By Katie Northcott, News Director
Bonnaroo Radio is officially returning for the 2026 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and this year it will be heard exclusively on Rooster 101.5, Southern Middle Tennessee’s Home for the 90s to Now.
Bonnaroo announced the revival on social media on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
“Tune in as you arrive and depart the campgrounds for essential traffic info and weather updates, as well as legendary performances from the archives and special interviews,” Bonnaroo’s Facebook post read. “Plus, we’ll deliver any important updates directly through the airwaves all weekend long!”
Radio Bonnaroo has been a staple on WFTZ 101.5 since its inception in 2002. First it was on Fantasy Radio, and eventually Rooster 101.5. It moved to WMSR Thunder Radio for the 2021 festival, which was cancelled due to weather issues. Bonnaroo stopped the radio format the following year.
Rooster 101.5 is Southern Middle Tennessee’s “90s to Now” Hot AC station, serving Coffee, Franklin, Bedford, Moore and surrounding counties with music, community engagement, local news, and live events. Owned and operated by Peterson Media Group, Rooster 101.5 is committed to connecting people through the Southern Middle Tennessee Community.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bonnaroo once again to bring Radio Bonnaroo to the airwaves,” said Josh Peterson, vice president of Peterson Media Group. “The ability for us to get real time information to festivalgoers and provide a weekend of great entertainment on our airwaves is the definition of what radio is designed to be.”
Bonnaroo Radio will soundtrack the entire festival experience, offering:
- Essential arrival & departure info — real-time campground traffic updates, entry tips, and important festival logistics as festival goers arrive on site.
- Bonnaroo themed and related music — Rooster 101.5 music format to match Bonnaroo lineup and prior artists.
- Legendary live performance archives — memorable sets from the festival’s 20+ year history.
- Special artist interviews & behind-the-scenes — content curated exclusively for Bonnaroo Radio listeners.
- Urgent festival updates — information broadcast instantly across the airwaves to keep fans informed and safe throughout the weekend.
“As Southern Middle Tennessee’s #1 rated station, Rooster 101.5 is perfectly positioned to serve the Manchester community and the Bonnaroo community at once,” Peterson said.
Held annually at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tenn., Bonnaroo is one of the nation’s most iconic multi-genre festivals, known for its immersive four-day experience, unforgettable performances, and vibrant sense of community. Bonnaroo began in 2002 and has been held yearly with the exception of 2020 (covid), 2021 (weather) and 2025 (weather).
The post Bonnaroo Radio Returns — And It’s Coming to Rooster 101.5 appeared first on Thunder Radio.
