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!!
Its not that hard to navigate through the crowd. I personally think it should be an Olympic sport! Something about cruising through the crowd and sliding in through narrow gaps is like a sport to me!
This is my first Roo and I am super excited (and also nervous for the drive!) I checked out mostly all the threads on the Walmart in Manchester but want to make sure about the hours - they close at 9 pm, but do they stay open any later that Wed. night when people camp out? I ask because my driving schedule will probably get me into Manchester by 1030/11 pm, maybe even later, and we were planning on picking up water and some camp food at that Walmart. I think it would be easiest, but if we need to stop at some other one along the way and earlier in the day that's fine, I just don't want to get myself off course for any longer than I need to (I'm awful with directions - this drive should be very interesting for me)
Also, this has most likely been covered but as long as I make sure my friends car is behind/ in front of mine in the lines to get into Roo the people directing us won't give us an issue about parking next to each other right? I remember reading here that it's a good idea to be friendly/nice but assertive about having your friends be able to park next to you. I really don't want to get split up.
This is my first Roo and I am super excited (and also nervous for the drive!) I checked out mostly all the threads on the Walmart in Manchester but want to make sure about the hours - they close at 9 pm, but do they stay open any later that Wed. night when people camp out? I ask because my driving schedule will probably get me into Manchester by 1030/11 pm, maybe even later, and we were planning on picking up water and some camp food at that Walmart. I think it would be easiest, but if we need to stop at some other one along the way and earlier in the day that's fine, I just don't want to get myself off course for any longer than I need to (I'm awful with directions - this drive should be very interesting for me)
I just checked the Wal-Mart website, and the Wal-Mart in Manchester is 24 hours. You should have no problems getting what you need whenever you arrive in town!
Also, this has most likely been covered but as long as I make sure my friends car is behind/ in front of mine in the lines to get into Roo the people directing us won't give us an issue about parking next to each other right? I remember reading here that it's a good idea to be friendly/nice but assertive about having your friends be able to park next to you. I really don't want to get split up.
Correct. When you go through the tollbooths, you should tell the volunteers that your friends are in :blank: car and you will need to wait for them to be camped together. Usually they are cool and will let you pull up and over to the side to wait. But yes, but assertive but polite. Remember, most of these people are volunteers, and if you get an answer you don't like, it's probably because that is what they've been told to say.
With a parent? With a group of other 15 year olds? With a group that has older people in it?
yes. with other 15-16 year olds.
Tough one IMO. Bonnaroo can be as safe or as dangerous as you make it. You will be exposed to many things that you typically are not exposed to (most likely). I think it really depends on the maturity of the people in your group. You all really need to be prepared for the heat during the day among a list of other things (knowing the importance of hydration, ect). There are many forums on the site that can help with attending Bonnaroo for the first time and for what to expect. I don't think that I would let my child go to Bonnaroo with a group of 15 and 16 year olds, but hey that's just me.
Tough one IMO. Bonnaroo can be as safe or as dangerous as you make it. You will be exposed to many things that you typically are not exposed to (most likely). I think it really depends on the maturity of the people in your group. You all really need to be prepared for the heat during the day among a list of other things (knowing the importance of hydration, ect). There are many forums on the site that can help with attending Bonnaroo for the first time and for what to expect. I don't think that I would let my child go to Bonnaroo with a group of 15 and 16 year olds, but hey that's just me.
well, i might go with my older brother, and his friends, and he is 22. but i would most definitely bring a friend with me. would it be okay if i went off with my friends and he went off with his, and then we would like meet up later? sorry. im just trying to figure out what would be best. Bonnaroo sounds like a totally amazing experience. I guess my biggest worry is that if i DO go, i will feel out of place, awkward, etc, because there are not many people under 18. (from what i have heard)
Tough one IMO. Bonnaroo can be as safe or as dangerous as you make it. You will be exposed to many things that you typically are not exposed to (most likely). I think it really depends on the maturity of the people in your group. You all really need to be prepared for the heat during the day among a list of other things (knowing the importance of hydration, ect). There are many forums on the site that can help with attending Bonnaroo for the first time and for what to expect. I don't think that I would let my child go to Bonnaroo with a group of 15 and 16 year olds, but hey that's just me.
