Bonnaroo
June 12 - Manchester, TN
Words by Molly Greco
Photos by Jackilyn Cooper
The anticipation leading up to Bonnaroo was one I had never experienced before. After all, it was my first ’Roo. For so many years, I had heard only the best things about Bonnaroo, not just for the music and the festival itself, but for the incredible sense of community that sets Bonnaroo apart from the rest. That’s what I was most eager to experience, and I’m happy to report the rumors are true. Even though the weekend was cut short, it was nothing less than unforgettable.
The excitement for the weekend was building up so much that we could hardly sleep. My grandparents had once spent part of their lives in Manchester, TN, and since I moved to Nashville, they’d ask me every year, “Have you been to the farm yet?” Until 2025, my answer was always, “Not yet, but hopefully next year!” So, waking up on the first day of Bonnaroo, I finally got to send them a photo with a message I’d been waiting years to write: “Headed to the farm.”
With what we believed would be a long weekend ahead, we dedicated Thursday to fully immersing ourselves in the Bonnaroo experience. We wandered the grounds, mapping out the stages and venturing into Outeroo, all while soaking in the energy that makes the festival so unique. It was just the beginning of the fun-filled day. From electric sets by Die Spitz, Sofia Isella, Hey, Nothing! and Wisp, to unforgettable performances by Rebecca Black and Dom Dolla, the excitement kept building, and the weekend felt like it was only just getting started.
Die Spitz kicked off our day with explosive energy. As an all-women punk band, they brought a raw intensity and fierce attitude that instantly lit up the crowd. Their high-octane set had everyone on their feet moshing and in the air, quite literally, with crowd surfing breaking out almost immediately. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the day.
Next up was Sofia Isella, who completely captivated the audience with her ethereal voice and beautiful violin. Her performance was a stark yet stunning contrast, drawing in a crowd from all around to catch her performance.
Not long after, we caught up with hey, nothing! for a lighthearted and silly interview. We dove into everything festival-related, with a Pleaser spin, and asked all the important questions. The timing couldn’t have been better, as they were the next to hit the stage. Their set was packed with infectious enthusiasm. Despite the heat, the crowd didn’t miss a beat and matched every ounce of energy that the band threw at them.
Wisp followed with a mesmerizing performance that truly cemented their status as shoegaze legends. They brought dreamy textures, layered guitar work and emotional depth that washed over the audience like a sonic wave. It was the kind of set that left you feeling weightless.
To close out the night, we were treated to back-to-back DJ sets from Rebecca Black and Dom Dolla. Black performed on Bonnaroo’s newest stage, the Infinity Stage, and brought bold pop energy. With not a second to waste after Black’s set, the crowd quickly made their way across the grounds to catch Dom Dolla, who took us into the late hours and had the entire festival dancing under the stars.
Unfortunately, the heavy rainfall on Friday brought our time at the farm to an early close. But the Bonnaroo spirit was far from dampened. Festival-goers, and even some of the artists originally scheduled to perform, made their way back to Nashville, where impromptu shows sprang up across the city throughout the weekend. From local venues to spontaneous street performances, the energy of Bonnaroo lived on. Despite the unexpected turn of events, many embraced the moment and turned it into something unforgettable.
While the rain may have cut the festival short, it couldn’t wash away the heart of Bonnaroo, reminding us that sometimes the best moments are the ones we never planned for.
