Staff Report

According to a statement posted to the festival’s official website, Bonnaroo will be taking a “much needed” year off in 2027.

The festival team thanked fans and attendees for a “epic” weekend in 2026 that “reminded of the good things in this world” before explaining the reasoning for taking a year off.

“As you know, we spent a great deal of effort and money working to improve the campgrounds and Centeroo in the months leading into the 2026 festival. That included improved drainage, 4.5 miles of new roadways and 135 acres of new grass, all which strengthened The Farm’s resiliency to Mother Nature. 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.”

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.

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.

Love,

The Bonnaroo Team”

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has been a Manchester staple since its inception in 2002 and has hosted musical acts across multiple genres.

According to Manchester Mayor Joey Hobbs, The Mayor’s Office spoke with Bonnaroo officials prior to today’s announcement and was aware of the decision.

“Out of respect for Bonnaroo and their team, we felt it was appropriate to allow them to share that news in their own time and in their own way,” Hobbs said in a statement.

“Regardless of anyone’s personal feelings about Bonnaroo, its absence will be a big change for the many local nonprofits and youth leagues that have worked concessions at the festival over the years. They put in long hours and raised money to support their programs and activities, and those opportunities have made a real difference for many organizations in our community.”