Bonnaroo Festival

My trip from Long Island promised to be… Long and interesting to say the least, and boy was it.
All part of the fun.
I played my normal night of beach volleyball and waited for my buddy to get off work, scooped him up and set out for the drive. Decided to cut through Manhattan when he said he needed food– this is where the adventure truly began, not just on the farm. Grabbed a burger at the bar in midtown truly set the tone of the trip to come when a Russian man visiting for conventions throughout the states, started buying us shots of vodka. Knowing full well it was already after 10 and we had an 18 hr drive ahead, we insisted after we bought him one that we were done… One more, he said. Okay.
One more.
They were closing the bar when we left on that Wednesday night… Man was that a hard drive, state after state when all you need is sleep, packed out SUV so you can’t really recline… Made for a few interesting stops for rest.
We slept in more parking lots than you could imagine, and drank more energy drinks too. We thought once we made it into Tennessee we’d hit a liquor store quick and instead decided to crash at a real shady hotel for just a couple hours as we were zombies at that point.
When we finally got back on the road, we counted our blessings to be alive, discussed our many adventures on the road, and pumped up the volume on the way to the farm just another couple hours away.
When you go to Bonnaroo, you really don’t go straight in, you meet up at wallaroo (Walmart just off the main highway) with all the friends you’ve got going, and all the friends you’ve met years prior. You meet more and you pop some lawn chairs pick up some essentials wait it out a while, either until the lies die down, or you think it’s time to go.
We left the lot and the exit sorta let us off right in front of the very very long line. We were searched quickly for banned items and made our way to our camp site. We really lucked out, we were right next to VIP and the campers. Not much of a walk for us to get anywhere, and we had some real cool people to camp around, or entire row got to know eachother a little and the girls we were meeting up with got the spot right behind us.
You will meet people from all over, I now know a couple from Ohio who’s wedding I attended, I know a girl in Cali, Tennessee, and Michigan; met a bunch of dudes and remained Facebook friends from Canada, I wouldn’t give that experience up for the world.
We ended our trip driving even further through jack Daniels distillery to New Orleans… It was just that amazing time in life that Bonnaroo inspires–
The lineups get worse every year but if you are debating going, GO. Make it epic. Make memories!
Good food trucks, good other stuff, good good good.

Best, most awesomest, wonderfulest, greatest place on earth. If you’ve never gone, go atleast once in your life. I felt intimidated prior to my first time but after being there for only a day i knew i wanted to go back next year. Of course you have to go with an open mind and keep in mind that every experience is what you make it

This is the greatest place on earth for four days every year. Don’t miss seeing that band at the other stage!

I did Bonnaroo in 2014 (and Firefly in 2015) and both were spectacular for different reasons. If you love music, peace and having a good time, look no further.
Roo is the classic American fest. It has an older vibe among attendees, especially because many have been going every year since the beginning. The people are really nice — I recall not seeing one fight or even an argument in four days. The camp sites are adequate and provide enough space for different groups of people. The bathrooms could be cleaned better, maybe they were in 2015.
The walk to and from the stages depends on when you arrive. I recall our walk from Spicoli Camp taking probably 15 minutes, which is enough for a couple beers to loosen you up. There are multiple water stations, which is awesome to stay hydrated amidst the sweaty fun. The mushroom fountain is awesome as well as a meet up spot between friends, or just a place to hang out and get a quick shower between performances.
The music is eclectic and of all styles. I recall seeing Wiz Khalifa and Elton John in the same day… totally different style-​wise, but the vibes were all the same: GREAT! I love how the headliners get bigger and better every year, and the festival scene seems to only be getting better in the U.S. There is nothing like it – and if you don’t ever attend a festival, you’ll never understand. It’s as simple as that. It’s four days that feel like a month, or a year. It sticks with you for hours, days, weeks, months, years later. Definitely worth a try. It’s not for everyone, but it can be.

