Preparation

The main Bonnaroo website has a whole section called “Know Before You Go” and many people overlook this page but speaking from personal experience, it is imperative that you go to Bonnaroo prepared. This list below is verbatim from www.bonnaroo.com with my comments in purple text, Bonnaroo is a life changing experience to some, but you’ll be miserable if you don’t come prepared!

According to www.bonnaroo.com

• Raingear For those who were actually able to go to Phish Coventry, you know how miserable a large expanse of mud can be, so don’t forget boots and raincoats! It rained the last day of Bonnaroo 2006 and after the hot weather, I welcomed it with open arms.

• Camping Gear (tent, tarp, sleeping bags, etc. purchase camping items from thrift stores and garage sales or borrow gear from friends or family) There are hotels around the area if you have ground transportation, but if you’re planning to stay outside I wouldn’t suggest roughing it, so bring a tent!

• Clothing with a hood For how hot it is during the day in Tennessee, it is equally as cold, so do yourself a favor and bring a hoodie.

• Extra pair of shoes/sneakers You’re not going to want to walk around in flip flops the whole time!

• Mud Boots (in case it rains)

• Bug Spray without Deet

• Blanket for seating You’ll find that every patch of shade will have a body occupying it, so if you do end up on a sunny patch of grass a small blanket always helps.

• Sunscreen Can’t stress this enough! I gain my full tan for the summer at Bonnaroo and there are a ton of lobsters walking around.

• A hat for shade

• A bandanna A must have

• Sunglasses

• Aluminum or stainless steel container (or two!) for water No glass bottles guys! If there’s one thing you have to bring, its this. You want to keep hydrated throughout the day as it tends to get hot down there. Water stations are set up throughout the grounds.

• Biodegradable plastic bags for trash, compost, and recyclable materials Also provided on the grounds, if you’re traveling with a large group or don’t want to go through the trouble of tracking bags down bring your own!

• Extra toilet paper from recycled material (just in case)

• Lantern/Flashlight with extra batteries I prefer a headlamp

• Portable Radio Not a necessity but always fun when you get back to your campground

• Flag or balloon to identify your campsite You’d be surprised how lost you can get if your tent isn’t marked over 530 acres of campsites.

• Small luggage lock for your tent (please don’t bring any valuables if you must, keep them locked in your vehicle out of view)

• Earplugs

• Extra biodegradable trash bags

• Camera I don’t think they allow professional cameras with huge lenses so if you want to take pictures I suggest a personal digicam, disposable cameras are even better because you don’t have to babysit them!

• Pen and paper for names, addresses, memories, and set lists! During past festivals, they handed out a booklet filled with a calendar, artist bios and blank space for doodling. If you’re trying to pack light, this isn’t a necessity.

• Extra set of keys to keep with you at all times (Avoid keeping keys in your car!)

• Vehicle Key Code (this will cut down on the time it takes for the locksmith to duplicate your key if you lose it) Sounds a bit extreme but may be pretty helpful.

• Organic, local, food with as little packaging as possible

• Phosphate and sulfate free soaps detergents and shampoos A great addition to the Roo experience, real woodsman see this as a flaw but there is nothing better than a real shower in one of Roo’s stalls.

• Hand held fan not a necessity but great to keep around your neck during the height of the day.

For any last minute items you require or may have forgotten, there will be a general store in the gathering area of the campgrounds. It also doesn’t hurt to bring cash and hold it in a safe secure places, you’ll be temped to buy a bunch of great merchandise and the food offered is so good!

Now all this stuff may sound a little severe and maternal, but don’t let this list discourage you! Bonnaroo tickets grant you access to the best festival in the US and coming prepared only adds to the experience. If I’ve forgotten anything, write me a comment below and I’ll be sure to include it here.