Following a few cancellations and a string of weather-related challenges, The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has been canceled for 2027.
On Aug. 21, organizers announced the festival would be "taking a much-needed year off in 2027."
"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," read a statementon social media. "We hope you’ll continue radiating positivity in your community throughout the year and thank you for loving this festival as much as we do."
Rumors of a cancellations gained traction afterhosts of "The What Podcast," a show dedicated to the festival, said they were closely monitoring developments surrounding Bonnaroo. Discussions on Reddit further fueled
speculation that the festival could take a hiatus next year.
Bonnaroovians said they were saddened by the festival taking a year off in 2027, though they acknowledged organizers need time to address ongoing infrastructure and weather-related challenges.
Here's what else to know and how fans are responding.
Is Bonnaroo canceled for 2027? What organizers said
Festival officials announced the event will not take place in 2027, saying The Farm needs time to recover following years of severe weather and extensive use.
In a statement, organizers thanked fans for making Bonnaroo 2026 "epic" and said recent investments helped strengthen the festival grounds against future storms. Thoseimprovements included upgraded drainage systems, miles of new roadways and hundreds of acres of new grass.
However, organizers said back-to-back years of storms, including heavy rain during the 2026 festival, have taken a toll on the property. As a result, they said The Farm, particularly the main venue area, needs time to "rest and recover" before hosting the festival again.
2027 cancelation latest in string of setbacks for Middle Tennessee festival
Bonnaroo has been canceled several times throughout its history: In 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021 due to flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, and in2025 when heavy rain and flooding forced organizers to abruptly cancel the remainder of the festival on its second day.
Despite the challenges, many festivalgoers refused to let the setbacks keep them away from The Farm. Many pointed to Bonnaroo's sense of community and culture as reasons to return, despite ongoing concerns about logistics and event planning.
While Bonnaroo 2026 went on as planned, the festival still faced challenges. Severe weather caused delays throughout the weekend, with some sets postponed and others canceled altogether.
Festivalgoers weigh in on Bonnaroo's 2027 cancelation: 'I will never not do Bonnaroo'
Shaina Bradley, a festival veteran, said the news left her heart "so heavy," but added that she understands why organizers might consider a hiatus after seeing the condition of The Farm during the 2026 event.
"Especially on Sunday, the grounds were just destroyed and I was so surprised that they even had Sunday happen," she told The Tennessean Aug. 21. "It breaks my heart, but I hope Bonnaroo comes back. … I will never not do Bonnaroo."
The news has already prompted Bradley and her friends to make alternative plans.
She said her "groop" has discussed organizing its own "mini Roo" gathering next year so they can maintain the sense of community that keeps them coming back to the festival year after year.
Others worry that an extended break could have lasting consequences for Bonnaroo's future.
Steven Sedry, another festival veteran, said the news has fueled concern among longtime attendees and fears that the cancellation could drive fans to other events.
"My thoughts are if they cancel for a whole year, it could be extremely detrimental for the future of Bonnaroo," Sedry told The Tennessean. While he said he would continue attending after nearly two decades as a fan, he questioned whether others would remain as loyal.
Sedry suggested a date change, such as moving the festival later in the summer, could help preserve momentum while giving organizers time to address ongoing challenges.
Contributing: Audrey Gibbs
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bonnaroo veterans fear 2027 cancellation could hurt festival's future. 'It breaks my heart'