How could you not go, if you have not do not miss out. Well organised overall, from camping to bathrooms to the stage area. If you go… with an open spirit and open mind Bonnaroo is all about sharing and caring you cannot do that you will not have a good time. This was my second time and I do tell you would could not have gone better.
Remember to take a canopy and some screens for the canopy. Also you’ll need an ice cooler to keep your drinks cool and for food stick to nuts because you do not want to use a porta potty. Or what I would recommend you take your own luggable loo. This way you will not have to use the porta potty when most needed
Water water and more water oh yes I’ll take a portable 10 inch fan with extra batteries hot.

2015 was our first Bonnaroo experience! It was myself and my husband, and we met up with some of our friends once at the festival. We all had such a great time!
We were in the VIP camping and I am so glad we were. Although it was quite a bit more money, we had virtually no walk to get to the main stage — super close! That was very valuable. We also had hot showers and air conditioned bathrooms. These were not regular portopotties by any means… really nice AC trailers. It made a big difference, especially with how hot it was. They also had air conditioned lounges, which we didn’t really spend much time in, but it was nice to pop in for a moment or two to cool off. VIP folks also have a private viewing area for the shows, which has a cool view, but isn’t really as much fun as GA so we actually spent 95% of our time in GA anyway… it was just nice to be able to use the VIP facilities like the AC bathrooms and showers, and have the short walk to the main stage (vs. some of the GA people who had to walk like 45 mins!!). They also gave us a dinner buffet the first night, and T-​shirts included in our package. There were some other perks which we didn’t take advantage of because we didn’t really know about them.
The staff was friendly at Bonnaroo, although some didn’t really know what was going on (when we were asking for directions for certain things we didn’t really get clear answers). The only thing I wish they could have been better at was more signage or schedules to help us know what was going on (besides the bands playing) because I felt there was a lot of cool stuff to do there that we didn’t even know about until after it was over. We also wished they had scheduled a bit better because, for example, we didn’t get to head out to see Robert Plant because we had gotten a good spot for Florence & the Machine and wanted to keep that spot for Billy Joel at the end of the night and it would have taken too long to get out and back in to see Robert Plant.
The experience itself was awesome. We saw great bands and it was probably the closest experience we’ll ever have to Woodstock. They had great food and a wide variety of it. The campground was decent and we were surprised how well we slept on our air mattress in our tent (although we were always up with the sun because as soon as it came up it was too hot and uncomfortable to stay asleep). They had a great mushroom fountain in Centeroo that was perfect for cooling off in. They had EDM parties all night long and there really was something for everyone. The people all seemed really chill as well. All in all, it was an amazing, unforgettable experience and I hope we can do it again some time!

Bonnarooooooooooooooo!!!
My first time here in 2015 and I absolutely loved it. What a great experience!!!
It is really a bit hard to describe, but I think overall the people of Bonnaroo are what make it so special. Anyone you start a conversation with is basically an instant friend.
The folks that organize the event have it dialed in pretty well. Great food, plenty of drink and water options, lots of interesting art and shopping booths, grounds and installations all great, first rate sound systems at all of the tents and stages, a jam packed schedule every day that gives you so many options that sometimes it is hard to choose!
It exposed me to lots of new music and really expanded my horizons overall; I plan to be back again next year!!!

Hands down, without a doubt, the best, most eclectic, best ticket money spent, most days (4), music festival in the United States. 2011 and 2015 veteran. They recognize Classic Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Indie, Americana, Metal, Bluegrass, and Jam bands. Coachella doesn’t even come close. Don’t even go to Coachella. The spectators at Bonnaroo carry a general vibe of positivity. You are surrounded by true music lovers. Making friends is easy if you’re going it alone. Going with a group is definitely a bonding experience. The cost for food and drink with vendors are slightly unreasonable, and because there are thousands of people to serve, don’t expect most of them to care about you. Do the Roo! Happy Roo!

