The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is one of the most anticipated music events in the country. Held in mid-June at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, Bonnaroo offers an electrifying four-day experience replete with numerous bands and artists, multiple stages, a Ferris wheel, crafts vendors, and food trucks and carts. Before embarking on an unforgettable Bonnaroo adventure, keep in mind a few tips and useful items to bring along, and Manchester, Tennessee to make your stay even better.
Follow These 10 Tips For A Great Bonnaroo Experience In 2017
Image credit: Adam/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
1. Become familiar with the names of each area
Bonnaroo has several designated areas that each have their own unique name. The heart of the event with activities and vendors takes place at Centeroo. What Stage is the largest stage where headlining musicians perform. The next biggest venue is Which Stage. There are also tent stages called This, That, and Other which feature various bands playing diverse genres of music. Sonic Tent boasts acoustic sets while Kalliope is the opposite by offering electric dance music.
2. Bring camping gear
There are accessible campgrounds for attendees. So remember to pack tents and sleeping bags as well as tarps and strong tent stakes in case of windy or inclement weather. As for camping with a vehicle, General Admission ticket holders can park at a 20 foot by 20 foot campsite.
3. Wear comfy shoes and sunscreen
Since you’ll be on your feet most of the day, comfortable footwear is essential. Moreover, protect your skin with sunblock to avoid dreaded sunburns. Painful and sensitive lizard-like skin is not fun to deal with when you’re trying to have a great time.
4. Take along an extra roll of toilet paper
Although there are portable toilet and restroom facilities at the festival, they may not always be stocked with toilet paper when you need it. Bring your own TP just in case.
5. Check the weather
You’ll pack more wisely if you anticipate certain weather conditions. Summer weather in Tennessee can be intensely sunny, so bring protective accessories like sunglasses and a hat. However, if the forecast predicts precipitation, be prepared with raincoats or ponchos and extra towels.
6. External batteries are your friend
While charging stations are available, it’s a struggle to access an outlet that’s not already being used by someone else. Your own portable power bank will keep your phone and other electronics charged so you can snap photos and keep in contact with your group if someone gets lost.
7. Pack energy bars and snacks
Festivals are notorious for being home to overpriced refreshments. Even if you’re willing to splurge on scrumptious street food, being struck by hunger while you’re enjoying a performance is frustrating. That’s when a granola bar in your bag or pocket could come in handy if don’t want to fight through the crowd and lose your place at a show.
8. Stay hydrated
Similar to hunger, tremendous thirst or dehydration can ruin a fun occasion. Also, excessively hot weather can lead to overheating and heatstroke. Keep a water bottle on hand and use proper sun protection gear to prevent these.
9. Bring earplugs
This may sound counterintuitive, but at the end of the day, your ear drums will thank you. Earplugs help protect your ears and lessen the chances of developing tinnitus—the condition of having an irritating, persistent ringing noise in your head. Use high fidelity earplugs, which are worn by many musicians and frequent concert goers, to filter out harmful sound frequencies.
10. Carry a first aid kit
Accidents can unexpectedly occur at any time, especially at concerts where passionate attendees may sometimes become rowdy. Make sure to have antibiotic ointments and Band-Aids on hand for scrapes and cuts, as well as aspirin for potential headaches.
This article was written by Justina Tran.