Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, held annually in Manchester, Tennessee since 2002, became one of America’s premier music festivals. The four-day camping festival on a 700-acre farm blends rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic, and jam bands.
Festival Culture
Known for its communal, hippie-influenced atmosphere, Bonnaroo emphasizes sustainability, art installations, and positive vibes. The phrase “Radiate Positivity” became a festival motto. The 24-hour festival grounds feature late-night sets and sunrise performances.
Legendary Moments
Jay-Z’s 2010 headlining set broke barriers for hip-hop at jam-band festivals. Paul McCartney’s 2013 nearly three-hour performance is considered one of Bonnaroo’s greatest sets. Kanye West’s 2014 delayed set became infamous for starting hours late.
The Farm
The 700-acre Great Stage Park becomes a temporary city for 80,000+ attendees. Camping is integral to the experience, with themed campsites, parades, and 24-hour activities. The heat and dust of Tennessee summer became part of the festival’s identity.
Lineups
Bonnaroo curates eclectic lineups spanning genres: from jam bands (Phish, Dead & Company) to pop (Taylor Swift, Cardi B), indie rock (Radiohead, Arcade Fire), and electronic (Bassnectar, Skrillex). The diversity attracts varied audiences.
Post-Pandemic Evolution
The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. Live Nation’s acquisition (2015) shifted the festival more mainstream. Despite changes, it remains one of the US’s most beloved festivals.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnaroo_Music_Festival