What should you wear to Bonnaroo? What to pack? Three veterans weigh in ahead of the 2025 festival
Entering the wild beast that is the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival for the first time can be a daunting experience. The 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee is home to not only several musical stages , but interactive workshops, parades and art installations, just to name a few.
The experience is undeniably unlike any other. And for newcomers, it can prove intimidating.
If you're new to the festival, there's a lot of things to keep in mind. For example, Which stage is the What stage? Is the set you want to see at This Tent or That Tent? Or is it The Other Tent? Furthermore, how should you pack? And how can you ensure you see all the performers on your list?
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Ahead of the long-awaited festival, three seasoned Bonnaroo veterans — with a cumulative 38 years of Bonnaroo experience — spoke to the Tennessean about their best practices and how new attendees can make the most of their time on the farm.
Here's what to know.
What are absolute necessities on the farm? Veterans recommend shade, hydration
Preparing for Bonnaroo requires careful planning, especially when it comes to staying cool and hydrated.
Shade is essential and a 10x10 canopy is one of the easiest ways to create a respite from the intense daytime sun, said Matthew Chapman, a 13-year 'roo veteran from Atlanta, Georgia. Without proper shelter, exhaustion sets in quickly and relying on a single camping tent in an open field with no trees is a recipe for discomfort, so having an adequate source of shade can make a world of a difference.
Hydration is another critical factor. While water is a must, Gatorade and liquid IVs can help replenish electrolytes.
For those over 21, Pedialyte can be a lifesaver after a long day of sweating, drinking and braving the heat. A good strategy is to drink one beforehand and another before bed to help stay hydrated and energized throughout the festival, added Steven Stedry, a Manchester local and 17-year 'roo veteran.
Furthermore, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are key to avoiding sunburn. For those relying on the festival's refill stations, a water filter is recommended.
What should you wear to Bonnaroo?
Attending Bonnaroo doesn't mean having to sacrifice fashion. There are, however, smart, practical clothing choices to stay comfortable throughout the festival.
During the day, when the sun is intense, wearing light, comfortable fabrics that allow for both movement and relaxation is key to staying cool. At night, temperatures can shift, so being prepared with layered options ensures a smooth transition from daytime heat to nighttime festivities.
"Heat humidity here [Tennessee] is different," said Stedry. "Dress light, dress comfortable, dress breathable."
In addition to clothing, essential accessories include sunscreen and well-fitted walking shoes.
How can Bonnaroo rookies make the most of their time on the farm?
There's a common phrase among Bonnaroovians — the festival is a marathon, not a sprint. With dozens of acts, events and activities taking place it's easy to become overwhelmed and even drive oneself to exhaustion trying to squeeze everything in, and that's not to mention the often-sweltering temperatures.
In such situations, the best plan is no plan. Simply remember to pace yourself, pick your top acts for the day and let the festival guide you.
Bonnaroo veterans recommend exploring what the festival has to offer beyond the music, such as checking out the vendors, riding the Ferris wheel, or eating a unique meal not offered anywhere else.
"Let yourself wander, go on those side quests and just really enjoy everything, but do still make sure you hit those one or two can't miss sets," said Chapman.
"I pick the top two things I want to do that day, whether it's music and then an activity in the campgrounds and then I just go with the flow the rest of the day," added Shaina Bradley, an 8-year veteran from Chicago, Illinois. "Get creative but also keep yourself and your own limits in mind."
Furthermore, if your must-see acts are at night, Stedry recommends familiarizing yourself with the campgrounds during the day to make your nighttime concert experience smoother.
How rookies can fully immerse themselves in the Bonnaroo experience, both online and in-person
To fully immerse in the Bonnaroo experience, arriving as early as possible sets the stage for a transformative festival. Those who get there on Tuesday or Wednesday have the chance to settle in, meet their neighbors and engage in events like the Wednesday kickoff party, craft beer exchange, or performances at "Where in the Woods."
The festival isn’t just about music in Centeroo — it’s about community, connection, and embracing the culture, said Chapman. The more time spent interacting with fellow attendees, the more likely those strangers will become friends and family for life.
"Bonnaroo is a once-a-year thing, and it's really a once in a lifetime experience the first time you do it," added Chapman. "You're not going to regret being there one more day, you're going to regret not having been there."
Beyond the festival grounds, Bonnaroo's community thrives online.
With Facebook groups like " Loophole to Reality ," Discord channels, the Bonnaroo thread on Reddit , and podcasts such as " Story Time at the Roo Bus ," and " The What Podcast, " longtime Bonnaroovians and newcomers alike can stay connected, share knowledge, and offer support, said Bradley.
"Get involved now, you don’t need to wait till the farm," she added. "There's a bunch of different online platforms.”
Bonnaroo is not what anyone expects, but it always exceeds expectations. Once someone experiences it for the first time, it’s almost guaranteed they’ll be back for more, said Stedry.
Most importantly: 'Radiate positivity every chance you get'
Being the best Bonnaroovian is simple — it's all about practicing the Bonnaroo code, both on the campgrounds and beyond. The code, which emphasizes preparation, cooperation and positivity, sets the framework for the festival experience and is considered one of the most important things to keep in mind.
According to Chapman, the more kindness you exude in a place like Bonnaroo, the more you'll receive in return and the more enjoyable your experience will be.
"Treat others with respect. Don't be that guy or that girl," he added. "Radiate positivity every chance you get … Don't be out there looking for what you can get from others but think about what you can give to those around you."
Along with eating, sleeping and breathing by the code, veterans also recommend practicing genuine mindfulness and engagement, taking into consideration the family-oriented culture that exists within the festival's confines.
"When you go there … live it, be in that moment, and just embrace it," said Stedry. "Take it all in and reciprocate it back out. Not only will make it make your time there, it'll definitely have you wanting to come back for multiple years in the future."
"For me, going to Bonnaroo is a time to put my phone away and disconnect from all the day-to-day things and be just present," added Bradley.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What should you wear to Bonnaroo? What to pack? Three veterans weigh in ahead of the 2025 festival
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