This is the festival that created the itch that SWB is never able to scratch, except when we are at a music festival. It is one of the largest greenfield (camping) music festivals in the United States. The vast majority of attendees are camping on sites, and this creates an all-inclusive environment that is not present at city festivals. Bonnarooians have a strong community with online networking (Reddit and Facebook groups among others) and C’roos (Crews) of friends that make a pilgrimage to Manchester, TN each and every year. High-fives, hugs, and drinking games are in abundance. There is no major destination music festival in the US that has the community that Roo has.
The headliners are always major acts, and the lineup is large and deep. Bonnaroo began as a jam band-based music festival, but has since expanded into one of the most diverse festivals in the US. There is a wide mix of genres, including Rock, Hip Hop, Jam, EDM, Country, Folk, and many crossovers. The Headliner and late-night sets can often go on for well over 2 hours, which is longer than most festivals. Most years, there are at least one or two late-night sets that extend past sunrise. When you are camping, you do not have to worry about driving and just have to try to remember how to stagger back to your tent.
The festival is divided into Outeroo (the camping area) and Centeroo (the main area with performance stages). Unlike Glastonbury, you do have to pass through security and the typical baggage policies (see FAQ) in order to enter from the campgrounds into Centeroo. Instead of using corporate sponsors, Bonnaroo has stuck stage names reminiscent of an Abbott and Costello sketch. You will hear conversations such as: “Who is playing at this stage next? That stage is that stage, not this stage.” or “Which stage is Radiohead on?” followed by “No, what stage is Radiohead on?” Because it is a camping festival, there is music available almost all night long with late-night shows starting close to midnight after the headliners finish on the What Stage.
In the past, there has been a movie tent and comedy tent, but those have been gone for a number of years. 2025 will see the introduction of an immersive sound stage called the Infinity Stage. EDM.com article on the Infinity Stage. This seems to be an EDM and DJ-heavy stage, but there will be some bands and other cool experiences involved throughout the weekend.
The classic movie and TV show names are gone, but Outeroo now has multiple plazas scattered throughout the campground. These have different themes and activities. Some of these have yoga and recovery activities, others have nightclubs and gathering spaces. There are clamping areas and RV options for camping. Bonnaroo also has areas for family-friendly, sober camping, female/non-binary, and solo camping. In other words, there is a place at Roo for you.
Bonnaroo takes place every year in mid-June, at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, USA.
Bonnaroo features a wide range of music genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic, jazz, country, and more. The festival is known for its diverse lineup that appeals to a broad range of music lovers.
Tickets for Bonnaroo are available for purchase on the official festival website. You can buy general admission, VIP, or Platinum tickets, which offer different levels of access and amenities.
It’s important to bring essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and shoes. Other must-haves include a reusable water bottle, portable phone charger, and any necessary toiletries. Bonnaroo also has a list of restricted items, so it’s worth checking the festival’s guidelines before packing. Check out our Summer Festival Gear list for our must-have recommendations.
Outside food is totally allowed in the camping areas, but beverages and food are generally not allowed in Centeroo, except for sealed, unopened water bottles and small unopened snacks. However, there are plenty of food vendors offering a wide variety of delicious options from different cuisines.
Yes, camping is one of the defining features of the Bonnaroo experience. There are several camping options available, ranging from general camping to VIP or even RV spots. Campers can set up tents and enjoy the festival atmosphere with fellow festival-goers.
Bonnaroo attracts a diverse crowd of music fans, with attendees of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. The vibe is generally friendly and laid-back, with people coming together to enjoy the music, arts, and community atmosphere.
Yes! Bonnaroo features a variety of non-musical activities such as art installations, comedy shows, yoga sessions, workshops, and a variety of wellness experiences. The festival also has a “Cinema” section for movie screenings and interactive experiences.
The weather in Tennessee in mid-June can be hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching into the 90s (°F). It’s a good idea to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and bring light, breathable clothing. Rain is also a possibility, so packing ponchos or rain gear is a smart idea.
Bonnaroo is located about 60 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee. Most people travel to the festival by car, but there are also shuttle services and public transportation options available from nearby cities like Nashville. There are also rideshare and carpool options for those looking to share a ride.
Yes, there are accommodations in the surrounding area, including hotels, motels, and Airbnb options. However, staying closer to the festival (such as at campgrounds or in the city of Manchester) is often more convenient for festival-goers.
VIP and Platinum tickets offer special perks, such as access to exclusive areas, shorter lines, premium viewing spots, upgraded amenities, and more. Whether they’re worth it depends on your preference for comfort and exclusivity versus the general admission experience.
No, pets are not allowed at the festival, except for service animals. It’s important to make arrangements for your pet’s care during the event if you’re planning to attend.
If you lose your wristband or ticket, you should immediately contact the festival’s customer service. They may be able to assist you with getting a replacement or directing you to the correct resources.
Yes, Bonnaroo has a mobile app that provides real-time information about the schedule, artist lineup, set times, maps, and important festival updates. It’s a handy tool for navigating the festival experience.
