Bonnaroo: Things to Know Before You Go

So, you have decided to make the journey to The Farm, Bonnaroo, a place many in the festival scene credit as their home or festival birthplace. There are many many pieces of knowledge that one could impart to a first-time visitor to that magical realm, but those things have been covered many times. Instead, let’s dive into activities that go on behind the scenes at Bonnaroo. Some are sanctioned and have Bonnaroo assistance coming together, some are organized by online groups, and some happen organically.

Wednesday Preparty

Getting to Bonnaroo can be harrowing, but once you’re in, camp is set up, and the sun sets, the fun immediately starts. It doesn’t matter that music does not officially start until tomorrow, there is a pre-party already planned out by some of the most longstanding Group camps. Taking over where SooperGroop left off, these camp sites have come together to book some acts that should be a treat. You really owe it to yourself to at least stop by.

Bonnaroo Chris

You’ve heard of Where’s Waldo, and while you will inevitably see many Waldos throughout the weekend, Bonnaroo already has its own version: Bonnaroo Chris. Chris is considered by many to be ‘Roo’s ultimate ambassador. If you are fortunate enough to meet him you will have met someone who truly embodies the mantra of Radiate Positivity. Chris is always down for a quick selfie, and has stickers for everyone who finds him. Check here for his critically acclaimed packing list. A hint on tracking down the legend: Chris can easily be found around food trucks, especially vegan ones.

Spicy Pie and Amish Donuts

While not necessarily events, these things are both institutions of Bonnaroo, though both can be found at many festivals across the country. These places are both loved to the extent that if ‘Roo veterans where to get to The Farm and find that either was not there, it would first cause panic, then likely riots. Be sure to treat yourself to both at least once throughout the weekend.

Costumes

All festivals are different when it comes to “dress codes.” We all know that Coachella is just as much about fashion as it is about music, while Burning Man is about just how weird you can be. Bonnaroo is not either of these things, and while there are people fitting both of these motifs, ‘Roo tends to elicit a feeling of childlike whimsy. People dress up in wonderful costumes, some of which are sanctioned theme days arranged by Bonnaroo, while others occur organically though online arrangement. Some of the costumed people may even be some of your favorite celebs and artists. Just check out the video Mumford and Sons made a few years ago when they were on The Farm:

Weddings and Proposals

Love springs up all over the place at Bonnaroo, and while you are taking a break from the music to smell the roses, it could be because they are a part of a bride’s bouquet! One of my fondest memories at Bonnaroo is seeing a group of people skipping across the field chanting, “Come with us; we are going to get married,” and then skipping along with them to their wedding.

Photo by Brian Hensely

Camp Reddaroo Craft Beer Exchange

Getting back in to more standard party events, the Bonnaroo subreddit has a group camp, and one of their big events is an annual craft beer exchange. Everyone brings a supply of craft beers that can only be found in their neck of the woods and trades them around. Just remember, NO GLASS. The boys and girls over at Camp Reddaroo do a whole bunch of other awesome stuff throughout the weekend, a lot of it involving food, so if you are not already on Reddit I suggest signing up, or at least creeping on the subreddit. Those guys area also great at answering any questions you may have about the weekend as well.

Photo from @CampReddaroo on twitter

Roochute .

Another music festival staple that got its start on The Farm, Roochute can be seen all across the Bonnaroo grounds in many sizes. What exactly is Roochute, you ask? Going back to that childlike whimsy I mentioned earlier, Roochute is a huge multicolor parachute akin to the ones you played under in middle school. Their slogan is “Parachutes with Purpose,” and their goal is to bring a calming space to the chaotic atmosphere that is Bonnaroo and to work to spread mental health awareness. Roochute is an amazing nostalgia machine that you will not want to miss.