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 colourfulfiasco on Mar 1, 2014 15:16:40 GMT -5
I'm attending Bonnaroo as a late present for getting accepted into my dream college. My awesome dad paid for my ticket. HOWEVER, I don't have any friends going and convincing people has been cry difficult. What should I know if I go alone? Is it safe for a girl to go to Roo alone? Tips on enjoying myself? (How do I meet up with Inforoosters there?)
EDIT: I'm 19 and I've been to several day festivals (Shaky Knees, Freefest, etc) many of which were 10+ hours away
I'm attending Bonnaroo as a late present for getting accepted into my dream college. My awesome dad paid for my ticket. HOWEVER, I don't have any friends going and convincing people has been cry difficult. What should I know if I go alone? Is it safe for a girl to go to Roo alone? Tips on enjoying myself? (How do I meet up with Inforoosters there?)
This thread has some valuable info for young rooers. inforoo.com/thread/32705 There is also some more treads around.
This thread has some valuable info for young rooers. inforoo.com/thread/32705 There is also some more treads around.
Any more questions holla one of us will answer.
Thanks so much! Most of that thread seems to be about underage kids going, not being able to drive, etc. But I'm definitely going to look around to see if other threads can help!
This thread has some valuable info for young rooers. inforoo.com/thread/32705 There is also some more treads around.
Any more questions holla one of us will answer.
Thanks so much! Most of that thread seems to be about underage kids going, not being able to drive, etc. But I'm definitely going to look around to see if other threads can help!
Just some of the warnings about going the first time. I remember going my first time and it seemed like bonnaroo was the size of Mordor but now its like my backyard I run around with confidence. Just takes a year to get it down. I would advise looking for a GROOP to camp with in your age group. It's like $25-$35 extra and you get to be closer, more room and hang with some people. Even carpool maybe.
I am sure you could be fine/survive going solo but you want to be great/prepared. It's way way way more fun that way IMO.
Thanks so much! Most of that thread seems to be about underage kids going, not being able to drive, etc. But I'm definitely going to look around to see if other threads can help!
Just some of the warnings about going the first time. I remember going my first time and it seemed like bonnaroo was the size of Mordor but now its like my backyard I run around with confidence. Just takes a year to get it down. I would advise looking for a GROOP to camp with in your age group. It's like $25-$35 extra and you get to be closer, more room and hang with some people. Even carpool maybe.
I am sure you could be fine/survive going solo but you want to be great/prepared. It's way way way more fun that way IMO.
I agree with this. I went alone last year with some guys I found on the internet who I drove down with. It was fun, but they weren't as down about making friends with my neighbors and everything as I was. If you go with Groop Camping, I would ASSUME that there are a lot of people who are doing it because they are in situations similar to yours, and everyone wants to be friends in your groop. But of course I could be wrong, I've never actually done it.
Post by ColorsAndShapes on Mar 1, 2014 16:09:26 GMT -5
I am 29 and wouldn't even want to go to this fest alone. There is just so much ish you have to bring for 4 days of camping and partying. It's good to preplan so there is not too much or too little of things.
Post by warpedfan11 on Mar 1, 2014 16:11:47 GMT -5
I went to Hangout fest alone last year and had the time of my life because I ended up staying with these random people I met when I got down there....its good to kinda scope out the situation and decide who you want to stay with when you get there, like you don't have to commit yourself to staying with people you would end up not liking or not having as much fun with...I have a friend who did Roo alone and they had a good experience since they were willing to meet new people.
well as another female going alone, i will voice my personal pros & cons list, any opinions on this are more than welcome:
PROS
Don't have to worry about missing shows I want to see because someone else doesn't
Can come and go as I please -No unplanned, unnecessary bathroom/water breaks
Won't feel the need to entertain someone else who may be having a bad time
Won't have to be responsible for anyone else
Ability to meet new people
Tent to myself - I have a portable toilet that I can just put in the tent and not be judged...
Will have all food and beer to myself - Won't have to purchase as much food or beer, or split the cost for alcohol I'm not going to consume
CONS
Safety concerns -Can you trust that new friend who is shit faced drunk and tripping balls? -What if you get too outta your head? -What if your neighbors are that .01% who are total crazy dicky rapists? (yes, as a female, these are genuine concerns)
No one to watch your back -I mean that knows you and can tell if you're getting on edge or having a bad reaction to something
You're alone, could get lonely
No one to help set up camp -Tent will be fine, but an ez-up takes more than one person
Only enough space for just one person, as opposed to a group getting a two-car spot -The spot you get for a single car is tiny, no way you can fit a tent and canopy in a 10x10 spot..
