destinations / united states / tennessee

Tunes, Tents, and Togetherness: Tips for Rocking Out at Bonnaroo

Steve Jennifer
Updated: May 9, 2024

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a vibrant four-day event celebrated annually in Manchester, Tennessee. It attracts a diverse crowd with its mix of music genres, from mainstream to alternative. Many attendees camp at the site, enjoying the full festival atmosphere. Proper preparation can help you maximize your time at Bonnaroo, leaving you with lasting memories of fun and music.

01. Beat the Rush

Bonnaroo is a big deal, attracting up to 80,000 attendees. To avoid the masses and secure a cozy spot in Centeroo, the festival's hub, aim to arrive early. The early bird catches the worm, and in this case, a prime camping spot and a smoother start to the festivities.

02. Essential Packing Tips

The Tennessee heat is no joke, making hydration and nutrition key. A cool trick for keeping drinks chilled is to use dry ice wrapped in a towel, tucked alongside frozen water bottles in a Camelback. Don’t forget to pack energy-boosting snacks, a portable grill, and the basics for a quick meal. Run out of supplies? The 'Jesus Tents' are your lifeline for food, water, and even phone charging.

03. Dress to Impress and Stay Comfy

Footwear matters—a lot. Leave the flip-flops at home and go for durable, supportive shoes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are must-haves to fend off the fierce Tennessee sun. Although it’s hot during the day, it cools off at night, so packing a hoodie or sweater, along with comfy jeans, is a smart move.

04. Socialise and Savour the Scene

Bonnaroo isn't just about the music, it's a social hub. Take the chance to mingle and make new friends from all over. Join in on group activities and share experiences—it's part of the fun! You never know, the person camped next to you might just be your next concert buddy. Keep an open mind, and don't be shy about joining the impromptu jam sessions and workshops that pop up.

05. Stay Safe and Sound

Lastly, safety is key. Keep your belongings secure and use the lockers provided. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen liberally, and be aware of your limits, especially when it comes to sun exposure and festivities. If you or someone near you needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to festival staff. They are there to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

06. Stay Fresh and Fine

Keeping clean at Bonnaroo is almost an art form. Bring a large bucket for sun-warmed water baths, plenty of baby wipes, and extra socks to change into. A little baby powder in your socks and other chafe-prone areas will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the festival.

07. Don’t Drag Your Feet—Get Those Tickets

The first step to a stellar Bonnaroo experience is securing your tickets pronto. As the festival nears, ticket prices might skyrocket, and they definitely sell out. To ensure you’re part of the action, head over to the Bonnaroo website ASAP and lock down your passes.

08. Getting There is Half the Fun

If you’re flying in, Nashville is your best bet. From there, you can grab a rental from a reputable company like Budget Car Rentals. If driving isn’t your jam, the Bonnaroo Airport Shuttle offers a direct 75-minute ride from Nashville Airport to the festival. Either way, planning your route in advance is a surefire way to kick off your festival journey on the right foot.

09. Camping Like a Pro

First time camping? No problem. There are self-setting tents and plenty of YouTube tutorials to help you out. Many Bonnaroo regulars are also more than willing to lend a hand. Make sure your tent is prepped for the heat so you can enjoy a good night's sleep.

10. Chill Out in Style

Keep your tent cool by covering it with a silver tarp that reflects heat. Setting up a shade canopy using PVC pipes and a blanket is another great way to beat the heat. Don’t forget to pack essential camping tools like a mallet, an air mattress, a camping pad, and a comfy chair. If camping isn’t your thing, upgrading to VIP might be worth the extra dough for access to comfy accommodations and air conditioning right in the venue.

TAGS: nevada festival

Tunes, Tents, and Togetherness: Tips for Rocking Out at Bonnaroo

01. Beat the Rush

02. Essential Packing Tips

03. Dress to Impress and Stay Comfy

04. Socialise and Savour the Scene

05. Stay Safe and Sound

06. Stay Fresh and Fine

07. Don’t Drag Your Feet—Get Those Tickets

08. Getting There is Half the Fun

09. Camping Like a Pro

10. Chill Out in Style

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Tunes, Tents, and Togetherness: Tips for Rocking Out at Bonnaroo

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01. Beat the Rush

02. Essential Packing Tips

03. Dress to Impress and Stay Comfy

04. Socialise and Savour the Scene

05. Stay Safe and Sound

06. Stay Fresh and Fine

07. Don’t Drag Your Feet—Get Those Tickets

08. Getting There is Half the Fun

09. Camping Like a Pro

10. Chill Out in Style

Recommended

14 Free Things You Can Get at Airports

11 Celebrity Homes You Can Stay at Through AirBnB

Go to Bar Harbor For Outdoorsy Fun

Get inspiration sent straight to your inbox

About

EXPLORE

Get inspiration sent straight to your inbox