Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2025

Every summer, thousands flock to Manchester, Tennessee, for the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, a four-day celebration of music, art, and community. Since its debut in 2002, Bonnaroo has grown into a cultural landmark, known for its eclectic mix of genres from indie rock to hip hop and electronic. With unforgettable performances, vibrant camping experiences, and unique art installations, it offers a one-of-a-kind vibe that keeps fans returning year after year.

What is Bonnaroo Festival?

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, often simply called Bonnaroo, takes root in Manchester, Tennessee, on a sprawling 700-acre farm known as Great Stage Park. Its name draws from New Orleans’ Creole slang, meaning “best on the street,” inspired by Dr. John’s 1974 album Desitively Bonnaroo. This nod to musical heritage sets the tone for a festival that celebrates diversity across genres like indie rock, jazz, country, hip hop, and EDM. Since 2002, Bonnaroo has evolved from a jam-band gathering to a global phenomenon, attracting over 80,000 attendees annually.

What makes Bonnaroo distinct is its multi-genre appeal. You might catch a folk set on one stage, then dance to electronic beats on another. The festival’s cultural significance lies in its ability to blend music with art and community. Great Stage Park transforms into a temporary city, complete with its own economy of food vendors, artisans, and sustainability initiatives. It’s not just a concert; it’s a lifestyle for four days, where strangers become neighbors under Tennessee’s starry skies.

The setting itself amplifies the experience. Great Stage Park’s rolling fields offer space for multiple stages, camping zones, and art installations. Unlike urban festivals, Bonnaroo’s rural location fosters a sense of escape, letting attendees disconnect from daily life. The festival’s organizers, Superfly and A.C. Entertainment, prioritize inclusivity, ensuring a mix of established and emerging artists. This commitment keeps Bonnaroo fresh, with each year offering new discoveries alongside iconic performances.

Bonnaroo’s history is rich with milestones. It survived early financial struggles to become a model for modern festivals, earning praise from outlets like Rolling Stone for its impact on music culture. Its stages—What Stage, Which Stage, This Tent, That Tent—have hosted legends and newcomers alike, creating moments fans talk about for years. The festival also embraces art, with installations ranging from interactive sculptures to light shows, making every corner visually captivating.

Community is at Bonnaroo’s core. Attendees, dubbed “Bonnaroovians,” share a spirit of positivity, often exchanging handmade gifts or forming impromptu jam sessions. This ethos extends to the festival’s green initiatives, like Planet Roo, a hub for eco-conscious activities. Bonnaroo’s blend of music, culture, and connection makes it a bucket-list event for anyone seeking a transformative festival experience in Manchester, TN.

Bonnaroo 2025 Dates and Schedule

Bonnaroo 2025 is set for June 12-15, following its tradition of landing on the second Thursday in June. Held at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, the festival kicks off with early-arrival events on Wednesday evening, primarily for campers setting up. Main stages fire up by noon each day, with performances running late—some until sunrise. This packed schedule ensures there’s always something happening, from headliners to late-night DJ sets.

The festival operates around a loose but reliable structure. Gates typically open Wednesday afternoon for camping pass holders, with smaller stages hosting warm-up acts. Thursday through Sunday, the action spreads across multiple stages, including the massive What Stage for headliners and smaller tents for niche acts. Centeroo, the festival’s 24/7 hub, buzzes with food stalls, craft vendors, and activities like the Silent Disco, where attendees dance to music via headphones.

Each day offers a mix of music, comedy, and workshops. Morning yoga sessions ease you into the day, while afternoon sets build momentum. Evening headliners draw the biggest crowds, often followed by surprise late-night shows. For example, past years featured unannounced sets by artists like Skrillex, adding thrill to the schedule. The festival’s app, available via the official Bonnaroo website, provides real-time updates to navigate clashes between must-see acts.

Centeroo’s constant energy is a draw. Beyond music, you can explore art installations, grab organic tacos, or join a drum circle. Night owls love the late-night scene, with stages like The Other hosting EDM until dawn. The schedule balances intensity with downtime, letting you recharge at campsites or shaded hammock zones. Weather plays a role—June in Tennessee can bring heat or rain—so checking forecasts via resources like Weather.com helps plan your days.

Bonnaroo’s pacing suits all types of festivalgoers. Newcomers can stick to main stages, while veterans hunt for hidden gems, like acoustic sets in Planet Roo. With over 150 acts across four days, there’s no wrong way to experience it. The key is arriving ready to flow with the schedule’s rhythm, ensuring you catch both planned favorites and spontaneous moments that define Bonnaroo’s magic.

