Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2026 returns stronger than ever after last year’s cancellation, unveiling a career-defining lineup that transforms Manchester, Tennessee’s legendary Farm from June 11-14, 2026. Headlined by indie rock icons The Strokes, folk sensation Noah Kahan, electronic music pioneers RÜFÜS DU SOL, and dubstep legend Skrillex, this edition marks Bonnaroo’s triumphant comeback with enhanced infrastructure, improved weather resilience, and the festival’s signature blend of music discovery and communal camping culture.
Taking place at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, just 60 miles southeast of Nashville, Bonnaroo 2026 promises four days of genre-defying performances across multiple stages, late-night jam sessions, Kesha’s curated Superjam, and Weird Al Yankovic’s special Saturday performance. After significant site improvements including enhanced drainage, new roadways, and 135 acres of fresh turf, The Farm welcomes back Bonnaroovians for the ultimate American camping festival experience.
Essential Details for Bonnaroo 2026
- Dates: June 11-14, 2026
- Location: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee
- Tickets: Available at bonnaroo.com starting December 5, 10am CT
- Airport: Nashville International Airport (60 miles, 75 minutes drive)
- Camping: Included with all ticket packages, gates open Wednesday
Who’s Headlining Bonnaroo 2026?
Thursday, June 11 – Electronic Opening Night
Skrillex – The dubstep pioneer returns to Bonnaroo for the first time since 2012, bringing his groundbreaking production that revolutionized electronic music. Expect massive drops, genre-blending collaborations, and the high-energy chaos that made Skrillex a global phenomenon. His Thursday night headline performance sets the tone for four days of musical exploration on The Farm.
Four Tet – British electronic producer Kieran Hebden delivers his intricate, jazz-influenced electronica that has made him one of the most respected names in experimental dance music. His marathon DJ sets featuring seamless transitions and unexpected selections create transcendent late-night experiences.
Vince Staples – Long Beach rapper brings his intelligent, socially conscious hip-hop and deadpan delivery across hits from “Norf Norf” to his latest releases, representing West Coast rap innovation.
Spiritual Cramp – California post-punk band delivers their high-energy blend of punk rock attitude and dance-punk grooves that has made them one of indie rock’s most exciting emerging acts.
Friday, June 12 – Indie Rock Excellence
The Strokes – New York City rock legends deliver their seminal garage rock revival sound that defined 2000s indie music. Julian Casablancas and company bring classics from “Is This It” including “Last Nite,” “Someday,” and “Reptilia” alongside tracks from their evolved catalog. Their Bonnaroo performance marks a rare American festival appearance for the notoriously selective band.
GRiZ – Detroit-born producer and saxophonist brings his signature blend of funk, soul, and electronic music featuring live instrumentation and feel-good vibes. His Bonnaroo sets have become legendary for their positive energy and musical virtuosity.
Turnstile – Baltimore hardcore punk band transcends genre boundaries with their melodic approach to heavy music, creating euphoric mosh-pit moments that unite punk, indie, and electronic music fans.
Mt. Joy – Philadelphia indie rock band delivers their Americana-influenced anthems and Matt Quinn’s distinctive vocals on tracks like “Silver Lining” and “Jenny Jenkins” that have made them festival favorites.
Major Lazer – Diplo’s electronic music project brings Caribbean-influenced dance music, massive production, and party atmosphere to The Farm’s main stage.
Jessie Murph – Rising pop and R&B artist brings her powerful vocals and emotional songwriting that has captured attention across streaming platforms and TikTok.
Yungblud – British rocker Dominic Harrison delivers his punk-influenced pop-rock energy and gender-fluid aesthetic that resonates with Gen Z alternative music fans.
Geese – Brooklyn art-rock band showcases their experimental approach combining post-punk, indie rock, and psychedelic influences that has earned critical acclaim.
Saturday, June 13 – Electronic and Alternative Dominance
RÜFÜS DU SOL – Australian electronic trio delivers their signature melodic house sound with live instrumentation and stunning visual production. Their emotional, anthem-driven sets featuring “Innerbloom,” “You Were Right,” and “On My Knees” create transcendent festival moments that have made them one of electronic music’s most beloved live acts.
Teddy Swims – Atlanta soul and R&B singer showcases his powerful vocals across genre-blending performances that move from intimate ballads to explosive soul anthems, representing contemporary R&B evolution.
