Bonnaroo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bonnaroo
Genre	Pop, alternative rock, indie rock, hip hop, R&B, electronic, funk, stoner rock, jazz, jam bands, Americana, country, folk, bluegrass, gospel, reggae, world
Dates	Second Thursday in June, duration of four days
Location(s)	Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee, U.S.
Years active	2002–2019, 2022–2025
Attendance	70,000 (2024)
Website	Official website: http://bonnaroo.com/

Bonnaroo is a big, four-day music and arts festival held every year in the United States. It was created by companies called Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment.

Since it started in 2002, Bonnaroo has taken place on a large 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee. The festival usually begins on the second Thursday in June and lasts for four days. Music starts on Wednesday evening and continues until Sunday night. Many different types of music are played on its stages, including indie rock, classic rock, world music, hip hop, jazz, country music, folk, pop, and electronic music.

Rolling Stone magazine once called Bonnaroo one of the "50 Moments That Changed Rock & Roll." It was also named "Festival of the Decade" by Consequence of Sound and one of the 10 Best Festivals by GQ magazine.

The Story of Bonnaroo

How Bonnaroo Started

Ashley Capps, one of the people who helped create Bonnaroo, came up with the idea after another music festival he worked on was canceled in 1999. He wanted to find a new way to have outdoor concerts in the summer. So, in 2002, Bonnaroo was launched by Capps and other music experts.

Where the Name Came From

Before Bonnaroo, the same farm hosted a festival called Itchycoo Park in 1999. The name "Bonnaroo" was inspired by a 1974 album by a musician named Dr. John. "Bonnaroo" is a Creole word that means "a really good time." The founders chose this name to honor New Orleans music and its fun meaning.

Changes Over the Years

In 2019, after a very successful festival, the company Live Nation bought a share of Bonnaroo.

Some festivals have had to be canceled. The 2020 event was first moved and then canceled because of health concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The 2021 festival was also canceled because of heavy rain from Hurricane Ida, which made the grounds too muddy and unsafe. In 2025, the festival was canceled on its second day due to severe weather.

From 2022 to 2024, Hulu streamed the festival live, along with other big music events.

Bonnaroo's Impact

Helping the Community

In 2009, the Bonnaroo Works Fund was created. This is a special group that gives money to local charities and schools.

Economic Boost

Bonnaroo helps the local economy a lot. By 2013, it was estimated that the festival had brought in about $51 million to the area since it began. In 2023, Bonnaroo added $339.8 million to the local economy and helped create or support over 4,000 full-time jobs.

Caring for the Environment

Bonnaroo is very focused on recycling and being kind to the environment. In 2011, a group called A Greener Festival gave Bonnaroo an award for its efforts. In 2004, Bonnaroo helped prevent 120 tons of trash from being collected by encouraging fans to recycle. Food and drinks are often sold in materials that can be recycled or are good for the environment. The festival also has "green" activities, like a special area called Planet Roo.

Festival Stages

Which Stage at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.

Bonnaroo has many stages where artists perform. The main area is called "Centeroo," and the camping area is called "Outeroo." In Centeroo, you'll find stages like the What Stage, Which Stage, That Tent, This Tent, and The Other Stage. The Other Stage used to be a tent but became a full stage as EDM became more popular.

In Outeroo, the stages change each year, but since 2018, there has been a "Where in the Woods Stage" that plays electronic music late at night. The biggest stage, the What Stage, can hold up to 80,000 fans!

Memorable Performances

D'Angelo's Return

On June 9, 2012, R&B singer D'Angelo performed in America for the first time in over 12 years at Bonnaroo's special Superjam event. He played with members of the Soulquarians, including Questlove.

Beastie Boys' Last Show

In 2009, the famous group Beastie Boys played their very last show ever at the Bonnaroo festival.

Fun Activities

Graffiti by Nashville artist Ryan McCauley on the Graffiti Wall, which separates Centeroo from the campsites.

Besides music, Bonnaroo offers many other fun things to do. These include parades, dance shows, yoga classes, and lessons about being sustainable. There's also a 5k run, a place where people can get married, a water slide, and markets where vendors sell their goods.

How Many People Attend

See also

• List of historic rock festivals
• List of jam band music festivals