No one experience this amazing experience with -I was so happy that I had my best friend with me for McCartney last year, sad she won't be there for Elton
Females bring more stuff, more stuff that you have to remember and pack and unpack and keep track of
I went to 4 out of 6 Roos alone including my first in 08 when I was 18. If you are the tip of person that would even consider doing Roo alone you can have a fantastic time going solo. The thing to remember is you never are really alone, you are there with 80,000 people that you have at least one thing in common with. These days I couldn't go alone if I tired because I have literally hundreds of friends there.
Bonnaroo is perfectly safe for a girl on her own, that isn't to say there aren't people to watch out for, but if you don't get drunk or high enough to lose your good judgement you will be completely fine.
If you haven't done a camping fest before the environmental factors would be my biggest concern. You are responsible for yourself to drink enough water, not get too much sun, and to be careful about what you ingest. If you don't take care of yourself you have a recipe for a really, really bad time. Plus there is also the logistical stuff, do a few test runs setting up the tent by yourself and such.
Remember, the vast majority of people there are really awesome and want those around them to have a good time too, so if you need some help just ask.
Post by SilentEyedStorm on Mar 1, 2014 16:56:44 GMT -5
I went alone to my first Roo last year and I'm doing it again this year. My solo experience was the best week of my life because I read through everything I could in preparation for the trip. I was 100% prepared for 6 days on the farm (I get there on Tues). I'm an extrovert, so I didn't have a problem making friends with my neighbors. Since I don't drink I didn't have any worries about things getting out of control. My age (and life experiences) probably keep me feeling a bit safer. I know when I was in my 20's I wouldn't have even thought about people who may try to cause harm, but I'm jaded now, I know they do exist. Just be aware of your surroundings, make connections here and let your presence be known.
2013~Bonnaroo, Gentlemen of the Road-Troy 2014~McDowell Mountain, Beale Street, Bonnaroo, Riot Fest 2015~Coachella 1, Bonnaroo 2016~Summer Camp, Bonnaroo, Live on the Green, Pilgrimage 2017~Bonnaroo, Live on the Green, Pilgrimage 2018~Bonnaroo
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act" 2019~BROKE 2020~M'fking COVID 2021~ditto 2022~tbd
The first year that I went to Roo in 2009 I went solo. I was supposed to be going with my sister, who dropped out last second. I decided not to let that ruin my good time, so I went solo. IT WAS THE BEST DECISION EVER!
I was super excited but had some concerns too. However, when I got to Bonnaroo I had some awesome neighbors who, after seeing that I was solo helped me put up my tent. I didn't bring a canopy that year because I couldn't afford one along with all the other supplies I needed. They graciously offered to let me hang out under theirs. We became good friends that weekend and ended up going to see Phish together. It was amazing.
I did get lost trying to make it back from Cebteroo, because I wasn't sure where I had camped. It started raining like crazy the first day. I thought I was headed in the right direction but somehow got even more lost. I ended up having to jump over this ditch full of water, lost a sandal. By that time some guys saw me and came to help. They helped me find my shoe, showed me the right direction to Pod 9 (which was now Pod 10 since the balloon popped), and gave me a cold beer.
I found my way back, fell asleep in my tent (that was still standing thanks to some inforoo tips!) And it became one of my favorite memories of Bonnaroo.
I fell in love with Bonnaroo that year and I wouldn't have if I hadn't gone solo. There are always awesome people on the farm that are willing to help. If no one offers just ask. Everyone there that I have met has been so amazing. That's why I go back every year.
Bonnaroo isn't just about the music, its also the people. So my advice is just be optimistic, ask for help if you need it, and help others who need it. If you do that you will have an AMAZING time.
I agree with what many have said here: going solo is great.
I've done it four of the last six Roos and am doing so again this year. I'm an introvert so I rarely talk to others while I'm there but I've never felt lonely there. I probably see fifty percent more acts when I go by myself.
I do have to disagree with the idea that you have less space to camp if you go by yourself. They mete out spaces by the carload, not the number of people in a vehicle. I've never had an issue with my four person tent with an EZUp. Besides, Tent Only is the way to go solo anyways. :-)
Post by dreamingtree on Mar 1, 2014 22:13:08 GMT -5
I go with others, but I spend quite a bit of my time alone at Bonnaroo because I choose to see different bands than my friends. I am totally fine with it and really enjoy the freedom.