The Neighbourhood – California alt-rock band brings their moody, atmospheric sound and Jesse Rutherford’s distinctive vocals on tracks like “Sweater Weather” that defined mid-2010s alternative music.
Alabama Shakes – Southern rock and soul band led by Brittany Howard makes a triumphant return with their raw, blues-influenced sound and explosive live energy that earned them multiple Grammy awards.
Chase and Status – British drum and bass duo delivers their high-octane electronic music combining dubstep, jungle, and hip-hop influences that dominate UK festival circuits.
Sara Landry – Rising techno DJ brings her hard-hitting industrial techno sound representing the next generation of underground electronic music innovation.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise – North Carolina indie rock band delivers their genre-fluid approach combining folk, indie, and electronic elements with Sam Melo’s distinctive vocals.
Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist – Gary, Indiana rapper teams with legendary producer for hip-hop performances featuring their acclaimed collaborative albums showcasing technical lyricism and boom-bap production.
Amyl and the Sniffers – Australian punk rock band brings their raw, high-energy performances and Amy Taylor’s fierce frontwoman presence that has revitalized garage punk.
Sub Focus – British drum and bass producer delivers his melodic approach to bass music that has made him one of electronic music’s most consistent hitmakers.
Gorgon City – British house duo brings their UK garage-influenced electronic music and vocalist collaborations that create euphoric dance music moments.
Weird Al Yankovic (Special Late-Night Performance) – Comedy music legend delivers his parody classics and original songs in a special Saturday late-night set celebrating four decades of musical humor.
Sunday, June 14 – Folk and Indie Closing
Noah Kahan – Vermont folk-pop sensation closes Bonnaroo with his emotionally resonant songwriting and storytelling about small-town life, mental health, and New England landscapes. His explosive rise through “Stick Season” and sold-out arena tours has made him one of contemporary music’s most authentic voices. His Sunday headlining slot promises singalongs and communal catharsis perfect for festival closing.
Role Model – Maine-born alt-pop artist brings his vulnerable lyrics and genre-blending sound that connects indie rock, R&B, and pop sensibilities for intimate festival moments.
Kesha Presents: Superjam Esoterica – The Alchemy of Pop – Pop icon Kesha curates Bonnaroo’s legendary Superjam tradition, bringing together diverse artists for collaborative performances and unexpected covers celebrating pop music’s magical transformation.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Husband-wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi lead their 12-piece band through blues, soul, and rock performances featuring guitar virtuosity and powerful vocals.
LSZEE – Rising electronic producer brings bass-heavy experimental sounds representing the underground electronic music scene’s innovative spirit.
Clipse – Virginia Beach rap duo Pusha T and No Malice reunite for rare performances of their influential hip-hop catalog including “Grindin'” and “Mr. Me Too.”
Mariah the Scientist – Atlanta R&B artist delivers her melodic, introspective songs combining singing and rapping that has made her one of contemporary R&B’s most compelling voices.
Daily Bread – Producer Rhett Whatley brings his soulful, sample-based electronic music and positive vibes perfect for Sunday afternoon festival moments.
Modest Mouse – Seattle indie rock veterans deliver their distinctive sound and Isaac Brock’s talk-sing vocals on classics spanning “Float On” to their extensive catalog.
Big Gigantic – Saxophone and drums duo delivers their high-energy blend of electronic music and live instrumentation creating unique festival experiences.
Japanese Breakfast – Michelle Zauner’s indie rock project brings her dreamy, 80s-influenced sound and emotional depth from acclaimed albums exploring grief and identity.
Turnover – Virginia indie rock band delivers their shoegaze-influenced dream pop and nostalgic songwriting perfect for Sunday afternoon reflection.
Notable Highlights Making Bonnaroo 2026 Legendary
Triumphant Return After 2025 Cancellation Bonnaroo 2026 marks the festival’s comeback after severe weather forced cancellation of the 2025 edition just hours after gates opened. The festival has invested heavily in site improvements including enhanced drainage systems, new roadways throughout campgrounds, 135 acres of fresh turf, and removal of flood-prone camping areas. These infrastructure upgrades demonstrate Bonnaroo’s commitment to weather resilience while maintaining the authentic Farm experience.
