Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Post by julestheonly on Feb 21, 2011 2:02:34 GMT -5
First of all, I am insanely pumped for Roo!
But I have a few questions first.
1) I'm 17 years old, and I'm planning on going with some of my friends, who are around the same age. Do you think our ages will be a problem with the atmosphere?
2) To save money, would I be allowed to just sleep in my car instead of renting a tent or RV site? The seats come out and I've got a custom- made bed that I just throw in the back, and it's very comfortable.
3) What is the most important piece of Roo advice you can think of, aside from the temperature? I'm from South Carolina, so the heat and sun isn't a major concern for me.
1. no 2. you dont have to rent anything onsite, you can bring your own tent or sleep in your car... but careful it gets really hot 3. read lots before you go, there are plenty of great threads here and on the bonnaroo site.
Post by tangerinetrees on Feb 21, 2011 6:18:33 GMT -5
Hi Jules!!! Congrats on embarking on the magical trip that will be Bonnaroooooooooooooooooooo 2011
1) Being 17 or 27 does not matter. Have FUN Just remember to be tolerant. There will be people maybe drunk maybe on something that makes them believe there are worms under their skin - you have to roll with it. Don't be mad if someone pushes you to try to get to the front 30 seconds before the band starts. It's all goooood
2) Last year I passed out outside my tent for a couple of hours. Sleeping in a tent, on a ezup, on a table, on the ground - it depends on how exhausted you are and how your body deals with it
3) The most important advice is: BUY A WATCH!!! I had a lot of people come up to me for the time - I don't care I am a social girl DRINK WATER - lots of it! It is free so there is no reason not to. FIND MARKERS near your camp - We were right in front of the porta johns at Pod 3 right where that huge mushroom tent was.
1. Definitely not, even 47-year olds will be acting like kids at Roo... 2. I've heard that battery-powered fans are key to sleeping comfortably in the car. Had a tent last year and baked anyway - no way we could sleep any later than 7am regardless of what time we turned in the night before. 3. A Camelbak is a fantastic investment for Roo. Rely on bottles of water and you'll either spend a small fortune on beverages during the festival or spend 1/2 of your time waiting in line at the water filling stations. And if you want to save $$ on food - pack a bunch of pb&j's to bring with you - they'll last all 4 days without having to be refrigerated.
drink a gallon of water before you leave your campsite and then keep drinking water throughout the day. you can never have enough gold bond, sun screen, water, and shade for your campsite.
just remember to keep an open mind about everything and break all the rules that you can, except for when it comes to your personal well-being. your health is never something to mess around with. the more physical fit you are going into the weekend and the more you maintain yourself over the weekend, the more bands you will see and the more fun you will have.
other than that just make sure to get in line early and to GO INTO THE SILENT DISCO.
Others have answered your first two questions just fine so I'll just respond to your third:
take half as much food and twice the amount of clothing you think you'll need. I've seen this mantra thrown around on here, and it's so very true. My first year I ended up dumping or bringing home a LOT of food- it's a shame to waste it; clean clothes = good clothes.
Post by jacktheripper1 on Feb 22, 2011 1:35:02 GMT -5
Bring a good camera. I will be buying an SLR with detachable lens just for the occasion. I don't really care about getting pictures at anything else. My brother-in-law always takes 100's of pictures at every family gathering so I never have to worry. However, I'm going to definitely want Bonnaroo pics to look at. I tried using a point and shoot for concerts and even at full zoom I didn't get anything more than a blur. I think it's pretty much that way unless your in the absolute front row.
My advice would be to drink it all in. Appreciate what you are experiencing, the sights, the people, the sounds. It's given me the best memories of my entire life. Other than that, don't underestimate the sun, I'm from Florida and have been a lifeguard/surfer/beach bum basically my whole life. I can usually take a beating from the sun but even I got a little crispy. I don't mind the heat temperature wise, but I hate getting sunburned. Bring 45 at least apply every hour or so. Other than that, have a blast!
^I thought cameras with detachable lenses weren't allowed this year? I might bring my DSLR but it only has one lens, the one attached. It would be a shame for them to confiscate your camera or not let you bring it into centeroo.
- Jules, I'm 17 and this is my first roo too! Your group and mine should meet up and chill! - Try to borrow a tent from someone at home - ask EVERYONE you could possibly think of. It would be much easier, more comfortable, and your group could all camp together. - I would say non-perishable food and snacks like protien bars and trail mix for energy throughout the day, gallons of water for mini-showers and drinking, extra cash, a cell, meeting places for your group, extra undies and shoes, blankets, towels, sunscreen, and reading on here at least once a week until we get there haha! In one day I've learned so much it's ridiculous!
It's empty in the valley of your heart, the sun it rises slowly as you walk away from all the fears and faults you've left behind.
