Bonnaroo Music Festival

Bonnaroo Music Festival is a four-day annual music and arts gathering held at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, United States. Taking place each June, it draws tens of thousands for a diverse lineup across multiple stages, blending genres from rock and hip hop to folk and electronic.

• Held on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee
• Features music from rock, hip hop, folk, electronic, and more
• Camping is central to the festival experience
• Sustainability and recycling are key values
• Multiple stages including the iconic What Stage

What it is

Bonnaroo is a major American music festival that transforms a 700-acre farm in Tennessee into a vibrant, temporary city of music lovers. Over four days, attendees experience performances from a wide range of genres—indie rock, hip hop, jazz, Americana, bluegrass, pop, electronic, and more—across multiple stages. The festival is known for its sense of community, camping culture, and a spirit of creative freedom. For many, Bonnaroo is not just about the music but about connecting with others, exploring art installations, and embracing a shared celebration of creativity and togetherness.

Where it comes from

Bonnaroo was founded in 2002 by Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment, following the closure of Knoxville’s Hot Summer Nights festival. The event’s name, inspired by a 1974 Dr. John album and Creole slang for 'a really good time,' pays homage to New Orleans music and culture. The festival site had previously hosted the Itchycoo Park Festival in 1999, considered a spiritual forerunner. Since its inception, Bonnaroo has grown into a landmark event, earning accolades from major publications and shaping the landscape of American music festivals.

How it is celebrated

Festivalgoers camp on-site, creating a lively, communal atmosphere that lasts from Wednesday evening through Sunday night. Music is the heart of Bonnaroo, with performances on stages like the What Stage and Which Stage, as well as late-night shows in the Outeroo campgrounds. Beyond music, Bonnaroo offers parades, dance performances, yoga sessions, sustainability workshops, a 5k run, a marriage barn, and a giant water slide. Food and drink vendors emphasize organic and recyclable materials, reflecting the festival’s commitment to sustainability. Attendees can also explore art installations, vendor markets, and participate in environmental activities through initiatives like Planet Roo.

Joining in

To experience Bonnaroo, head to Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, where the main festivities unfold. Most attendees camp on-site, so expect a bustling tent city and a strong sense of camaraderie. As a visitor, you’ll find music from early afternoon into the night, with plenty of non-musical activities to explore. Prepare for warm June weather, bring essentials for camping, and be ready to immerse yourself in a welcoming, creative crowd.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Bonnaroo, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Bonnaroo on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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