Kesha’s Superjam Curation Pop icon Kesha takes on Bonnaroo’s legendary Superjam tradition, curating “Superjam Esoterica: The Alchemy of Pop” featuring collaborative performances, surprise guests, and unexpected interpretations celebrating pop music’s transformative power. Previous Superjams have featured legendary collaborative moments that become festival folklore.
Weird Al’s Special Late-Night Set Comedy music legend Weird Al Yankovic performs a special Saturday late-night set bringing four decades of parody classics, polka medleys, and original songs to The Farm. His appearance represents Bonnaroo’s tradition of including comedy and unexpected performances alongside traditional music programming.
Genre Diversity Across Four Days From Skrillex’s electronic opening to Noah Kahan’s folk storytelling, from The Strokes’ indie rock precision to RÜFÜS DU SOL’s melodic house, Bonnaroo 2026 showcases the festival’s signature commitment to genre-defying curation. Electronic music receives particularly strong representation with GRiZ, Chase and Status, Sub Focus, and underground acts balancing mainstream and cutting-edge sounds.
Return of Camping Festival Culture After cancellation disrupted Bonnaroo’s communal tradition, 2026 marks the return of The Farm’s legendary camping culture. The experience of living together for four days, forming campsite communities, and experiencing 24-hour music access defines Bonnaroo’s identity beyond just performances.
Why Bonnaroo 2026 Will Be Legendary
Bonnaroo holds sacred status in American festival culture as the event that brought European-style camping festivals to the United States. Since 2002, The Farm has hosted transformative performances, launched careers, and created a communal experience unlike any other American music event. Rolling Stone named Bonnaroo one of the “50 Moments That Changed Rock and Roll,” while Consequence of Sound dubbed it “Festival of the Decade.”
The Farm Experience and Centeroo Great Stage Park’s 700-acre layout creates distinct zones for different festival experiences. Centeroo houses main performance stages including the What Stage (capacity 80,000), Which Stage, This Tent, That Tent, and The Other Stage, operating 24 hours during festival with food vendors, art installations, and activities. The campgrounds, called Outeroo, host 80,000+ festival-goers creating temporary communities complete with decorated campsites, communal gathering spots, and the Where in the Woods UFO Stage for late-night electronic music.
Camping Culture and Community Bonnaroo camping transcends typical festival accommodations, creating genuine communities that form overnight and last for years through social media connections. Campsites become creative expressions with elaborate shade structures, themed decorations, and welcoming atmospheres. Neighbors share food, music, and experiences, embodying the festival’s “radiate positivity” ethos. The camping experience separates Bonnaroo from city festivals, creating immersive participation rather than just spectatorship.
24-Hour Music Access and Late-Night Programming Unlike festivals that end at midnight, Bonnaroo’s Centeroo operates continuously with late-night performances extending until sunrise. The This Tent and That Tent host intimate late-night sets featuring electronic music, jam bands, and surprise collaborations when artists finish main stage sets. The Where in the Woods UFO Stage in campgrounds provides additional late-night electronic music for those unwilling to end the party.
Superjam Tradition and Collaborative Spirit Bonnaroo’s annual Superjam brings together diverse artists for one-night-only collaborative performances featuring cover songs, unexpected pairings, and spontaneous musical moments. Previous Superjams have featured legendary combinations like members of The Roots, D’Angelo, and various hip-hop and rock artists creating unique performances impossible to replicate. Kesha’s 2026 curation promises pop music reinvention through collaborative experimentation.
Infrastructure Improvements for 2026 Following 2025’s weather cancellation, Bonnaroo invested in comprehensive site improvements. New drainage systems throughout The Farm prevent flooding that forced previous cancellations. Miles of improved roadways enable better traffic flow and emergency access. 135 acres of new turf provides stable ground conditions even during rain. Removal of most flood-prone camping areas protects attendees while maintaining capacity. These upgrades demonstrate commitment to festival reliability without sacrificing authentic Farm atmosphere.
Insider Tips for Bonnaroo Veterans and First-Timers
Arrive Wednesday for Full Experience Gates open Wednesday afternoon, allowing early arrivals to claim prime camping spots closer to Centeroo, set up elaborate campsites without rush, and meet neighbors before festival chaos begins. Thursday’s first performances start evening, giving Wednesday arrivals full day for preparation and exploration.