I need freedom now, and I need to know how to live my life as it's meant to be. I will hold on hope, and I won't let you choke on the noose around your neck. I'll find strength in pain and I will change my ways - I'll know my name as it's called again.
Post by Vw'ndeadchick on Feb 22, 2011 6:48:59 GMT -5
water - freeze 3 gallon jugs, it will keep your coolers frozen longer in block form and you can drink it as it melts. bring a canopy - screw the tent its not needed, your just going to bake in it anyway. i camp on a cot under a canopy, if it rains i just pull a tarp over me. camera - mines got the detachable lenses too, i put it on a guitar strap so can carry it easier. sun screen, bug spray, one long sleeve shirt and a pair of pants... the rest you can figure out I'm sure just keep reading through the threads
Technically - DSLR with detachable lenses are only allowed if you have a press pass - at least that is how it has been in the past.
They won't take the camera from you but they can turn you away at the entrance to Centeroo if they want to be a**holes about it and then, depending on where you are camped, it could mean a long walk back to lock it in your car.
Or, you can try another line and hope for the best.
The following items will NOT be permitted into Centeroo / concert venue (we reserve the right to add items to this list if necessary): cans, bottles (other than sealed or empty clear plastic water bottles), food (with the exception of small snacks), beverages, alcohol, video recording devices, professional cameras (anything other than small personal or disposable cameras), laser pens or similar focused-light devices, lawn chairs, beach umbrellas or any other items that might impair the sight of other spectators. There is NO check-in area for disallowed items. All patrons will be subject to a search by security personnel. Please be advised that the security company, facility, promoters and performers will not be responsible for any items confiscated during search procedures.
Post by themanflounders on Feb 22, 2011 13:46:50 GMT -5
Hey friend, and welcome to Bonnaroo. You're going to have the time of your life.
1. No worries on your age. My first year I was 18 and I had a freaking blast. The average age is a little older than that, but it's nothing.
2. The only thing I'd add to what everyone else has said is to make sure you explore and seek out new music. Search around these forums for bands other people are way into that you've never heard of before and download an album or two to get a feel. The only regrets I have from my first year or two at Roo were not going out and seeing enough new music.
3. Oh, and make sure you incorporate shade into your camping setup. You can do this easily with an EZ-up canopy. It makes all the difference in the world and was something we didn't do our first year.
Post by 10goldbees on Feb 22, 2011 22:35:12 GMT -5
they say SLRs are not allowed, but i didnt have any problem bringing in the D60 that had a pretty big lens on it. i would imagine it would be one thing they'd be more likely to pull the rule book (aka the Roole book) out on so just plan accordingly.
honestly, i didn't like having it with me that much in centeroo because it was just one more thing i HAD to think about. i wasn't trying to get any pictures published or anything, so i just stopped bringing it after a while. it was a TON of fun to walk around tent city with though.
and everyones right about food. you wont need as much as you think. just bring cash and try some new cuisine. i do recommend clif bars though because they're healthy, easy to carry and they wont completely melt apart like other protein bars.
and grab a couple five hour energies. you're gonna want em.
Post by JimmyMoore16 on Feb 23, 2011 1:01:29 GMT -5
Your age won't matter. Just make smart decisions and you'll be fine.
The car thing will definitely be ALLOWED and I've had several people tell me that is the way they prefer to camp. Obviously you want to leave all of the widows down to get as much ventilation as possible. I would suggest a tarp to hang on the east side of your vehicle to block the morning sun.
My biggest piece of advice is far from original: PACE yourself. 4 days with no sleep, bed, or shower will wear on you. Find shade during the day and get off of your feet. Long hours standing directly in the sun will drain you. The real heart of Bonnaroo happens late night, so prioritize your schedule around that. Magical things happen on that farm between 1-4 AM. Other than that, you'll find this board will serve as your best resource. Listen to these people. Read everything you can for the next 4 months. Start visiting myspace pages of bands you dont know. And come June, walk past the farris wheel, beneath that arch, and onto sacred ground with an open mind. It will change you.
Post by Enlightened1 on Mar 25, 2011 7:09:59 GMT -5
Going back and forth to camp for something to drink seems a bit much and buying beer in Centeroo all day not great either, how difficult should it be to get in to Centeroo with something to spike a coke? I usually put something in a ziplock and put that in a ziplock then put in my pocket.
Going back and forth to camp for something to drink seems a bit much and buying beer in Centeroo all day not great either, how difficult should it be to get in to Centeroo with something to spike a coke? I usually put something in a ziplock and put that in a ziplock then put in my pocket.
I do this because I don't like beer and there are no other options in Centeroo. I purchased a small flask and sneak it in - usually in the front of my undies