This will be my third year at the Roo, which in my opinion is the happiest place on earth. If done right…
Before the festival, you’ll definitely want to have your wristband registered with the Bonnaroo website, and in terms of packing, you can find sample lists all over the internet, just use common sense for that one. It’s in Tennessee in June, so it’s gonna be hot, prepare accordingly with your supplies, and make sure you have enough food for the weekend.
Driving to Bonnaroo, you’re going to be excited, but make sure to be on your best behavior as a driver, seriously, no speeding, use your turn signals, all that jazz. Police know that the festival is happening, and they always capitalize on the heavy amount of out-of-state cars on the highways.
Coming in to Bonnaroo, be prepared for stop-and-go traffic, there’s a chance you’ll be waiting for a while, so make sure to fill up on gas before getting in line. Once through the line, your car will be searched at the gate, make sure you don’t have anything you shouldn’t! If you’re unsure about what you can and can’t bring, check the Bonnaroo website!
Once you get in and get your tenting situation set up, if it’s Wednesday, hang out and walk around, check out the campsites, meet some cool people! Centeroo doesn’t open until Thursday. If it’s Thursday or later, go check out Centeroo. It’s good to know where all the pertinent areas are beforehand, so learn your way around.
Now for the main event, the concerts! Make sure you’ve decided on who you’re going to see for the inevitable set conflicts and know your schedule beforehand! Every year there are set conflicts and it’s just something you’ll have to deal with by choosing one show over the other, which is much easier said than done. Make sure to stay hydrated during the day, eat well, and just generally take care of your body! After four days you’re going to regret it if you don’t. Also, concerts run late, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep in-between days, because it’s very easy to get caught up in all the festivities (I somehow ended up at Skrillex’s legendary 5am surprise Kalliope set two years ago, I don’t regret it one bit, but I was hurting the next day). If you have any downtime between concerts, check out the other things going on around the festival, there’s a ton of activities around Centeroo all the time.
After your four days of fun, and all your things are packed up, going back home carries the same general “rules” as coming in. I hope the guide helped! Radiate Positivity and have a happy Bonnaroo!
– Reece Appling