Camping Essentials for Tennessee June Heat Tennessee in June reaches 85-95°F with high humidity and intense sun. Successful camping requires shade structures beyond basic tents. Bring easy-up canopies, tarps, and reflective emergency blankets for tent roofs. Sleep becomes impossible after sunrise without adequate shade. Battery-powered fans, cooling towels, and portable misters provide relief during hottest hours. Hydration takes priority with reusable water bottles and Camelbaks essential for survival.
Car Camping Strategy and Site Setup Standard car camping provides roughly 20×20 foot space including vehicle. Maximize space by parking strategically and using vertical storage. Bring plenty of rope, bungee cords, and stakes for securing shade structures against Tennessee wind. Coordinate with caravan groups to camp together by arriving simultaneously and requesting adjacent spots at tollbooths. Decorate campsites with flags, tapestries, or unique markers for easy identification across massive campgrounds.
Food and Cooler Management Bring two coolers if space allows: one for food, one for drinks. Drink cooler gets opened constantly, warming food cooler unnecessarily. Stock coolers with block ice rather than cubed ice for longer-lasting cooling. Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs while providing drinking water as they melt. Plan simple, non-perishable meals or foods requiring minimal preparation. Festival vendors provide quality options, but budget increases quickly relying entirely on purchased food.
Schedule Strategy for Marathon Festival Bonnaroo is a marathon, not sprint. Attempting to see every performance and stay awake for all late-night sets guarantees exhaustion and diminished experience. Choose priority acts while allowing downtime for campsite relaxation, naps, and recovery. Missing some performances to maintain energy proves wiser than attending everything while exhausted. The camping experience and festival atmosphere matter as much as individual sets.
Afternoon Centeroo Strategy Return to campsite during afternoon’s hottest hours between 1-4pm for food, rest, and escape from sun exposure. Plan schedule around this mid-day break to avoid heat exhaustion and maintain energy for evening and late-night performances. Many attendees consider afternoon campsite time essential for sustainable festival experience across four days.
Late-Night Performance Culture Bonnaroo’s late-night programming from midnight to sunrise represents essential festival experience. The This Tent, That Tent, and Where in the Woods UFO Stage host intimate performances when main stages close. Artists often perform special late-night sets after finishing main performances, creating surprise appearances and unique collaborations. Bring flashlights or headlamps for navigating between campgrounds and Centeroo during late-night hours.
Practical Survival Items Beyond obvious camping gear, bring baby wipes for hygiene when showers seem too far, toilet paper for porta-potties that run out, portable phone chargers since electricity is scarce, comfortable walking shoes since you’ll walk miles daily, and first aid supplies including blister treatment. Earplugs help sleep despite campground noise. Rain boots or waterproof shoes prove essential if weather turns wet, creating muddy conditions across The Farm.
Post-Bonnaroo Blues Preparation The crash from Bonnaroo’s intense communal experience and four days of music immersion creates genuine emotional letdown. Plan recovery days after festival for sleep, proper nutrition, and processing the experience. Connect with Bonnaroo friends through social media to relive memories and maintain community connections. The “Bonnablues” are real, but proper self-care and mental health awareness eases the transition back to regular life.
This represents America’s premier camping music festival, combining world-class programming with communal living and 24-hour music access on The Farm.
Final Thoughts
Bonnaroo 2026 marks a triumphant return for America’s most beloved camping festival, delivering a genre-defying lineup that spans The Strokes’ indie rock precision, Noah Kahan’s folk storytelling, RÜFÜS DU SOL’s melodic house euphoria, and Skrillex’s electronic innovation. Beyond the performances, Bonnaroo offers the transformative experience of living communally for four days, forming genuine connections, discovering new artists, and participating in festival culture that has influenced American music for over two decades.
The combination of world-class programming, legendary camping culture, enhanced infrastructure ensuring festival reliability, and Tennessee summer atmosphere makes Bonnaroo 2026 essential for serious music fans. This is not just a festival but a temporary community where strangers become friends, where music plays continuously, and where the experience transcends individual performances to become something genuinely transformative.
Secure your Bonnaroo 2026 tickets at bonnaroo.com starting December 5 at 10am CT and prepare for your journey to The Farm.
