Bonnaroo for Newbies
You finally took the jump and bought your first-ever ticket to Bonnaroo. You did it, and you’re about to have the best weekend of your life. Oh, man, what I would do to be able to relive my first year on the Farm. The magic, the people, the food: it was all just so glorious. It’s a place you truly have to go to in order to experience the pure allurement that oozes from every inch of that place. As spectacular as my first year there was, I missed out on a ton of stuff that could’ve made that perfect weekend even more memorable. There’s a ton of stuff constantly going on at Bonnaroo, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and you might miss out on some amazing experiences. Don’t fret, we’re here to help you make the most out of your trip to Manchester, TN.
Bonnaroo topped our list for the “Best Music Festivals of 2018” for multiple reasons. First of all, the lineup has been and continues to be insanely impressive. One can easily fill their days and nights with music spanning every genre, but there’s more to an amazing music festival than just the music. Being able to partake in those extra activities and finding those special little moments will help you have the best Bonnaroo possible.
This isn’t about preparing for a music festival, that’s a whole other conversation. I’m hoping you have the basic festival essentials, stuff like a cooler, water, sunscreen, snacks, good shoes, etc. You won’t have a good time at your first Bonnaroo if you’re sunburned and dehydrated come Thursday night. This is all about making the very most out of your first-ever Roo. Follow this super simple guide, and we guarantee you will have the best Bonnaroo that you can have.
Wander Alone Somewhere at Some Point
This is something I didn’t do at my first Roo, but after heeding the advice of some Bonnaroo veterans I decided to do it at my second Roo. As awesome as my group was (and is), there’s something freeing about wandering around Bonnaroo alone. Don’t make plans; don’t have a set destination; just wander and let life happen. You never know what awesome moment is just waiting around the corner for you. Then whenever you decide to try and find your group again you will have a story to tell.
SooperGroop Wednesday and Sunday Night Parties
SooperGroop has become a Bonnaroo staple over the past few years, this is in great thanks to the insane parties that they throw on Wednesday and Sunday night. Their camp is a sight to behold in itself. Every year around 75-100 Bonnaroovians get together and form this massive campsite, circus tent and all. On the first night of Roo, when not much else is happening, SooperGroop kicks off the festivities right. A variety of DJs will play into the wee hours of the morning to fulfill all of your dancing needs. Trust me, you do not want to miss this.
Change the Lock Screen on Your Phone
Nothing can really jam a stick in your spokes as much as losing your phone at Bonnaroo. Thankfully, 99.9% of the people there will happily give it back to you if they know how to find you. Change your background on your lock screen to have your name and a few friend’s phone numbers on it. That way if you drop it or if it pops out of your pocket during Space Jesus, whoever finds it will be able to easily locate you.
I also suggest having the daily schedule on your phone as part of your lock screen, or at least as a series of saved photos. It will make it way easier to navigate through your day. You can make a note on your phone that shows your schedule for that day and add in your friend’s contact info. Bam, two birds one stone, plus you’ll save battery life. While the mini paper schedules they hand out at the gate are super helpful, they can take a beating over the four days at Roo.
Eat an Amish Donut at Night
The greatest meal I have ever had in my life is still an Amish Donut right after Tame Impala finished playing on the Which Stage in 2016. Of course, these massive, freshly-made, sticky, doughy chunks of goodness are delicious at any time of the day, but there’s something special about them at 2 in the morning.
Nap Under a Tree in Centeroo
Take a load off under one of the various gorgeous trees within Centeroo (that’s the area in Bonnaroo with all the main stages). Bring in a little blanket or sheet, toss some sunglasses on and just tune out. Watch the people walking by, bob your head to some music happening in the distance, do whatever. Just be in the moment, then nap.
Ride the Ferries Wheel
It took me three years of Bonnaroo to finally ride the Ferris wheel. Mainly because I hate lines with all of my being. My wife wanted to ride it as the sun was setting, so we grabbed our tickets and waited. Seeing the Farm from up there with the sun wandering behind the tree line was perfect. When you hit the top of the wheel you can hear a bit of music from every stage; it’s super peaceful.
