Bonnaroo, meaning “a really good time,” is named after New Orleans R&B artist Dr. John’s 1974 album entitled “Desitively Bonnaroo.” The name for the now world famous music festival was chosen both to portray its literal meaning and to honor the rich Southern music that would come to inspire prospective bands and musicians featured at the festival. It officially opened in 2002 in Manchester, Tennessee, backed by Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment. However it was not until January 2007, when the companies decided to expand and purchased 530 acres of open land, now called Great Stage Park, where the music festival is now held annually. Today, music and art lovers from around the country come each year to spend four days enjoying arts and crafts, delicious food, silent auctions and, of course, the music. The perfect excuse for a summer road-trip, this year’s Bonnaroo will be held from June 9th-June 12th, so let’s start planning!
Transportation
Whether you choose to drive or fly, there are plenty of easy options to get to the festival site. The Greyhound Bus is very popular since the Manchester station it is located only 1 mile from the venue. If you decide to fly, the Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville airports are all within close driving proximity. However, due to a rapidly growing increase of visitors, the festival has created a Bonnaroo Airport Shuttle that leaves the Nashville airport and brings you directly on-site. The rates are moderately priced ($60 per person), but festival packages including a hotel stay & airport pick-up can also be arranged. Once you are there, you can either stay on site or in Manchester. Of course, you can also drive your own car since there are many accomodation options.
Lodging
On site you can rent RV’s, travel with your own RV, or purchase a rental tent for the duration of your stay. Equipped with air conditioning, bathrooms, and kitchen area, most RV’s sleep up to 6 people depending on the unit and cost around $3000. An RV pass, which allows you to park and sleep on site, is $155.00 per RV and is available to those who rent or bring their own. More information on renting an RV can be found here. Although less spacious, the cost for a rental tent is much cheaper at $1,050 (including a re-fundable $300 damage deposit). Each tent comes with 2 sleeping cots, but can hold up to 4 (for an additional $30 per cot) depending on the size of your group. For more information on rentals tents, visit this link. If you would like the option to break away from the activity for a few hours, there are plenty of hotels in the area. The Sleep Inn and Suites Manchester, ($79.00 per night) the Scottish Inns Manchester ($39.00 per night) and the Microtel Inns Manchester ($63.00 per night) are only three of the many available. Priced extremely moderately, these rates are based on hotel rooms with wi-fi, two comfortable queen sized beds and air-conditioning.
Food
Although there are countless food vendors on site (appealing to both vegetarians and carnivores), you will find a local Cracker Barrell, Waffel House, Roma Pizza (homestyle Italian), the Hometown Diner and of course some good “ol country cookin” at Porky’s Pit BBQ.
Tickets
Although general tickets cost around $250, there are many ways to obtain a free ticket through volunteering on site. Pre-festival volunteers are required to complete three 12 hour shifts each whereas Festival volunteers complete three, 6 hour shifts. In doing so, you obtain a free Bonnaroo ticket where you are able to enjoy all the music you want. If you are on a college budget like most of us are, this is a great way to enjoy the music without paying the price! For more information on how to become a Bonnaroo volunteer AND on the festival itself, click here!