- Sunday, June 15, 2025
Severe storms forced Bonnaroo 2025 to cancel mid-event, but fans turned the weather into a wild celebration. From muddy Slip N’ Slides to campground dance parties, the festival’s spirit lived on through resilience and community joy.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, held annually in Manchester, Tennessee, is known for its vibrant community, eclectic lineup, and free-spirited atmosphere.
This year, fans flocked to “The Farm” for a weekend of music, art, and connection, with acts like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Glass Animals topping the bill. For many, it was a special occasion—Abi Ferris, for example, traveled from Ohio as a high school graduation gift, eager to see her favorite band.
The day began with sunshine and classic Bonnaroo traditions: yoga in Outeroo, a lively beer exchange, and families picnicking in Centeroo. But by early afternoon, dark clouds rolled in, and festival-goers braced for severe weather.
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From Festival Grounds to Playground: Slip N’ Slides and Mud Wrestling
When organizers paused shows and evacuated Centeroo due to safety concerns, the Bonnaroovian spirit kicked in. Campers transformed adversity into celebration, laying tarps for makeshift Slip N’ Slides and organizing impromptu mud wrestling matches.
Laughter and cheers echoed across the campgrounds as people embraced the rain and each other, determined not to let the weather dampen their experience.
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The Announcement and Aftermath
At 7:30 p.m., the news everyone dreaded arrived: the remainder of Bonnaroo 2025 was officially canceled. Organizers expressed heartbreak in their statement, thanking attendees for their positivity and resilience.
While disappointment rippled through the crowd—especially among first-timers and artists eager to perform—the community refused to let the festival spirit fade. Campground parties erupted, and social media buzzed with messages of hope, gratitude, and promises to return next year.
Bonnaroo 2025 may have ended early, but the memories made in the mud will live on as a testament to the festival’s enduring magic and the unbreakable Bonnaroovian spirit.
