Bonnaroo Will Return In 2026 With Modifications In Place To Prevent Weather-Related Cancellations

Following the cancellation of this year’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival due to heavy rains, event organizers initially cast doubts on whether the festival would return next year. Yet on Thursday (July 17), they officially announced that the festival will return to Manchester, Tennessee from June 11-14, 2026, with modifications to the grounds to prevent future cancellations. The plans include removing flood-prone campsite areas, which “will result in a reduced capacity on The Farm (more dancing space).” They also will start allowing entry to the campgrounds on Wednesday, to avoid the typical long lines of festivalgoers trying to access the site on Thursday. Additional improvements include “reseeding the property, continuing to increase access roads within the campgrounds, adding more drainage and reinforcing primary water runoff pathways.” After considering switching the festival dates to a drier season, Bonnaroo will retain its traditional June timeframe based on consultations with weather experts, with plans for the 2026 festival to “kick things off Thursday evening on the What Stage with an epic welcome party.” (Rolling Stone)