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How to Do the Bonnaroo Music Festival

Named for the Cajun slang term for "a really good time," the Bonnaroo Music Festival is staged during the third weekend of June at a 700-acre farm outside of Manchester, Tennessee. The festival features multiple concert stages offering every form of music. Visitors can also browse the Centeroo tent area for music, markets, movies and comedy.

Instructions

  1. Planning Your Trip

    • 1

      Visit the Bonnaroo Music Festival website for a list of performers and events.

    • 2

      Order tickets and ensure everyone in your group has their tickets before you go. Once you arrive at the festival site, anyone without a ticket will be turned away.

    • 3

      Download a PDF copy of the festival information guide and study it carefully. Pay particular attention to the frequently asked questions sections.

    • 4

      Plan to fill your gas tank somewhere outside of Manchester before you arrive, as there are no on-site gas vendors.

    Traveling to Manchester

    • 5

      Travel from the east, northeast and southeast by taking Interstates 59 or 75 to Chattanooga. Take Interstate 24 to the Manchester exit (Exit 112).

    • 6

      Drive from the west, northwest and southwest by taking Interstates 24, 40 or 65 into Nashville. From Nashville take Interstate 24 to Exit 111 and follow the signs to the site.

    • 7

      Consider taking Tennessee Highway 55 in addition to one of the other routes if you live in Tennessee. Consult a road map to determine the best route.

    Enjoying the Festival

    • 8

      Place your tickets in a readily accessible place in your vehicle. There are several checkpoints you must pass through before reaching the festival. Having tickets ready will speed you through.

    • 9

      Go to your assigned camping area if you are camping. Your vehicle must stay in this area for the duration of the festival, unless you obtain a vehicle pass. However you are free to roam about the festival grounds on foot. People who park in day parking areas are shunted through a separate tollbooth.

    • 10

      Find the "pods" or "community centers" on your festival map. They feature an art exhibit and "Bonnaroo Ambassadors" who can assist you during the run of the festival.

    • 11

      Get a concert bracelet to visit Centeroo, the main festival grounds area. You will hear music, eat and enjoy many other activities. Follow the posted instructions to find out what you can bring with you.

    • 12

      Cooperate with the security staff. They are there to help you by keeping the festival running smoothly.

    • 13

      Pace yourself. Stay well-fed, well-hydrated and well-rested.

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