The Best Little Moments in Bonnaroo History

Bonnaroo is a music festival on the grandest scale. There have been countless amazing performances that have occurred on the farm over the years. From Radiohead in 2006 to the Beastie Boys’ last live show ever in 2009 and Paul McCartney’s legendary three-hour set in 2013, there has never been a shortage of spectacular live shows. The music is what originally started bringing people out to Manchester, Tennessee, to Bonnaroo, but it’s the people who have kept the music festival going strong.

Radiating positivity has become the festival’s slogan, and rightfully so. Bonnaroo is about so much more than just music. It’s about love and making friends wherever you go. It’s about high fives and camaradie, sharing and giving. With such spectacular vibes and so many beautiful people, it’s no surprise that there are countless marvelous moments happening there. These are the best moments to happen over the past ten years of Bonnaroo history.

Beautiful Bonnaroo Proposal – 2014

There have been countless proposals and weddings that have happened at Bonnaroo over the years, but one stands out more than others. This one happened back in 2014 and was only possible due to the help of the spectacular people of Bonnaroo. When an unexpecting girl started to receive flowers with assembly-line efficiency, little did she know her boyfriend was behind her on one knee waiting for her. The true spirit of Bonnaroo is alive and bursting out of this video.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Recognize a Fan – 2013

It was midday, and the Tennessee sun was beating down on a massive crowd. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros were on the Which Stage playing their breakthrough song “Home.” They asked the crowd to share with them their personal stories. Band members Jade and Alex made their way through the crowd, passing the microphone to anyone who was willing to share something with others. Just as it seemed that they were going to go back to the stage, Haden Richard deRoberts got the microphone. He shared with them that he had been in the hospital last time they played in his town (Columbus, Ohio) and that the band had come to visit him.

Alex Ebert’s (lead singer) eyes lit up when he realized who he was. They then brought him on stage and continued to party with him throughout the rest of Bonnaroo. It was easily one of the most heartwarming and special moments to ever happen during a live set. Sadly, Haden lost his battle recently to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He will forever live in Bonnaroo history.

The Bonnagrannies – 2011

Ok, so this technically isn’t a “moment,” but who can’t love these amazing women? The Bonnagrannies met decades ago when their children went to the same elementary school. Their Bonnaroo adventures began in 2011 when Bonnagranny “leader” Niederhauser received free tickets because of her civic work. These women, Mary Niederhauser, Alice Ann “Mimi” Barge, Laddie Neil, and Nancy Lee Pitts, knew little about the festival their first year there but soon became absolute icons.

Chance the Rapper Plays in the Silent Disco – 2016

Chance the Rapper loves Bonnaroo. He has made that very clear over the years by wandering around the festival as if he were not a music megastar. From visiting campsites to eating Amish doughnuts, this man is a Bonnaroovian to the core. In the middle of the day on Sunday, he took over the silent disco and turned it into an absolute party. He played through part of his critically acclaimed Coloring Book album to a packed tent of sweating fans. This surprise set is one of the most notable in Bonnaroo history.

The Unicorn Dance Party – 2017

Yes, the unicorn dance party. Centeroo was bustling, and good vibes were everywhere. A dance pit opened up outside one of the tents. The center of attention of this dance pit? A toy unicorn. People lost their minds; it was strange, unique and beautiful. A moment that can only happen and be treasured at Bonnaroo.

Singing Biz Markie with Your Best Friends – Always

There aren’t many places where a song can break out and everyone will join in and start singing along. Bonnaroo is one of those places. At any given time, usually as the crowd shifts from the What Stage to the Which Stage, spontaneous singing can happen. The song of choice for Bonnaroovians? “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie. Singing along with your best friends is something special, and the overwhelming joy that fills the air with that song is just perfect.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2019

What magical moments will happen at Bonnaroo 2019? There’s no way to be sure, but if you go we know you’ll experience at least one magical moment. Bonnaroo is special. You have to be there to truly understand the glory that happens at the farm year after year.

Bonnaroo Music Festival

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