Bonnaroo Lineup and Performers

The Bonnaroo 2025 lineup announcement, expected between January and March, is a highlight for fans. While exact names remain under wraps until then, Bonnaroo’s track record sets high expectations. Past headliners like Eminem, U2, Radiohead, and Red Hot Chili Peppers show its knack for booking heavyweights. The festival also spotlights rising stars, blending indie rock, hip hop, folk, electronic, and more to create a diverse sonic palette.

Bonnaroo’s strength lies in its genre-spanning roster. You might see a country legend like Willie Nelson share the bill with EDM giants like Deadmau5 or rappers like Kendrick Lamar. Smaller stages, like This Tent or That Tent, showcase up-and-comers—think early-career sets from acts like Tame Impala or Billie Eilish. This mix ensures every attendee finds something to love, whether you’re into jazz improvisation or pop anthems.

The festival typically features over 150 acts across 10+ stages. What Stage hosts the biggest crowds, with headliners closing each night. Which Stage and The Other cater to mid-tier acts and electronic vibes, while tents offer intimate settings for discovery. Past lineups included surprises, like Phish jamming for hours or Chance the Rapper popping up unannounced. Fans can track updates on platforms like Billboard for leaks or confirmations.

Emerging artists get a spotlight, too. Bonnaroo’s booking team scouts talent from festivals like SXSW, ensuring fresh faces. Genres range from bluegrass to reggaeton, reflecting global trends. The 2025 lineup will likely follow suit, mixing veterans with TikTok-viral acts. Checking the official site or social media keeps you ahead of the reveal, as fan speculation often starts early.

Bonnaroo’s curation reflects its ethos: music as a unifier. It avoids pigeonholing into one scene, making it a haven for open-minded listeners. Whether you’re staking out the front row for a headliner or stumbling across a folk trio, the lineup delivers moments that linger long after the festival ends.

Tickets and Pricing

Securing Bonnaroo tickets is the first step to joining the Manchester, Tennessee, experience. For 2025, options include General Admission (GA), VIP, Platinum, and various camping passes. GA tickets, covering all four days, historically range from $300 to $400, depending on tier and timing. VIP steps up with perks like private viewing areas, while Platinum offers luxury amenities, though prices can hit $2,000+. Camping passes, essential for most, vary by type—tent, RV, or glamping.

Tickets go on sale through the official Bonnaroo website, typically in spring. Layaway plans ease the cost, letting you pay 50% upfront and the rest in installments. Early-bird tiers sell out fast, so checking sites like Ticketmaster for verified resales can help if you miss the initial drop. Avoid scalpers to ensure valid entry.

GA tickets grant access to all stages, Centeroo, and camping (if purchased). VIP adds air-conditioned lounges and exclusive merch, while Platinum includes gourmet meals and concierge services. Camping passes range from $50 for basic tent spots to $1,000+ for pre-set glamping with beds and power. Group camping options let friends reserve adjacent sites, enhancing the communal vibe.

Pricing reflects Bonnaroo’s scale—over 80,000 attendees and 150+ acts demand robust infrastructure. Yet, the festival keeps costs competitive compared to peers like Coachella ($400-$500 GA). Budgeting for add-ons like parking ($50-$100) or showers ($10 per use) is smart. First-timers should prioritize GA and camping for the full experience without breaking the bank.

Planning ahead saves money. Tickets often sell out post-lineup announcement, and prices climb closer to June. Layaway locks in lower rates, making Bonnaroo accessible. Whatever tier you choose, the investment buys four days of music, art, and memories that justify the cost for countless fans.

Camping at Bonnaroo

Camping defines Bonnaroo, turning Great Stage Park into a vibrant temporary city. Most of the 80,000+ attendees stay on-site, choosing from tent camping, RV sites, or glamping. Tent camping, the most popular, costs around $50-$100 per vehicle and offers a raw festival experience. RV sites, starting at $200, suit groups with larger setups, while glamping ($500-$2,000) provides pre-set tents or yurts with beds and AC.

The camping setup is massive, sprawling across Great Stage Park’s 700 acres. Each vehicle gets a 20x20-foot plot, enough for a tent and shade canopy. Arriving early—Wednesday or early Thursday—scores prime spots near Centeroo, cutting walk times. Pro tip: bring a canopy for shade, as Tennessee’s June sun is relentless. Hydration packs and portable chargers keep you comfortable through long days and nights.

