How to Survive Bonnaroo Music Festival

It is never too early for thinking about ways to survive the Bonnaroo Music Festival and the unpredictable weather that occurs during those three days of music, comedy, movies, and art that takes place in Manchester, Tennessee. The official website always posts the do and do not bring lists but that can only prepare a festival-goer so much, especially if you are a newbie, so here are five tips to help ease the Bonnaroo experience.

1. Comfortable Clothes Avoid bringing is jeans. Whether it is sun or rain beating down upon you, jeans are going to make you feel uncomfortable. Try cargo shorts and light weight tank tops or t-shirts. One item that may not cross your mind is baby powder. Be sure to pick some up and use it before any chafing begins to form between your thighs. Boys can use it on their regions below as well as their thighs. Rain happens and being prepared with ponchos and rain boots can help ease the mucky conditions. Nothing short of preparing for a marathon will get you ready for the amount of walking at Bonnaroo and baby powder will help sweat-soaked bodies feel more at ease. The hike from camp grounds to the festivities can range from feet to miles and you will be traipsing through dirt, mud, rocks, and grass. If wearing sandals make sure the bottoms are thick and not flimsy, and always bring back-up sandals/shoes. A good rule of thumb is, if you want to keep it in your life after Bonnaroo do not even bring them.
2. Alcohol Always remember the staff will not let glass bottles into the camp site. Abide by this rule because when your car is searched they will throw away any glass containers. Bring beer in cans and liquor in plastic bottles to avoid any hassle. Security checks through purses and bags every time you enter the festival from the campground and they do not allow any liquids other than water to be brought in. Sneaking liquor into Bonnaroo is easy, fill up an empty water bottle with a clear liquor and the staff assumes it is water. Soft drinks are cheap to purchase inside Bonnaroo and make for a great mixer.
3. Cash Straight up cash is the only form of currency at Bonnaroo. Food and drink tickets can only be bought with cash and the prices are reasonable, especially for the drinks. Ran out of ice, no problem because there are stands all over the campgrounds which sell just about anything you could need. ATM's are scattered around but will cost you service charge, better to have more cash than needed.
4. Stay Hydrated Bring more water than needed because your body will need it. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to help fight off the heat. Escaping the heat is easier than you think, especially with an air conditioned movie tent which is always open. The comedy tent to enjoy free shows is a nice comedic and heat relief. Air conditioned stations are all over so use them if feeling dehydrated.
5. Free Swag Obtain free samples every chance there is because these samples could help you survive Bonnaroo. The FUSE barn hands out free motorized water squirting fans, batteries included which is a cool relief in the hot sun. Energy drink booths are all around which pass out free samples, sunblock samples, and much more can be found around Bonnaroo. Employees are more than happy to hand out more than one per person so do not feel ashamed asking for more.

Always remember that your car will be searched upon arrival at the campsite and you can be turned away if anything illegal is found. Have fun, enjoy the music and comedy shows and always remember to make nice with your neighbors because they could also be an asset.

Resources:

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival