What is the history of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival?

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival was first held in 2002, founded by Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, now known as Great Stage Park. The festival's name, 'Bonnaroo,' is derived from Creole slang meaning 'a really good time,' inspired by Dr. John's 1974 album 'Desitively Bonnaroo,' and reflects the event's roots in the New Orleans music tradition. It was created by Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment following the cancellation of the Hot Summer Nights festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1999, with the site previously hosting the less successful Itchycoo Park Festival.

Since its inception, Bonnaroo has grown into one of the most iconic music festivals in the U.S., known for its diverse lineup spanning genres like indie rock, hip-hop, jazz, country, and electronic music. The festival typically starts on the second Thursday in June and lasts four days, with performances beginning around noon and continuing late into the night. It has been held every year except in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021, when Hurricane Ida caused flooding that made the grounds unusable.

Over the years, Bonnaroo has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of the '50 Moments That Changed Rock & Roll' by Rolling Stone in 2003, 'Festival of the Decade' by Consequence of Sound, and among the 10 Best Festivals by GQ Magazine. In 2019, Live Nation bought out Superfly's share, further expanding the festival's reach. The Bonnaroo Works Fund, established in 2009, supports local nonprofits and schools, reflecting the festival's commitment to community and sustainability.