A conversation about mental health and advocacy in the music industry took place at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Saturday afternoon, examining the effects of the festival’s themes of respect and community.
Bonnaroo is well-known for its inclusive sentiments and welcoming atmosphere, notably towards the LGBTQ+ community and those who struggle with substance abuse. Several nonprofits at Bonnaroo assist attendees through counseling, connecting people with professional help and supplying items like naloxone, a medication used to combat the effects of drug-related overdoses.
The discussion centered on how music festivals like Bonnaroo serve as an outlet for those who seek meaningful connection with others. Many festivalgoers share memories and music throughout the weekend, opening the door for vulnerable conversation.
“I think being young and being here at Bonnaroo – a place that is so open and so welcoming – it allows us to kind of feel as free as we want to be,” said Jacob Dalbey, cohost of the podcast RooHamm and moderator of the event.
Songwriter James Droll, plus representatives from nonprofits Punk Rock Saves Lives and To Write Love On Her Arms, accompanied RooHamm during the event, guiding the conversation between the persistence of community at Bonnaroo and the value of sufficient resources for attendees who need them.
The event also included representation from ECCHO Live (education, community, action, health and opportunity), an organization that focuses on extending mental health services and counseling to professionals in the music industry.
“I feel everybody’s already able to step in moments for one another, and I think that just makes our job a bit easier,” said Elizabeth Maranto, a representative for ECCHO Live.
Bonnaroo offers mental health services for all attendees to use. On the festivalgoer side of Bonnaroo, simple connection and belonging can pave the path towards mental help.
Allegra Kauffman, 32, visited Bonnaroo for the third time in 2026. She considers the music festival to be an “adult summer camp,” she said.
“Everyone is so kind,” Kauffman said. “People really look out for each other. It feels like a community because people really care.”
Besides the free resources made available at the festival, several visitors view Bonnaroo itself as a mental break.
“This is my happy place,” said 10-time concertgoer Gio Gonzalez, 31. “This is my mental reset. I’ve had a rough year, but this is the place I get to go and be free.”
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