John Coffelt, Editor

The forecast for continuing rain caused Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival organizers to cancel the event on Friday June 13. 

According to a statement by organizers, the forecasted significant steady rains will produce deteriorating conditions for camping and egress from the festival grounds.

“The number one thing we need from the Bonnaroo community is patience,” the statement said. 

“We have put our hearts and souls into making this weekend the most special one of the year. We cannot express how crushed we are to have to make this decision,” the post said. 

Certain parts of the campground area, also called Outeroo, is said to be in rough shape after Friday’s rains combined with what fell earlier in the week making certain parts difficult. 

Bonnaroo officials will prioritize getting campers in those areas and guests with accessibility needs off the grounds Friday evening. 

Those in good shape or in RVs are asked to spend the night onsite. Outeroo food vendors and health and safety infrastructure will remain operational as usual during the egress. 

Ticket refunds will be given based on type purchased. One-day tickets and parking purchased from Front Gate Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be refunded. Four day tickets and camping accommodations purchased from Front Gate Tickets will receive 75% refunds.  

Organizers hope to have refunds processed within 30 days to the original method of purchase.  

Manchester Mayor Joey Hobbs offered safe travels to all the festivalgoers.

“These decisions are never easy nor popular to make. I hate it for all those involved in this no win situation,” Hobbs said in a statement.

“We are terribly sorry for all the local sports teams and non-profits that rely on the proceeds from concessions to help them through the year. We are sorry too for all the other ways local businesses and other entities benefit from this weekend,” he added. 

This is the second time since 2020 that the event was canceled due to rain related conditions onsite. 

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.