Bonnaroo turns to fans to help decide festival's future
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After three of the last six events were canceled, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is asking fans to help decide the future of the annual event in Coffee County.
Why it matters: Bonnaroo is a major economic driver for the region and one of the most prominent music festivals in the country. However, the event is on shaky ground due to cancellations and increasing competition.
State of play: This year's festival was called off after one day due to rain. Bonnaroo organizers announced they would give fans three-fourths of their money back, before reversing course and offering full refunds.
Flashback: The 2021 event was postponed to the fall, but then canceled due to flooding from Hurricane Ida.
- In 2020, the event was wiped out by the pandemic.
Driving the news: Bonnaroo, which is majority-owned by Live Nation, held off on immediately rolling out its plans for the 2026 concert and camping event.
- Instead, Bonnaroo posted a survey asking fans for feedback on when the festival takes place and how it affects their experience.
Between the lines: Bonnaroo has always tried to thread the needle on its timing. Organizers want as many young people to attend as possible, which means picking dates when college isn't in session.
- But that gets into the summer months, which as we know all too well, are especially hot in Tennessee.
- Bonnaroo in the fall would bring milder weather, but perhaps smaller crowds.
What's next: More fan surveys appear to be coming.
- '"We want you to be a part of this process, so we'll keep you posted on any updates and likely ask you to weigh in on more considerations in the coming months," Bonnaroo said on social media.