Bonnaroo will take "a year off," 2027 festival is canceled

What they're saying: Organizers said the festival's Manchester-area home base, known as The Farm, "needs time to rest and recover" following multiple years of heavy rain.

• "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. …
• "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."

Between the lines: The statement didn't offer any details about what improvements are needed, nor did it specify a return date for the festival.

• Organizers have surveyed fans about the potential of shifting the festival to September.

Catch up quick: The cancellation follows a brutal streak of bad luck for Bonnaroo.

• The 2020 event was called off during the pandemic. The 2021 festival was moved to October and then canceled because of flooding.
• In 2025, Bonnaroo sent fans home on its second day because of extreme rain.

State of play: Organizers spent "a great deal of effort and money" to improve the festival grounds and dampen the impact of heavy rain. Upgrades included better drainage, more grass and new access roads.

• Even so, on the last day of the 2026 festival, more rain led to delays and some canceled sets.

The big picture: Nature isn't the only challenging variable facing Bonnaroo.

• There is also a crowded calendar of competing festivals that are drawing big names and crowds to other parts of the country.
• The festival tracker JamBase lists more than 350 U.S. music festivals.