Bonnaroo's New Festival Director Told Us What's Really Changing in 2026

Less than three weeks to Bonnaroo 2026 and we got an exclusive interview with Bonnaroo's new Festival Director Shelby Goodsell and Marketing Manager Cory Smith to give us the most comprehensive inside look at what's changing, what's new, and what to expect on The Farm this year.

We cover the Where Stage move, the campsite changes, the new Bonnie Roo's Sports Bar, Thursday's unprecedented all-in-one programming, the Grateful Dead tribute set, bandanas at the toll booths, and much more. If you're going to Bonnaroo 2026 this is the episode you cannot miss.

Then don't forget, The What Podcast will be LIVE at Bonnaroo 2026 on the How Stage inside Planet Roo, Thursday at 4PM. Come find us, hug and howdy, and maybe walk away with free giveaways from Lunchbox and an original I Am Bonnaroo print from David Bruce!

Listen to this week's episode with Shelby and Cory here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:49) Bonnaroo 2026 Outeroo Schedule Revealed

(00:06:47) Bonnaroo Radio Returns in 2026

(00:12:46) Bonnie Roo's Sports Bar - New for 2026

(00:15:54) Bonnaroo Arch Playlist - Fans Choose This Year

(00:17:40) Bonnaroo Squeegee King Returns

(00:19:50) Interview: Bonnaroo Festival Director Shelby Goodsell & Marketing Manager Cory Smith

(01:02:53) The What Podcast LIVE at Bonnaroo 2026 - How Stage, Planet Roo, Thursday 4PM

(01:04:12) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

StoneOnAir: "Wishlist" on Pearl Jam Radio

Noah Kahan Told Us This Before He Was A Bonnaroo Headliner

Bonnaroo's Infamous "Squarch": The Full Story with Tim "Tuba" Smith

Ken Weinstein

Bonnaroo Community Spotlight: How Church Boners Became a Festival Family

There Is No Bonnaroo Without Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead

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