Bonnaroo is a world-renowned four-day music festival that happens every June on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee. It’s four days filled with music, of all types, including everything from indie rock, classic rock, and world music to hip hop, jazz, Americana, and bluegrass. Be prepared for this year’s festival by checking out this go-to packing list.
17 Top Bonnaroo Packing List Items for 2023 + What NOT to Bring
What to Pack for Bonnaroo – 17 Essentials
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1. Packing Cubes
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2. Wallet
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3. Sunscreen
Those Tennessee afternoons really heat up in June. Usually, any music festival requires loads of time out in the hot sun. This is definitely true for Bonnaroo. Bring some sunscreen with a good amount of SPF, and apply it every couple hours while you’re outside. Don’t let a gnarly sunburn ruin your festival experience!
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4. Water
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5. Tent
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6. Tarp or Carpet
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7. Air Mattress
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8. Charging Phone Case
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9. Medicines (advil, etc)
Anything can happen at a festival, and a first aid kit filled with bandaids, Advil and neosporin will come in handy at some point, no doubt. I’ve had blisters, splinters, scrapes, cuts and burns happen at festivals, and have had to use my first aid kit on myself, friends and strangers more times than I can count!
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10. Toilet Paper
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11. Bug Spray
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12. Camping Chairs
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13. Lanterns
Decorating your group space is a
fun way to help everybody in your group distinguish your site from everybody else’s. Lanterns are a vibrant and practical way to decorate. They’ll help you find your way in the dark and then totally set the festival mood at your site. These ones are inexpensive and cute. -
14. Solar Shower
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15. Custom Flag
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16. Large Cooler
Definitely bring a large cooler to keep all your food and beverages nice and cold. Pack it with water bottles, easy snacks like fruit, and maybe a bottle of aloe vera in case you get sunburned. This one comes on wheels so you can easily roll it from the parking lot to your campsite with minimal effort.
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17. Bandana
What to wear at Bonnaroo
Less is more at Bonnaroo. As always, be prepared by dressing in layers. Bring a light jacket for nighttime. During the day, casual festival clothes like jean shorts and tee shirts are a good fit. For the car or plane trip there, wear comfortable clothes that you can re-wear throughout the weekend so that you don’t overpack.
What NOT to bring at Bonnaroo
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1. Weapons
The festival is a time for peace and love (Bonnaroo was heavily influenced by Woodstock and other “peace and love” gatherings of the 1960s and 1970s, after all)!
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2.Generator
Don’t bring a generator. If you need energy at your campsite, bring portable chargers or battery-powered devices only.
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3.Drone
No drones allowed! They are dangerous and annoying to other concert-goers. Bring your selfie-stick instead if you want to get high-up pictures.
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4.Valuables
Don’t bring any valuables! If you absolutely must, keep them locked and out of view in your vehicle.
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5.Glass
Bring any alcohol in cans instead of glass bottles.
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6.Fireworks or flares
Save the fire for Burning Man! No need to risk a forest fire.
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7.Animals or Pets
Leave your furry friends at home.
FAQs about packing for Bonnaroo
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1. If I forgot something crucial would I be able to buy it?
It totally depends on what it is that you forgot, but usually, there will be a “general store” tent that has “groceries” and essentials like sunscreen, glow sticks, pens, notepads, tampons, and other things. Prices are very high for most things, so try to prepare ahead of time and pack everything you’ll need.
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2. How much money should I bring with me?
You should plan on bringing around $100-300 in cash. Bring closer to $300 if you want to purchase any souvenirs.
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3. How do I stay cool in my tent?
Bring some ice packs and keep them in your cooler. When you’re getting ready for bed, cool down by setting one on your forehead. You can also bring portable fans to use in your tent.
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4. What are you supposed to do with your trash?
The Festival staff will give you a trash bag when you go in, and they collect it later. Last year they gave festival-goers a raffle ticket for every bag of trash they turn in. If you can, try and spend a little time picking up trash and help keep Bonnaroo clean!
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5. How can I meet other festival-goers?
Pods are the “community centers” of Bonnaroo. Pods are placed throughout the Bonnaroo campground and include community services such as information booths, medical stations, showers (sometimes), and drinking water. Pods are your space to meet and get to know your camping neighbors! Think of your Pod as your Bonnaroo community center.
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6. Will There Be ATMs Available?
Yes. If you need cash, ATMs can be found throughout Centeroo, at the General Stores, and most Pods