Bonnaroo 2018 guide: 10 veteran tips to make the most of your weekend (2024)

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Bonnaroo can be the best of times or the worst of times depending on how much you prepare.

From 2011 to 2016, I attended the festival as a fan. During that time, I havediscovered some of my now-favorite bands, met some interesting people and given out more high-fives than I can count.

1. Pack smart

Don't think about camping at Bonnaroo as staying in a hotel. Think of Bonnaroo as your home for four days. That means you need to bring more than just toiletries and clothes. Here are a few of mynecessities that maybe you didn't think of:

A bandanna to keep from inhaling dust and catching the Bonnaflu
Over-the-counter medicine if the Bonnaflu still gets you
Warm clothes for nighttime (yes, it gets cold)
Extra car keys
Your own toilet paper
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-powered fan
A rubber mallet for hammering tent stakes
Earplugs for when you actually go to sleep

This year, packing your festival bag each day is more important than ever with Bonnaroo's new clear bag rule. For a complete list of festival policies, visit bonnaroo.com/information.

2. If you can find it in yourself, leave sets early

Nobody wants to miss an epic finale. Take it from the guy who walked away from Paul McCartney in 2013only to hear a field full of fans chanting the "na-na-na-na's" of "Hey Jude" in the distance. But if you can afford it, leavinga song or twoearly will keep you from getting caught in the stampede of people trying to get to a set at another stage.

3. The pit is your friend

The most common question I get asked at Bonnaroo each year: "How do you getup there?"

"There" refers to the pit area at the very front of the What Stage, the festival's largest stage. And despite common belief, that area is not reserved for VIP. Instead, it's a cycling pit for general admission. So what doesthat mean?

Let's say you want to see Moses Sumney at 2:45 p.m. Saturday (and I think you should).Arrive a little early and go to the far left or right side of the stage. You'll get in line andwill be allowed in the pit when his set is about to begin. The catch? You'll be kickedout when it's over.

The bigger the band and the later they play, the earlier you will have to arrive.

Go to bonnaroo.com/schedule for a complete list of set times.

4. Want the best spot? Here's when not to pit

I know I just got you really excited about this whole pit thing, but it's not always the best option. Because there's so much to see at Bonnaroo, I highly advise against staying at the What Stage all day. I did it my first year because I was a rookie, and I did it again for Radiohead because — well — it's Radiohead.

5. Save some cab cash

I've been fortunate enough to have been assigned a campsite close to Centeroo every year except for one. Don't ask me how. Despite having attended six years, I'm still convinced campground assignments are completely random.

If you end up camping in what may seem like the next county over, having a few extra dollars can help you catch a pedicabfrom the campground to Centeroo.

Uber also will be offering free rides from Centeroo to your campsite between 3 and 5 a.m. after performances on Friday and Saturday.

6. Recharge, recharge, recharge

Just like your phone battery, Bonnaroo will drain you. So let's talk about how to fix both of those things.

First, beer is not water. Water is water, and you'll need lots of it. Good ol' H20 is the best way to recharge at Bonnaroo. And because you'll likely be up late only to be awoken bright and early bythe blaring sun, a midday nap in the shade is a great way to recharge.

If you fill up your gas before entering the festival, which should be a tip of its own, you'll have more than enough fuel to recharge your phone in the car each morning.

But if you can get your hands on a portable charger, I suggest bringing it. Between taking photos, checking festival updates and creating new contacts for all the friends you'll make, your battery will die quickly.

And on a personal note, don't sit by your exhaust pipe while charging. We had a scary moment with a member of our Roo crew in 2016.Everything was fine, though — just don't be that guy.

7. Showering is empowering

I know you might think that a paid communal shower on a farm sounds more like a nightmare than a luxury, but the money is well worth it.

Sure, you are going to get dirty again within an hour of walking outside. But water to the face and a fresh scent areenough to trick your mind into thinking you're clean. And that makes all the difference in the world.

But if you don't want to drop that kind of dough, at least spend some time in the fountain.

8. Dancing doesn't give you a free pass

The best time to move closer for a performance is between sets. Really, it should be the only time.

Dancing and high-fiving your way to the front is just an obnoxious way to mask what you're actually doing: pushing. Also, it gives the classic Bonnaroo high-five a bad name.

If you must make a move to another location in the crowd during a performance, try to do it from the side to keep the good vibes going.

9. Have an open mind and an open schedule

I'm not going to tell you what to see, but try not to stick to a strict schedule.

Bonnaroo is all about experiencing new things, and some of the best acts I have seen have been bands I wandered upon.

With that being said, if there is something you have to see, don't let your friends keep you from it. There are thousands of people ready to talk, sing along and dance with you no matter where you are. Rolling solo often can be more funanyways.

10. Treat yourself

Yes, Bonnaroo will exhaust you to the point you wish you asked your boss for Monday and Tuesday off. But nothing will make you feel better than a little treat, whether that be official merchandise or a cool craft.

And I know you plan on packing your own grub, but eating some great Roo food will brighten your day. Some of my favorites are Ears N Spuds and Humpty's Dumplings.

Not everything costs money, though. One of my favorite things to bring home is the Bonnaroo Beacon, the festival's free daily newspaper.

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