I agree with what many have said here: going solo is great.
I've done it four of the last six Roos and am doing so again this year. I'm an introvert so I rarely talk to others while I'm there but I've never felt lonely there. I probably see fifty percent more acts when I go by myself.
I do have to disagree with the idea that you have less space to camp if you go by yourself. They mete out spaces by the carload, not the number of people in a vehicle. I've never had an issue with my four person tent with an EZUp. Besides, Tent Only is the way to go solo anyways. :-)
I didn't mean to imply that space is given per person (I thought I put that in there.) I just know that with 2 cars last year we had enough room behind one car for the tent and enough space behind the other for our canopy. With just the 10x10 spot you get with car that's less space. My canopy alone is 12x12, and my old one (which will now be over the tent) is 9x9. I need my tent. I need my canopy. It will just be interesting how I have to set up to have enough space for both. Def going to make nice with my neighbors and maybe double up our canopies for more space.
Post by luciusmayweather on Mar 1, 2014 23:07:03 GMT -5
I will also be attending Bonnaroo alone. This will be my first time at Bonnaroo. I’m from California and attend Coachella every year. I’ve wanted to branch out and try Bonnaroo the last couple of years but none of my friends can get the time off so I’ve decided to go alone. My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably? I’m excited for my first year and meeting some new people.
My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably?
I think it depends on what you are doing when you arrive.
If you are staying at a hotel and then renting a car when you fly in you should ship most of your stuff there. Sending it out using a ground service skills be pretty reasonable financially.
If you're not staying at a hotel but are renting a car and driving in you could see if there is a mailboxes etc on the route and ship your stuff there, assuming there is one open during your time frame. (You might find a hotel on your route that's willing to receive your stuff if you're not staying there but that's a bit iffy and you'd hate to ship it and have your package refused because you weren't a guest.)
If you're taking the shuttle in, I'm not sure what you can do. Maybe see if you can make friends with someone with space that is willing to receive your stuff and meet up with you in Tent Only.
I will also be attending Bonnaroo alone. This will be my first time at Bonnaroo. I’m from California and attend Coachella every year. I’ve wanted to branch out and try Bonnaroo the last couple of years but none of my friends can get the time off so I’ve decided to go alone. My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably? I’m excited for my first year and meeting some new people.
I have a friend who flys into burning man and somehow she packs her tent in her suitcase. I have no suggestion on how to bring a canopy tho. Other than to just eat the cost of the extra baggage fee. I don't know how I'd feel about shipping my stuff in advance. Sounds too complicated...
My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably? I’m excited for my first year and meeting some new people.
If you know anyone driving you might be able to mail them some things. I'm thinking a tent would be good to mail and have them bring since they can weigh like 6 lbs (cheap to ship) but take up a ton of room for a plane. Just make sure you aren't SOL if they forget something! (This could be a terrible idea. Just what I initially thought of.)
I will also be attending Bonnaroo alone. This will be my first time at Bonnaroo. I’m from California and attend Coachella every year. I’ve wanted to branch out and try Bonnaroo the last couple of years but none of my friends can get the time off so I’ve decided to go alone. My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably? I’m excited for my first year and meeting some new people.
I fly into Roo pretty much every year and it's pretty easily done if you have the right kind of camping stuff. You certainly have to pay attention to what you pack but it is completely doable to get everything you need in one large suitcase and a carry-on. The biggest issue is the 50lbs weight limit that most airlines have, just keep on eye on you weight as you buy stuff. I have a small 1-2 person backpacking tent, a light sleeping bag, a couple tarps, and a inflatable sleeping pad, with enough room and weight for everything else I need like clothes.
I've never flown with an EZ-up but I plan on doing that this year. I hear you can just check it in its carrying case.
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I will also be attending Bonnaroo alone. This will be my first time at Bonnaroo. I’m from California and attend Coachella every year. I’ve wanted to branch out and try Bonnaroo the last couple of years but none of my friends can get the time off so I’ve decided to go alone. My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably? I’m excited for my first year and meeting some new people.
I fly into Roo pretty much every year and it's pretty easily done if you have the right kind of camping stuff. You certainly have to pay attention to what you pack but it is completely doable to get everything you need in one large suitcase and a carry-on. The biggest issue is the 50lbs weight limit that most airlines have, just keep on eye on you weight as you buy stuff. I have a small 1-2 person backpacking tent, a light sleeping bag, a couple tarps, and a inflatable sleeping pad, with enough room and weight for everything else I need like clothes.
