On the morning of August 21, fans’ fears were confirmed when Bonnaroo announced a “much-needed year off in 2027.” In the statement, Bonnaroo explained: “This wasn’t an easy decision, not one we take lightly, but in our hearts, we know this break will only make Bonnaroo better.” They addressed how weather-related cancellations in recent years were a major factor in this decision. “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 to rest and recover.”
Normally, Bonnaroo announces dates for the upcoming year in July so festival-goers can prepare a full year in advance. As we neared the end of August, fans expressed concerns about whether the festival will return, as three of the last six years have been riddled with cancellations. Initially, festival-goers were surveyed on whether they would prefer the festival be moved back to September instead of June. Those plans have since been abandoned following this new announcement on the morning of August 21.
tennessee mayor states 2027 hiatus will affect local nonprofits
Manchester Mayor Joey Hobbs spoke up, explaining how this will have a negative impact on local nonprofits and youth leagues. “They put in long hours and raised money to support their programs and activities. Those opportunities have made a real difference for many organizations in our community.” Manchester, Tennessee locals, including their own Mayor, were left in the dark during this decision-making process, as rumors circulated for months.
Since 2002, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has taken place annually in Manchester, Tennessee, except in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a cancellation. That wouldn’t be the only year the festival encountered issues, though. In 2021, the festival was cancelled entirely due to torrential rain from Hurricane Ida, a major letdown for diehard festival-goers. In 2025, the festival was cancelled midway through its second day due to severe weather conditions. Heavy flooding had turned the campgrounds into thick mud. This year, the festival faced weather-related evacuations. Headliners Skrillex, Rüfüs Du Sol, and Noah Kahan were still able to perform.
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