Community thrives in the campgrounds. Neighbors share food, play music, or swap stories, creating bonds that last beyond the festival. Group camping lets friends reserve adjacent plots, perfect for coordinating with a crew. Planet Roo, Bonnaroo’s sustainability hub, hosts workshops on composting and solar power, tying camping to the festival’s green ethos. Past initiatives earned awards from A Greener Festival.

Practicality matters. Pack sturdy tents, sleeping pads, and coolers for food—vendors are pricier. Free water stations dot the grounds, so reusable bottles are a must. Showers, available for $10, refresh you after dusty days. Security patrols ensure safety, but locking valuables in cars is wise. Weather varies—heat, rain, or mud—so boots and ponchos are clutch.

Camping isn’t just logistics; it’s Bonnaroo’s soul. Late-night jam sessions, glow-stick-lit dance parties, and sunrise chats make it unforgettable. Veterans advise embracing the chaos—sleep less, connect more. Whether you’re in a basic tent or a decked-out RV, camping immerses you in Bonnaroo’s joyful, communal spirit.

Getting to Bonnaroo

Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, sits about 60 miles southeast of Nashville, making Bonnaroo accessible yet wonderfully remote. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with I-24 leading directly to Manchester’s exit 111. From there, signs guide you to the festival’s tollbooths, where staff check tickets and parking passes. A standard vehicle pass costs $50-$100, while RVs need pricier tags.

Carpooling cuts costs and aligns with Bonnaroo’s sustainability push. Groups can split gas and parking fees, and the festival incentivizes it with carpool contests for VIP upgrades. For non-drivers, shuttles run from Nashville’s airport and downtown, starting at $50 one-way. Booking via the official site ensures reliability. Regional airports like Chattanooga or Huntsville are options, but Nashville’s BNA is closest, with rental cars available.

Public transit is limited—Manchester’s rural vibe means no trains or buses to the site. Ride-shares like Uber drop off at a designated zone, but fares from Nashville can top $100. Biking isn’t practical due to distance and gear needs, though some locals cycle from nearby towns. Check Google Maps for real-time traffic, as tollbooths can clog on Wednesday.

Once on-site, parking is organized by camping type—GA, VIP, or RV. Early arrivals snag spots near Centeroo, saving 20-minute treks. Tollbooths open Wednesday noon, and staff streamline entry with wristband checks. Plan for delays if arriving post-lineup announcement, as 80,000+ attendees converge. Gas stations and Walmarts in Manchester stock last-minute supplies.

Getting there sets the tone. The drive through Tennessee’s green hills builds anticipation, and hitting Great Stage Park feels like entering a new world. Prep your route, pack patience, and you’ll roll into Bonnaroo ready for four days of magic.

Beyond the Music: Art, Food, and Sustainability

Bonnaroo’s magic extends far beyond its stages. Art installations transform Great Stage Park into a visual playground, with giant sculptures, interactive light displays, and murals popping up across the grounds. Past years featured a 50-foot kaleidoscope tower and glowing mushroom forests, inviting attendees to explore and snap photos. These creations, often built by local artists, tie into Bonnaroo’s creative ethos, making every walk a discovery.

Food fuels the festival, with Centeroo and outposts offering 100+ vendors. Options range from organic tacos to vegan bowls, reflecting Bonnaroo’s focus on quality. Signature spots like Spicy Pie serve pizza into the night, while breakfast trucks dish out coffee and burritos. Prices hover at $8-$15 per item, so budgeting $50 daily keeps you fed. Gluten-free and vegetarian choices abound, catering to all diets.

Sustainability anchors Bonnaroo’s identity. Planet Roo hosts workshops on recycling and renewable energy, pushing for a zero-waste ethos. The festival’s reusable cup program and compost stations cut landfill impact, earning accolades from groups like Greenpeace. In 2023, Bonnaroo diverted 60% of waste from landfills, a stat organizers aim to top in 2025.

Non-music activities add depth. Comedy tents feature stand-up from rising stars, while yoga sessions in Planet Roo reset your body. The Where in the Woods stage offers acoustic surprises, and kids’ areas entertain families with crafts. Workshops on tie-dye or meditation foster community, letting you connect beyond the music. Centeroo’s 24/7 vibe ensures there’s always something to do, day or night.