I would have to write a book on explaining how awesome Bonnaroo is. I don’t think there’s any festival like it. I first attended two years ago (’13) and I was so hooked! I went back again the next year but this year I skipped out for various reasons. I regret it, but there’s always next year, right?
I’m not sure where to start. It’s pretty much a festival for those who love: music, great food, music, craft beer, music, rides, music, dancing, well you get the idea! There’s always something to do and something for everyone at Bonnaroo. I understand many people who attended the festival in its early years are disgusted how much it has transformed, but I say its for the best. I, for one, am glad how much it has diversified while staying true to its roots as a jam-​band/​hippie festival. You’ll be meeting people from all over the country, even from Canada! The camping part is also fun, no matter where you are. It’s always a happy atmosphere!
If you do go to the festival in the future, here’s what should be on your list:
1) eat the spicy pie (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you’re there!)
2) drink at least two brews at the ‘Broo tent
3) spend at least an hour in the Comedy tent
4) spend at least an hour in the Silent Disco
5) ride the Ferris Wheel
6) see a band you never heard of in one of the smaller stages at Centeroo
7) actually, see as many bands you’ve never heard of as much as possible
8) dance and eat pizza at the Christmas barn
9) browse Centeroo and fill out the Census
10) write on the graffiti wall
And just be sure to follow the rules, and the Bonnaroovian code. You’ll have a great time if you do just that… and everyone will be on the same page as you!

Bonnaroo is the greatest thing you could ever do if you want to live in a happy place with only peace and no violence, Bonnaroo is the place to go. The performers are really into the show and so is the crowd. The good vibes at Bonnaroo are unreal. There is no place I’d rather be than on the farm. If you want to experience a great music festival Bonnaroo is a must.

Words can’t describe how awesome this festival was. We magically had an RV and a handicap pass to go along with it. We were literally a 5 minute walk from the entrance. I was spoiled in that regard compared to my friends who had tented it previously.
I managed to squeeze in seeing 22 bands… amazing, right? The weather was perfect. Spicy Pie was the mandatory eats of the weekend. A slice of pie with pepperoni and jalapenos on it. So good!
The place was super chill. A cloud of goodness was always hovering around and the beers were a plenty. The silent disco was a smashing idea. Dancing with your headphones then taking them off to hold a conversation. We need one of those bars over here!
Plenty of vendors selling their goods and for a fairly decent price. I snagged a shirt, a dress, pair of shorts, and some sunglasses for like $ 50. Beers were around $ 7, Spicy Pie was $ 6. Way cheaper than going to a local concert venue for sure.
Yes I would definitely come back next year BUT only if I was in an RV. I felt bad for the tent people all dirty, sweaty, and exhausted the entire time. A shower is a wondrous thing.

Roo! What is there to say? Bonnaroo is the most fun you can have in Tennesee with your pants on… or your bathing suit, tu-​tu, star wars costume or crushed velvet suit. It’s a 4 day stretch when freaks come from every corner of the world to play and enjoy world class musicians.
You get out what you put into Roo. If you want to come party, you will find thousands of like minded people armed to the teeth with an arsenal of basically every substance under the sun. If you want to come just to enjoy music, you are in good company. The 80,000 or so people are here to have a good time, and you will find yourself in a very accepting environment. The music is diverse — touching on all of the major genres — and the level of talent they bring in is very high.
Outside of music, you can find some awesome things to do. You can ride the ferris wheel, jump into the cinema tent to escape the brutal TN sun, catch a comedian or party in the silent disco until the break of dawn.
The food is not your typical festival fare. It’s actually really good. This last trip, I stuffed myself to the gills on samosas, drunken noodles, arepas, kabobs and various breakfast foods. I never had something that I didn’t like.
I’ve been in the RVs and in tent city and have enjoyed both. I would highly recommend bringing chairs and a tarp or easy-​up type tent. You will want a place to escape the sun while you are at your campsite. The shows typically start in the early afternoon, but it starts getting hot around 9AM.
One heads up: I see people bring families every year. Guys: please know what you are getting into before bringing your children to a music festival. They will be exposed to drugs, possible nudity, deafeningly loud music, and all manner of deviant activity. Everyone else: buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Caveat: I try really hard to find a reason not to give 1 star reviews. I always try to look for something to tack on an extra star. That said…
This is, hands down, one of the worst experiences I’ve had ever. I wish I were exaggerating.
Maybe I’m just getting old, but it was a drug festival briefly interrupted by music. It’s an outdoor music festival. Of course I know there will be drugs. I’m not an idiot. That in combination with the fact the music schedule was sparse at best made it so not worth the money and time. If bands had been playing all day (10a to 2 or 3a) that would have saved it a bit. However, when you’re up at 730 or 8a because your stoner neighbors are blasting music 5 feet away from your head, it sucks to kill what amounts to an entire work day before the music starts. Then, once the music starts, the energy of the crowd sucks. Too many bands were trying to amp up the crowd only to fail miserably. The only act that got any kind of good energy was Skrillex which I would argue isn’t even real music. We left Saturday afternoon because it was that massive of a fail. For those keeping score at home, the festival officially ends on Sunday night.
If you’re a college age stoner with Mommy & Daddy’s money to blow (literally & figuratively) this would be awesome. If you’re actually interested in music, don’t waste your time.

