Bonnaroo 2025 came to a sudden halt just after opening night. Severe thunderstorms forced organizers to cancel the rest of the weekend. Notably, this decision followed the death of co-founder Jonathan Mayers only one day earlier. As a result, the once-vibrant farm grounds in Manchester, Tennessee, fell silent. Major acts ended their run after Thursday.

Dangerous Forecast Prompts Shutdown

First, the National Weather Service issued warnings about steady rain and potential flash flooding at Great Stage Park. On Friday afternoon, Centeroo—the main venue—cleared out at 1:30 pm CT. By mid-afternoon, festival organizers posted on the app: “We are beyond gutted, but we must make the safest decision and cancel the remainder of Bonnaroo.”

Big Names Cut Short

The festival opened Thursday with performances by Luke Combs and Dom Dolla. However, major artists such as Tyler, the Creator; Olivia Rodrigo; Avril Lavigne; Hozier; Vampire Weekend; Nelly; and Queens of the Stone Age never performed. Fans and performers shared their disappointment online. Many voiced frustration as organizers canceled set times abruptly.

Festival Infrastructure Struggles

Relentless rain made camping zones dangerous. Flooding disrupted evacuation efforts and complicated vehicle access. Meanwhile, vendors continued serving food and maintaining sanitation in Outeroo. Still, saturated grounds forced staff to assist vulnerable attendees—especially those in RVs or with accessibility needs.

Refunds Rolled Out Promptly

Organizers quickly outlined the refund process: full refunds for Friday through Sunday single-day passes, and 75% refunds for four-day ticket holders and camping packages. Front Gate Tickets will issue refunds within 30 days. Festival staff also expressed gratitude for fans’ patience and understanding.

Despite financial setbacks, organizers prioritized safety. One statement read: “We put our hearts into this. We’re crushed.”

Legacy Amid Tragedy

Jonathan Mayers, Bonnaroo’s 51-year-old co-founder, passed away earlier in the week. Though the official cause of death remains private, the festival team honored him by announcing a commemorative tree-planting. Many attendees and staff dedicated their experience this year to his lasting legacy.

Fan Reaction: Outrage and Understanding

Fan responses on social media reflected a wide range of emotions. Some vented about lost travel expenses and broken expectations. For example: “We spent thousands on flights” and “There wasn’t even rain after cancellation.” However, others recognized the danger and praised organizers for putting safety first.