My Bonnaroo Checklis

Hey there, future fellow Bonnaroovians!

Here's my own personal checklist with a few explanatory blurbs to help you prepare for your very first Bonnaroo adventure.

Home Sweet Home

​So, what does one need to bring to Manchester Tennessee? Here's what I need:

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1.                                           >>>>>>>WRISTBAND<<<<<<<

Obviously the most important thing you need to remember. Quadruple check that you have it before you leave, and then check one more time just in case.

2. Tent:: Practice setting it up at least once at home before you leave.

3. Tent AND shade tent:: Here's a technique that I always employ when pitching a tent at 'Roo: set up your tent under a a shade tent in a way that it deflects direct sunlight away from your tent. Temperatures inside your tent can become unbearable when left baking in the sun and it will wake you up by 8:00; It's inevitable- you will surrender to the heat. When you've been up past 5 AM the previous night, any amount of sleep will make a world of difference the next day- even if it's a couple extra hours bought by managing the temperature of your tent.

Your Tent.

Here's an example of how I've organized my camp in the past: 

​A typical "community area" in Groop Camping:

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4. Spending Money: I usually bring about $300 in cash just in case. I never come close to spending it all, but you never know what emergencies will pop up.

5. Teeth stuff:: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.

6. Eye stuff:: contacts (bring extras), contact case (bring an extra case), solution, glasses, etc.

7. Shower stuff:: body wash, shampoo, your choice of cleaning thingy (rag, luffa, sponge, whatever), razor, lotion, etc. Yes, there are showers at Bonnaroo. Yes, they cost money (7 bucks, if it's the same as last year). Yes, it is the best 7 dollars you will ever spend.

8. Towels

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9. Backpack for Day Bag/Night Bag:: It's a good idea to keep a Day Bag with you for carrying around during the day (hence the name, Day Bag). Here's what I usually keep in mine: Flashlight (small, for nocturnal bathroom trips, locating dropped items), Sunscreen (small tube), Sunglasses (usually worn), Snacks (ziploc bag full of trail mix/jerky, 3 or 4 Cliff bars), money (in wallet, wallet in ziploc), water bottle, Toilet Paper (in ziploc), Camera (in ziploc), Phone (in ziploc), Map/Schedule (in ziploc, open to the schedule of whatever day it happens to be), Heartburn Pills, Mints/Gum, Contacts/solution (spare pair, just to be safe). This is just what I feel I need during the day, use it as a general guideline. The ziplocs are for keeping my stuff dry, as unexpected wetness does occur.

You finding out all of your shit is wet.

10. Shoes:: these need to be VERY comfortable AND durable (the terrain can be a bit rough on the feet in places, but not too bad as long as you have shoes on. Also, it will get wet and it will get muddy). You will be walking and standing at pretty much every waking hour. Whatever you decide on, be sure to purchase them far enough in advance to properly break them in and test them for comfort, durability, and heat. Recommendations: Sanuks, TOMS, sturdy sandals. DO NOT wear flip flops: they will break or be flopped off, never to be seen again and you will suffer through barefootedness for the rest of the weekend.

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​Just to give you an idea, here's the ground you'll have to cover. We'll probably be setting up where it says "General Camping" is if it's the same as previous years.

Make sure they're comfortable to dance in, too. 

11. Rain boots, or "wellies" as our cousins over at Glastonbury call them:: We've been lucky the last couple of years and have only seen small amounts of rain on the very last day of Bonnaroo... we're due for a full on mud-apocalypse. Make no mistake, it will be the muddiest thing you will every experience if the 'Roo gods curse the Farm with a weekend of rain. Don't forget to bring some heavy wool socks to wear with these if you need them.

There Will Be Mud

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12. Something to carry water in:: Water bottles are a MUST, camelbacks an awesome luxury. Proper hydration is of the most importance at Bonnaroo. People have died from heat stroke in the past and I myself had to accompany my friend to the medic tent when she passed out waiting in line under the arch last year on the first day; very dangerous. Drink until you think you've had enough, and then drink a bit more.

13. Cheap Sunglasses:: I'd suggest bringing extras; they're easily lost or broken. The Farm is no place for Ray-Ban and Gucci.

