weather in the past few years.

Billboard reported that in 2025, heavy rain and flooding forced Bonnaroo to cancel the remainder of the festival after only one day and send out a notice to festivalgoers to evacuate The Farm.

Bonnaroo organizers said they invested in improved drainage, 4.5 miles of new roadways and 135 acres of new grass ahead of the 2026 festival. Even so, severe weather forced officials to evacuate and temporarily close the main area of the venue, Centeroo, during the final day of the festival.

Afterward, parts of The Farm were left severely muddy.

“With limited time to recuperate from back-to-back years of storms, including the heavy rainstorm on Sunday this year, The Farm, particularly the main venue, needs a break to rest and recover,” organizers said.

Festival organizers said they believe taking a year off will be better for Bonnaroo in the long run.

“We hope you’ll continue radiating positivity in your community throughout the year and thank you for loving this festival as much as we do,” organizers said.