As the end of the semester quickly approaches, many students are wondering what to do with their summer break. Between internships and summer classes, why not go to the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival?
The four-day festival takes place on a huge plot of farmland in Manchester, Tennessee. Thousands come from around the country to camp with friends and enjoy the experience. Not only are there more than 10 stages of music, the fest also boasts comedy acts, amusement rides, the Bonnaroo Cinema, a ‘silent disco,’ camping grounds, a 5K race, art installations and more.
Some of the notable headliners this year include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, The Weeknd and Travis Scott. The lineup also includes artists sure to please everyone, with more than 150 performances including EDM acts Major Lazer and Flume and jam bands like Umphrey’s McGee. Glass Animals, the xx and Cage the Elephant round out the list.
Popular comedians Hannibal Buress and 2 Dope Queens are some of the acts who will grace the Comedy Stage this year. Movie-wise, the Bonnaroo Cinema, the fest’s very own movie theater, will play unreleased independent films, cult classics and host live Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors.
The ‘Silent Disco’ is exactly what it sounds like — popular DJs playing music for festival-goers to listen to in their own headphones as not to wake nearby sleeping campers.
Bonnaroo has its own Snake & Jake’s “Christmas Barn,” based on the popular New Orleans bar, where festival goers can have a drink and enjoy Christmas in June.
Manchester is only a 9-hour drive from Baton Rouge. Festival-goers are permitted to bring their cars on site with a pass and can set up camp nearby.
Tickets currently go for $350 plus fees, but there are many ways to ease costs with layaway plans and volunteer opportunities that allow people to go for free. Those interested in volunteering should apply now because spots fill up quickly.
Bonnaroo is one of the few popular music festivals in the South and strives to be environmentally friendly and completely sustainable. A portion of the revenue from ticket sales goes toward on-site sustainability efforts and Bonnaroo’s community projects.
On Thursday and Friday of the festival, there are BonnaROOTS dinners, serving as fundraisers for the environment, made from locally-sourced ingredients. Planet Roo is a space within the fest grounds for festival-goers to relax, do yoga and interact with various non-profit organizations.
The camping experience is what makes so many people come back to enjoy the farm year after year.
“Roo has its own family, and it’s beautiful,” mechanical engineering sophomore Maximillian Soileau said. “Everyone comes together to camp out and jam to amazing music for a few days.”
Between the camping grounds, “pods” are strategically located with information, security, showers, water and medical attention.
Merchandise tents, food vendors and art marketplaces are also scattered throughout the fest. If you’re hungry or forgot something, Bonnaroo has you covered. A poster art exhibit and silent auction, which contributes to the Bonnaroo Works Fund charities, containing rare merch and artist-signed memorabilia is sure to pique many festival goers interests.
Bonnaroo is Creole slang for “good stuff.” Start planning your road trip with friends now; the 16th annual Bonnaroo will be held June 8-11, and you’re sure to experience some good stuff on the farm.