If you’ve never been to Manchester, Tennessee in the middle of June, you’ve been missing out on a seriously awesome experience from the minute you get off exit 117, to the moment you start your journey home.
Imagine traffic backed up from a mile down the interstate to another two past the exit. No one’s annoyed in the slightest- thrilled bonnaroovian whoops and hollers come from the vehicles surrounding you. The wind whips around multi-colored locks of hair and sends glitter from arms and faces in the front of the line all the way to the last RV. Just wait until you get inside the gates! These are 5 things you can expect to see over the course of the four day festival:
1. “Plazas” scattered around camping grounds with some ~fun stuff~ & amenities you’ll really ‘preesh.
Each campground has a a plaza, like the Grind, where you can grab some coffee, a shower, charge up your phone, and more! There’s no shortage of food to fuel the endless head-banging and hip-swiveling you’ll be partaking in. (Disclaimer: although I had the best teriyaki chicken EVER, I probably would’ve had to sell my left kidney behind the barn to afford a side and drink with it). There are so many plazas, the Garage, the House of Yes, the Well…
2. POSITIVITY!
Thou shalt adhere to the code as all other festival-goers. The code can be summed up as: be a team player that radiates positivity and respects the farm at all times… and don’t forget to apply your ‘roo experience to real life. I’ve never been immersed in such a happy environment- everyone was a bunch of crinkly-eyed smilers! Bonnaroo is known for being the hippie-est of modern music festivals, which would explain the overall ~granola~ attitude.
3. Yoga, parades, and a 5K.
There's all kinds of events, including parades through centeroo open to anyone with a funky outfit, cool cart, or just a positive attitude. All the super-fit early birds can jump in on any of the yoga sessions, with some specifically for the disabled! There’s also a 5k on Saturday, among bunches of other cool events, like the yearbook project.
4. Landmarks to leave YOUR mark on.
The most well-known is the wall surrounding the farm; anyone and everyone can paint whatever they’d like. It’s complete with a “Before I Die” list, rad murals, and some pro-tips from 'roo veterans. There’s also the fountain, where you can cool off after catching a few sunny sets. Don’t forget to play volleyball in the sand at the Oasis; it’s right next to all the food trucks. The centeroo market is another gem, filled with merch from artisans, craftsman, and vendors.
5. Aaaand you’d never guess it… MUSIC!
This it what the festival is all about: nonstop performances from over 150 bands & artists! Could you really ask for more? This summer, some of the performers include The Killers, Muse, Khalid, Alt-J, and Hippie Sabotage. I promise there are shows for everyone, and it’s never a bad idea to check out a few bands you’ve never heard of! Last year, I was one of nine people at the smallest stage, watching a band of teens called ”Nightly” from LA, and they absolutely killed it. *cough* pro-tip *cough* Check out The Who Stage at some point!
Tickets are still available! ;)