well, i might go with my older brother, and his friends, and he is 22. but i would most definitely bring a friend with me. would it be okay if i went off with my friends and he went off with his, and then we would like meet up later? sorry. im just trying to figure out what would be best. Bonnaroo sounds like a totally amazing experience. I guess my biggest worry is that if i DO go, i will feel out of place, awkward, etc, because there are not many people under 18. (from what i have heard)
When you put it in that context then I would say you would have a better chance convincing your parents/guardians to go(if thats even the case). The situation you are describing is what a lot of other people have done in the past though it usually tends to be parents/kids and not older/younger siblings. I think as long as you stay together and your brother is responsible for your well being that you could have a good time and avoid any trouble that might arise. As others have said there are a lot of threads on here that help first timers with questions/advice/logistics/etc. If your brother has not been then you and he should both spend some time researching said threads.
Dont worry about being awkward, pretty much everyone is. It makes it interesting. "We're all mad here"
Tough one IMO. Bonnaroo can be as safe or as dangerous as you make it. You will be exposed to many things that you typically are not exposed to (most likely). I think it really depends on the maturity of the people in your group. You all really need to be prepared for the heat during the day among a list of other things (knowing the importance of hydration, ect). There are many forums on the site that can help with attending Bonnaroo for the first time and for what to expect. I don't think that I would let my child go to Bonnaroo with a group of 15 and 16 year olds, but hey that's just me.
What she said. It would be very dependent on the group of 15-16 year olds involved. There's your obvious exposure to things that you likely haven't been exposed, and even if you have been, it's probably to a larger degree than your previous experience. If someone lets this get out of hand, there can be some pretty severe consequences (and I am not talking legal consequences). Second, this really goes for any age group, but there's a good chance that the weather conditions can be more than people expect. If you come to Bonnaroo with just a cooler full of cokes and a 4 person tent you got from Wal-Mart, you might not have a great time. Third, there's an amount of self reliance that is involved with going that is probably new to those of that age. You have to budget your money out for the entire weekend while leaving enough for gas to get home. You have to pack everything, set it up, take it down. In addition, there is possibly the added volatility of the interpersonal relationships of those within the group which can cause chaos throughout the weekend. alainamaree, I would highly suggest that you read up on some of the first-timer threads on here and think about it before you make the leap.
Edit: Since you have asked a couple times, I have no idea how many people are under 18.
I remember a thread with another young girl asking the same types of questions about going to bonnaroo. Someone should probably link it if they know where it is.
I remember a thread with another young girl asking the same types of questions about going to bonnaroo. Someone should probably link it if they know where it is.
Tough one IMO. Bonnaroo can be as safe or as dangerous as you make it. You will be exposed to many things that you typically are not exposed to (most likely). I think it really depends on the maturity of the people in your group. You all really need to be prepared for the heat during the day among a list of other things (knowing the importance of hydration, ect). There are many forums on the site that can help with attending Bonnaroo for the first time and for what to expect. I don't think that I would let my child go to Bonnaroo with a group of 15 and 16 year olds, but hey that's just me.
What she said. It would be very dependent on the group of 15-16 year olds involved. There's your obvious exposure to things that you likely haven't been exposed, and even if you have been, it's probably to a larger degree than your previous experience. If someone lets this get out of hand, there can be some pretty severe consequences (and I am not talking legal consequences). Second, this really goes for any age group, but there's a good chance that the weather conditions can be more than people expect. If you come to Bonnaroo with just a cooler full of cokes and a 4 person tent you got from Wal-Mart, you might not have a great time. Third, there's an amount of self reliance that is involved with going that is probably new to those of that age. You have to budget your money out for the entire weekend while leaving enough for gas to get home. You have to pack everything, set it up, take it down. In addition, there is possibly the added volatility of the interpersonal relationships of those within the group which can cause chaos throughout the weekend. alainamaree, I would highly suggest that you read up on some of the first-timer threads on here and think about it before you make the leap.
