Bonnaroo is a multi-day music festival that draws tens of thousands of fans to Manchester, Tennessee each June. Knowing the precise schedule helps you plan travel, lodging, and set times for your favorite artists.
The festival typically runs over a single long weekend, and understanding the daily timeline is essential for maximizing your experience on the farm.
Bonnaroo Event Dates by Year
| Year | Start Date | End Date | Total Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 9 | June 12 | 4 |
| 2023 | June 8 | June 11 | 4 |
| 2024 | June 13 | June 16 | 4 |
| 2025 | June 12 | June 15 | 4 |
| 2026 | June 11 | June 14 | 4 |
Daily Stage Schedule and Programming
Stage Rotations and Set Times
Each day at Bonnaroo is divided into staggered set times across multiple stages, with major acts typically slotted for early evening or late night to manage heat and crowd flow. Exact times vary by year and are published closer to the event in the official schedule.
Headliner Placement Patterns
Headliners often appear on the Big Argy stage on Friday and Saturday nights, while Sunday frequently features a culmination headliner designed to create a powerful finale before the fireworks display. Reviewing past lineups helps you anticipate these peak moments.
How to Find Real-Time Updates
Because weather, artist availability, and production needs can shift the order of performances, relying on real-time information sources is critical. Use official channels on the day of the festival for the most accurate adjustments to your plans.
Official Bonnaroo social media accounts, the festival app, and on-site LED boards communicate updated set times, stage changes, and emergency schedule shifts quickly to attendees in the moment.
Travel and Arrival Planning
Gates Opening and Traffic Considerations
Gates open well before the first scheduled set to accommodate the large volume of vehicles and RVs entering the site, with parking and shuttle operations starting in the early morning. Arriving during these early windows significantly reduces entry delays and secures better camping locations.
Recommended Travel Windows
For a multi-day festival, plan to arrive on the Thursday before the official start if you are camping, as Friday afternoon and evening see the heaviest inbound traffic. If attending only for a single day, aim to reach the venue during the late morning to avoid the rush while still catching opening acts.
Key Takeaways for Festival Planning
- Check the official published start and end dates each year, as they can shift slightly around the June solstice.
- Use the daily stage schedule to bookend your must-see performances with buffer time for transit and unexpected delays.
- Arrive early if you are camping to secure space and avoid the peak congestion of Friday afternoon.
- Monitor real-time updates via the festival app and social channels for on-the-fly adjustments to set times and stage changes.
- Plan your travel and lodging at least several months in advance, as availability near the festival dates fills quickly.
FAQ
Reader questions
When is the final night of Bonnaroo in 2025?
The final night of Bonnaroo in 2025 is Sunday, June 15.
Does Bonnaroo ever run more than four days?
Currently, Bonnaroo operates as a four-day festival, though one-day and VIP experiences exist as separate offerings rather than extending the main event.
What time do gates open on the first day of Bonnaroo?
Gates typically open around 11:00 a.m. on the first day, but it is best to verify the current year’s schedule on the official website for any adjustments due to local regulations or site logistics.
Are set times released before the festival begins?
Yes, the full daily schedule and individual set times are usually published in the weeks leading up to Bonnaroo, allowing you to plan your lineup strategy and travel accordingly.