I've never flown with an EZ-up but I plan on doing that this year. I hear you can just check it in its carrying case.
You can check it as it, check with the airline ahead of time thought, I flew AirTran a couple years ago and they boned us so hard, it was basically same price and easier to ditch it and replace it.
I will also be attending Bonnaroo alone. This will be my first time at Bonnaroo. I’m from California and attend Coachella every year. I’ve wanted to branch out and try Bonnaroo the last couple of years but none of my friends can get the time off so I’ve decided to go alone. My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably? I’m excited for my first year and meeting some new people.
I fly into Roo pretty much every year and it's pretty easily done if you have the right kind of camping stuff. You certainly have to pay attention to what you pack but it is completely doable to get everything you need in one large suitcase and a carry-on. The biggest issue is the 50lbs weight limit that most airlines have, just keep on eye on you weight as you buy stuff. I have a small 1-2 person backpacking tent, a light sleeping bag, a couple tarps, and a inflatable sleeping pad, with enough room and weight for everything else I need like clothes.
I've never flown with an EZ-up but I plan on doing that this year. I hear you can just check it in its carrying case.
I think I can fit most of my general camping supplies into my check in bags. Tent, sleeping bag, tarps. The only items I’m worried about shipping is a cooler and Canopy. I was thinking I could just buy a cheap cooler when I land. Is an EZ up absolutely necessary? Maybe I could just use tarps. Or buy a cheaper canopy and ditch it after the festival.
My biggest concern is flying in with limited camping supplies. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on how to fly and camp comfortably? I’m excited for my first year and meeting some new people.
If you know anyone driving you might be able to mail them some things. I'm thinking a tent would be good to mail and have them bring since they can weigh like 6 lbs (cheap to ship) but take up a ton of room for a plane. Just make sure you aren't SOL if they forget something! (This could be a terrible idea. Just what I initially thought of.)
Unfortunately, I don't know anyone driving in. I bought a ticket on a whim. Thought about mailing stuff but that might be expensive/complicated.
I fly into Roo pretty much every year and it's pretty easily done if you have the right kind of camping stuff. You certainly have to pay attention to what you pack but it is completely doable to get everything you need in one large suitcase and a carry-on. The biggest issue is the 50lbs weight limit that most airlines have, just keep on eye on you weight as you buy stuff. I have a small 1-2 person backpacking tent, a light sleeping bag, a couple tarps, and a inflatable sleeping pad, with enough room and weight for everything else I need like clothes.
I've never flown with an EZ-up but I plan on doing that this year. I hear you can just check it in its carrying case.
I think I can fit most of my general camping supplies into my check in bags. Tent, sleeping bag, tarps. The only items I’m worried about shipping is a cooler and Canopy. I was thinking I could just buy a cheap cooler when I land. Is an EZ up absolutely necessary? Maybe I could just use tarps. Or buy a cheaper canopy and ditch it after the festival.
I rarely drink at Roo and never bring more than snacks to eat, so for me a cooler isn't needed. Last year was my first time with an EZ-up after 5 years without, so it is definitely not necessary, but it is super nice to have. Without the shade from it you will be unlikely to sleep past 7am.
I think I can fit most of my general camping supplies into my check in bags. Tent, sleeping bag, tarps. The only items I’m worried about shipping is a cooler and Canopy. I was thinking I could just buy a cheap cooler when I land. Is an EZ up absolutely necessary? Maybe I could just use tarps. Or buy a cheaper canopy and ditch it after the festival.
I rarely drink at Roo and never bring more than snacks to eat, so for me a cooler isn't needed. Last year was my first time with an EZ-up after 5 years without, so it is definitely not necessary, but it is super nice to have. Without the shade from it you will be unlikely to sleep past 7am.
I definitely want a cooler for water/beer etc. I’ll probably just buy a cheap one after I land and load it up with drinks and buy some snacks. Is Roo food/alcohol expensive? I’ll probably try it without a EZ Up unless I can find a group that would be willing to share. I wouldn’t mind sharing or pitching in and sharing a camp site with others. Do they have any type of meet ups?
I think so. I don't remember exact prices but I think most meals are $7-12 depending on what you get, and that's not exactly a guarantee that you'll won't be hungry afterwards.. Beers were 7 or 8 I think. Over a four-day fest that gets crazy pricy.
Beer is expensive but the food is relatively affordable. Pack some snacks and keep in mind that with the heat and all the stuff you'll be doing you aren't really going to be sitting down to 3 square meals a day.