Go in the Fountain
Tennessee gets hot, like real, real hot in the summertime. If you don’t feel like paying $10-ish to ride the huge water slide, go cool off in the fountain. Just FYI, the water is typically cold, but that makes it all the better. You’ll be surrounded by amazing people, and it’s a great spot to grab a photo or two. You’ll instantly be revitalized and full of life again.
Get Weird
Bonnaroo was my first-ever music festival; I had no idea what I was going to experience, I just knew I had to be there. It was like the universe forced me to buy tickets, and then all of a sudden I was in Manchester, TN. I was ready to have fun, but I wasn’t emotionally ready to get weird in the way that my soul needed me to. I’m kind of awkward in social situations. I had trouble dancing because I felt like people were watching me. I dressed fairly normal because I didn’t want to be judged. This is not the case at Bonnaroo. As soon as I let my guard down, I had such a better time.
Let loose!
Get weird!
Step out of your comfort zone!
Wear literally whatever you want!
Bonnaroo is a judgment-free zone. Everyone is there to have an amazing time and the energy that surrounds this music festival emanates that. Sing along at the top of your lungs. Join in on chants. High-five everyone. This is a free place; be free.
It’s OK to Miss a Set
The schedule was just released for Bonnaroo, and if you’re like me, you have some conflicts in your schedule. This is normal; don’t panic. If you’re at a set and the vibes are strong, don’t leave early to try to get a good spot for another show on your schedule. Or do. Honestly, I never know what to do in these situations. I’ve left sets early and regretted it later, and I’ve also stayed at sets and regretted it. Just know that it is OK to not see every band on your schedule.
Dance Until Sunrise a Minimum of One Time
Bonnaroo has music happening throughout the day and night. Music typically doesn’t stop until a few hours after the sunrise, and even then you may still be able to find some funky stuff happening. The Kalliope (pronounced kuh-LAHY-uh-pee) stage at Bonnaroo is the nighttime dance party that dreams are made of. Crazy lights, spinning lasers, fog machines, and insane pyrotechnics bring this EDM powerhouse to another level. Surprise DJ sets at Kalliope are pretty much a guarantee; you never know who will take it over.
If you have danced all your dances at Kalliope, don’t worry, there are still more dances to be had elsewhere. Campsites throughout GA camping are often littered with DJs putting on small intimate sets. Go wander over to one, dance, and make some new friends. DO NOT STOP DANCING UNTIL THE SUN COMES OUT. It’s such a great feeling being awake as the rest of the world wakes up.
Shower
I know this sounds weird, but you should definitely check out a shower. I think they’re like $7 and worth every penny. I’m not saying you have to shower daily, but Friday night or early Saturday morning is perfect. It will give you a nice boost of energy and help wash away whatever happened the previous two nights.
Bring Something Cool to Hand Out
I’m not the most creative person when it comes to arts and crafts, so I like to bring a huge thing of Ring Pops and Air Heads with me. If you are the creative type, make some bracelets or some little trinkets. Whatever it is, people will appreciate it! Hand out that stuff during sets or to people who are hanging out taking a break from the summer sun. You’ll always be met with a smile and it’s a great way to meet new people.
Explore the Campgrounds
Over the past five years, Bonnaroo has really done a ton of work improving the entertainment happening in campgrounds. It’s become an endless treasure trove of discovery. Surprise sets, interactive art displays, and even a coffee house. The plazas are scattered around campgrounds and are full of good stuff.
If you See the Parachute, Go Under the Parachute
The Roochute has become a Bonnaroo staple. It’s a giant rainbow parachute (think gym class) made possible by a few of the best people you could ever hope to meet. It’s an amazing bonding experience full of pure joy and community. It will randomly pop up throughout the fest and is now one of my absolute favorite things about Roo.
Check Out the Full Bonnaroo 2019 Lineup Below!