Edit: Since you have asked a couple times, I have no idea how many people are under 18.
alainamaree - take heed to the above, it is great advice. The fact that you're here asking and not just assuming it's okay and you can handle anything without thinking about it (like I would have at your age) shows you have some maturity. I'm just not sure if that's enough for all that needs to be considered. As a parent of kids in and close to the teenage range, my whole life is pretty much trying to figure out what each of my kids can and can't handle. I've found, as with most families, each one can handle different levels of stuff and different types of stuff, so without knowing you and your friends that well, I'd be irresponsible in giving you an answer one way or the other.
To answer your direct question about # of people under 18 - I see plenty of groups of kids your age, unescorted, at Bonnaroo but I can't honestly say if that's for the whole time or for small bits of time. I also don't know if their trip ended well or not well, so again, the amount of people I saw their your age doesn't really help me help you. If you're determined to go, though, please do take the advice of reading all the first timer threads and never, ever underestimate the need for sunscreen and drinking water often. There's plenty more that's important, these are just the two things I notice my own kids often forget or don't think about without a reminder. And ask questions.
Post by dreamingtree on Jan 21, 2014 19:13:08 GMT -5
I took my daughter for her first time when she was 14. When she was 15 her friend came, and I let them go to a few shows alone, but honestly, I would not have let her go alone, unless there were responsible adults in the group. She has been to concerts and festivals growing up so it wasn't new to her, but I just feel like that age is not old enough to handle everything that Bonnaroo throws at you - and it throws A LOT at you. At 17 she went with a group of friends and camped with us, and at that age I felt more comfortable with not checking on her every few hours. I guess it really depends on your family.
With a parent? With a group of other 15 year olds? With a group that has older people in it?
yes. with other 15-16 year olds.
In my opinion, 15 is way too young to go to Bonnaroo with just friends. I have seen plenty of kids at Bonnaroo but they are always with parents and I think that is the safest way to go about it especially when you're not familiar with the environment yet. If you really want to go I'd start convincing a parent or cool aunt/uncle/family friend that is older and more experienced with concerts and festivals. You mentioned your older brother going with his friends but would he really want to take time out of his weekend to look out for you and be fully responsible for your well being? Just think about. Don't tag along unless he is fully committed to being responsible for you all weekend.
If you do decide to go (and your parents let you) please make sure you read through the threads here to prepare and learn the basics of Bonnaroo safety. I highly recommend finding an adult to bring you though.
Post by Farrisbueller on Feb 3, 2014 16:41:01 GMT -5
Okay so I'm a first timer whose planning on going solo from Maryland by way of greyhound. My question revolves around tent only camping. The greyhound will arrive in manchester around 4:20 pm so if I got there the 11th would walmart be a viable place to stay until tent only camping opens Thursday morning? I'm trying to not get a hotel or fly in because I'm going to Firefly Festival the week after and need to conserve money. But I want to make sure I'll be able to get into tent only as well. Connecting with new people is a priority and any help/experience would be greatly appreciated!
Okay so I'm a first timer whose planning on going solo from Maryland by way of greyhound. My question revolves around tent only camping. The greyhound will arrive in manchester around 4:20 pm so if I got there the 11th would walmart be a viable place to stay until tent only camping opens Thursday morning? I'm trying to not get a hotel or fly in because I'm going to Firefly Festival the week after and need to conserve money. But I want to make sure I'll be able to get into tent only as well. Connecting with new people is a priority and any help/experience would be greatly appreciated!
We set up camp last year on Wednesday night in tent only. Should be fine.
Okay so I'm a first timer whose planning on going solo from Maryland by way of greyhound. My question revolves around tent only camping. The greyhound will arrive in manchester around 4:20 pm so if I got there the 11th would walmart be a viable place to stay until tent only camping opens Thursday morning? I'm trying to not get a hotel or fly in because I'm going to Firefly Festival the week after and need to conserve money. But I want to make sure I'll be able to get into tent only as well. Connecting with new people is a priority and any help/experience would be greatly appreciated!