This blend of art, food, and eco-consciousness makes Bonnaroo a holistic experience. You’re not just watching shows—you’re living in a creative, sustainable microcosm. It’s a chance to taste new flavors, meet artists, and leave with a lighter environmental footprint, all while soaking in Tennessee’s summer glow.

Planning Your Bonnaroo Experience

Preparing for Bonnaroo maximizes your four days at Great Stage Park. Start with a checklist: tickets (GA, VIP, or Platinum), camping gear (tent, canopy, sleeping bag), and essentials like sunscreen and reusable water bottles. Download the Bonnaroo app from the official site for real-time schedules and maps—it’s a lifesaver when choosing between overlapping sets. Budget $500-$1,000 total, covering tickets, food, and add-ons like showers.

Arrive early—Wednesday afternoon—for prime camping spots near Centeroo. Gates open at noon, and closer plots cut walking time. Pack for Tennessee’s June weather: 80-90°F days, cooler nights, and possible rain. Sturdy boots handle mud, while hats and bandanas block sun. Hydration packs are key—free water stations are everywhere, but lines form fast. Portable chargers keep phones alive for photos and app use.

Safety comes first. Medical tents operate 24/7, handling heat exhaustion or minor injuries. Hydration stations double as cooling zones, critical during midday sets. Lock valuables in your car, and travel light to stages—backpacks slow security checks. Weather prep means ponchos and tarps; check Accuweather pre-festival. Bonnaroo’s team posts safety tips on social media, worth a follow.

Plan loosely to embrace spontaneity. Pin must-see acts, but leave room for surprises—like a pop-up set in Planet Roo. Group camping syncs friends, but solo travelers find community fast. Budget for food ($10-$15 per meal) and merch ($20-$50). Veterans suggest napping midday to power through late-night EDM or jam sessions. Pace yourself—Bonnaroo’s marathon vibe rewards balance.

A solid plan blends prep with flexibility. You’ll hit favorite shows, eat well, and stay safe while diving into the festival’s joyful chaos. It’s about crafting your adventure, from sunrise yoga to midnight dance parties, all under Manchester’s starry skies.

Why Bonnaroo Stands Out

Bonnaroo’s allure lies in its unique blend of music, community, and vibe, setting it apart from festivals like Coachella or Lollapalooza. While Coachella leans into celebrity culture and Lollapalooza thrives in Chicago’s urban pulse, Bonnaroo embraces Manchester, Tennessee’s rural charm. Its 700-acre Great Stage Park becomes a self-contained world, where camping fosters bonds over four days. This communal spirit draws 80,000+ fans yearly, unmatched by many peers.

Music diversity is a hallmark. Bonnaroo books everyone—rock icons like Paul McCartney, rappers like Post Malone, and EDM stars like Flume—on stages from the massive What Stage to intimate tents. Coachella skews pop-heavy, Burning Man prioritizes art, but Bonnaroo balances it all: indie, jazz, country, hip hop. Its 150+ acts cater to every taste, with smaller stages spotlighting acts before they blow up, like Leon Bridges in 2015.

Accolades pile up. GQ named it a top-10 festival, and Rolling Stone called its early years one of “50 Moments That Changed Rock & Roll.” Economically, it’s a powerhouse—2023’s event generated $339.8 million for Manchester, per local studies, creating thousands of jobs. No wonder it’s a Tennessee staple, drawing global crowds to a small town.

Bonnaroo’s ethos shines through Planet Roo and sustainability efforts, outpacing festivals with less eco-focus. Art installations, comedy, and workshops add layers Coachella can’t match in its desert sprint. Fans rave about the vibe—Bonnaroovians trade kandi bracelets, share campsites, and jam together, creating a warmth that urban fests struggle to replicate. It’s a pilgrimage for music lovers craving connection.

Compared to Glastonbury’s mud-soaked fields or Electric Forest’s niche EDM scene, Bonnaroo’s scale and variety stand tall. It’s not perfect—heat and crowds test patience—but its heart, from volunteer cleanups to surprise sets, makes it a summer must. For genre explorers and community seekers, Bonnaroo’s magic is unrivaled in the USA festival scene.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2025, running June 12-15 in Manchester, Tennessee, promises another epic chapter. From diverse lineups to immersive camping, it’s a haven for music and art lovers. Grab Bonnaroo tickets early and stay tuned for the Bonnaroo lineup reveal. Join the community and make memories at Great Stage Park that’ll last a lifetime.