14. Sleep stuff:: air mattress, cot, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, etc. It's a good idea to bring a heavy blanket for the night and a thin sheet for the day. Speaking of temperature changes...

Clothes:: During the day it will be hot. Very hot. Dress accordingly. Light clothing that breathes easily, tank tops, shorts, whatever you're comfortable in. However, Bonnaroo at night is a different story entirely. It can get pretty chilly at night, so be sure to bring pants and a hoodie or sweat shirt just incase the temperature drops when the sun goes down. Bring more than 4 changes of clothes just incase you get soaked by the rain, covered in mud, or the back of your T-shirt gets painted by spun out hippies while you watch a vaudevillian, one-man band and a burlesque mime preform in a makeshift acid fueled shanty town at 3 AM (if you're lucky enough to stumble upon the mythical Jive Joint and Super Tall Paul you'll see what I mean).

                               

The Myth.

               

The Legend.

15. Food:: Dry and canned food is best. Don't bring anything that will melt or go bad in the heat. Soups, canned fruit, trail mix, jerky, nuts, all good choices. If you have the means financially, I highly recommend trying the food that the festival has to offer. Bonnaroo plays host to some of the best independent restaurants and food trucks in the South; from authentic New Orleans cajun, to Mississippi soul food, to Carolina BBQ, they've got it all (I suggest the alligator burritos and black lemonade). If you're thirsty, head over to the Broo'ers Festival where you can sample 20 different breweries from around the country. 

Dat Lemonade.

I highly recommend the Alligator Burritos, Eatbox meatball sandwiches, and the Jerry Rolls.

Jerry will show you the way...

Oh, and don't forget to grab some free doughnuts over at Dave's...

...or get a cone at Ben and Jerry's.

​16. Athlete's Foot Spray:: With thousands and thousands of people sharing the same showers, port-a-potties, and mud puddles for 4 days, you never know. I give my feet a good spray down every time I get back to camp, just in case.

17. Bug spray:: You won't need it. I have never once been bothered by a single mosquito or fly at Bonnaroo.

18. Paper towel

19. Garbage bags

20. Ziploc bags:: millions of uses for these. Example: keep your phone in one and your map/schedule in one. Easy waterproofing.

21. Plastic cups/silverware

22. Watch: It's incredibly important to keep track of time using a reliable watch.

You don't want to be late.

23. Camera:: If you don't bring one, you might wish you had.

24. Flashlights:: Port-A-Potties can get awfully dark at night...

Don't depend on phones!!!!!!!!! You may not get service and your phone will die a swift death.

25. Table

26. Chairs

27. ​Health and general well-being:: Aspirin, allergy medication, inhalers, Ibuprofen, heart burn pills, antacids, Pepto-Bismol, First Aid kit, blister kit, etc.

For your health.

28. Alcohol:: BYOB, your free to bring your drink of choice on the farm as long as your alcohol is not in a glass container- plastic and cans only. Here's an interesting fact: While it is (obviously) illegal for an individual operating a vehicle to consume alcohol while driving, it is perfectly legal in the state of Tennessee to indulge in a beverage if you are a passenger. Do with this information what you will.

The real reason why Jack White moved to Nashville.

29. TP:: bring a few; if you drop one in the Port-A-Potties, it's a goner. Here's a tip- keep them in coffee cans to keep them dry. Also, bring a string or lanyard so you can wear it around your neck when you go do your business. This frees up your hands and is a big help.

30. Earplugs:: These come in handy for loud shows, and (if you're a light sleeper) for trying to get some sleep. Bonnaroo is a very noisy place at night and earplugs may be the only thing that will keep the bass drops, guitar solos, and roaring crowds at bay. Bring some earplugs and you might get some sleep (if that's what you're into).

Headphones work, too.

31. Wet wipes

32. Umbrella

33. Rain Poncho

34. Gold Bond:: Walking around sweaty all day = ya might need some Gold Bond.

35. Sunscreen:: Apply liberally as soon as you arrive. It should be the first thing you do. I cannot stress this enough.

The effects of a typical Bonnaroo sunburn.

Well, that's about it. These are what I consider to be the Bonnaroo essentials. I believe that if you keep this information in mind and plan accordingly, you will be guaranteed to have a good time at 'Roo. If you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them.

See ya on the Farm!

-Brad