I went to Bonnaroo 2014 and was very excited; my friends and I had been planning the trip for months. I’ve been to plenty of music festivals, concerts, and camping festivals in the past. My lengthier thoughts below can be summarized as this:
–DO NOT go to Bonnaroo if you are looking for a quality MUSIC festival that centers on music, performers, providing a great venue to see great artists, etc.
–DO go to Bonnaroo if you are looking for an outlet that will serve as a «hippy-​rave» for 4 days and allow you to consume, purchase, and sell as many drugs (both legal and illicit) as your heart desires for 4 days – no questions asked – under the premise of being a music festival.
Here are some specifics:
Camping – ⁴⁄₅ stars. They do a pretty good job with what they’re working with (summer on a farm in rural Tennessee. Keep that in mind). You have ample room at your campsite to set up huge tents, shade tarps, grills, etc. Anything you want to bring and build up for 4 days – do it. The downfall is the bathroom situation. Showers are about a 15 – 25 minute walk from your site and cost $ 7. The port-​o-​johns used are cleaned relatively frequently (1x a day), BUT, they are right in the middle of camping areas. There were people who’s tents were literally 10 feet away from port-​o-​johns that approximately 5k people were sharing. You don’t get to pick your camping spot, either, they direct you in, so that’s just bad luck. I do highly recommend carpooling with your friends, or if you’re taking multiple cars, make SURE you drive in together in a line, otherwise you will be separated camping. Half the fu

Do you like being hot, sweaty, and dirty?
Do you enjoy waiting in lines, lots of lines?
Do you enjoy using porta potties and not showering?
Yeah, me neither! But for some reason, I didn’t mind any of these!
Bonnaroo is an experience like no other, made up of a community like no other.
From the random high fives and shouts of Bonn-​a-​ROO to the cheers given to those patrons randomly spraying other ‘Rooers with water guns or squirt bottles. The people are here to enjoy this experience, together, be it with a friend or stranger.
Bathing suits, board shorts and shades are common attire and serve useful when a run through the Bonnaroo fountain counts as the shower for the day!
Whether we were jam packed in the center of the crowd absorbing The xx or laying in the grass and staring at the stars while listening to The Lumineers, each added to this incredible experience.
Absolutely amazing!

Yea, I love the roo. It’s a bizarre experiment of music, movies, comedy and 80k+ people in 85+ heat, but somehow it works amazingly well. Yes, there are 100+ amazing bands, which is redic awesome, but the experience really comes from hanging and camping with a complete bunch of strangers. Everyone is dirty, dehydrated and sleep deprived, but all manage to rally together to make it, dare I say, comfortable? If you can handle the long drive from LI and are cool in general with shenanigans… go. It will be a trip you never forget. Well, at least until July… :D
Tip: Go VIP if you can spare the cash. Lots of camping room, short walk to the main stage, AC’d bathrooms and showers, comfy viewing area of the What and Which stages and a speedy initial entrance to the campground.