I do not know as much as others about Tent Only, they can help more that I; but I believe that it's open as soon as the campground is. If you get stuck out on the fringes of the farm you have to wait to move to TO. Otherwise, there are plenty of people who move their stuff Wednesday night. I helped some as I was just taking in the experience that night. ( Rookie Rooer)
Get there around 8pm or so Wednesday night maybe. Chill at Wal-Mart and snag a ride?
I keep reading where glass is not allowed. We are staying VIP in an RV. My coffee maker has a glass pitcher...are they going to take my coffee pot when we enter? I would think 2 adults in their late 30's with two kids know not to take a glass coffee pot outside and break it.
I keep reading where glass is not allowed. We are staying VIP in an RV. My coffee maker has a glass pitcher...are they going to take my coffee pot when we enter? I would think 2 adults in their late 30's with two kids know not to take a glass coffee pot outside and break it.
You'll probably be fine. From what I've read, they tend to be less strict with VIPs, and since being in an RV means you probably won't be taking the coffee pot outside, I think they'd let it go.
Okay so I'm a first timer whose planning on going solo from Maryland by way of greyhound. My question revolves around tent only camping. The greyhound will arrive in manchester around 4:20 pm so if I got there the 11th would walmart be a viable place to stay until tent only camping opens Thursday morning? I'm trying to not get a hotel or fly in because I'm going to Firefly Festival the week after and need to conserve money. But I want to make sure I'll be able to get into tent only as well. Connecting with new people is a priority and any help/experience would be greatly appreciated!
Tent only is open as soon as the gate opens. I had a couple I brought last year who wanted tent only, and here's what we did: I went ahead and drove us to the gate (we ended up on Bushy Branch) and, right before we got to the tollbooths, I let them out with their gear. They walked the rest of the way to the tollbooths and were guided to TO-they were actually some of the first to arrive and got a SWEET, sick spot as close to the arch as TO gets. If you can find a ride that's headed over from Wal-Mart when the gate opens, hitch a ride. Just get out of the car before the tollbooths (like you're a walk-in) and they'll let you into TO. Unless something awful has changed since last year, TO is open as soon as the gate to accommodate folks who do not have transportation and have to walk. Good luck!
I keep reading where glass is not allowed. We are staying VIP in an RV. My coffee maker has a glass pitcher...are they going to take my coffee pot when we enter? I would think 2 adults in their late 30's with two kids know not to take a glass coffee pot outside and break it.
Its more for beer cases, small liqueur bottles, glass glow things, etc. Just things that can be carelessly thrown around or broken. Some guys are less strict at the tolls and VIP is working for you. If they say anything, it will be a warning to keep it inside the RV or something. Ive seen GA security give the guy a pass on 2 huge bottles of Jack with a "make sure these find their way into trashcans", but they'll take your 24 pack of bottled beer everytime.
This is my first Roo and I am super excited (and also nervous for the drive!) I checked out mostly all the threads on the Walmart in Manchester but want to make sure about the hours - they close at 9 pm, but do they stay open any later that Wed. night when people camp out? I ask because my driving schedule will probably get me into Manchester by 1030/11 pm, maybe even later, and we were planning on picking up water and some camp food at that Walmart. I think it would be easiest, but if we need to stop at some other one along the way and earlier in the day that's fine, I just don't want to get myself off course for any longer than I need to (I'm awful with directions - this drive should be very interesting for me)
Also, this has most likely been covered but as long as I make sure my friends car is behind/ in front of mine in the lines to get into Roo the people directing us won't give us an issue about parking next to each other right? I remember reading here that it's a good idea to be friendly/nice but assertive about having your friends be able to park next to you. I really don't want to get split up.
Thanks!!
Should you get separated at the toll booth, tell your friends to pull over after going through and you can hook up again. Getting separated is pretty common when going in, but there is usually no problem if you do this. Also, makes sure you phone is charged and you have EVERYONES number. I've seen many people watch their friends go out of sight because of a dead battery or for whatever reason they don't have a number to call to tell them to pull over when going through.
Good luck! 
