Bonnaroo FAQ's
The Airport Shuttle—how does it work?
It works great. Really. The Shuttle departs Nashville International Airport headed straight for Bonnaroo on Thursday and Friday. The trip takes about 90 minutes, and the round-trip fare is $60. The Shuttle has a separate entrance to the festival, so you shouldn’t get stuck in the General Admission traffic. But be prepared for a walk to your campsite. We recommend a luggage cart or a rolling suitcase.
When it’s time to leave on Monday, the Shuttle will depart throughout the day for Nashville International.
There will be two help desks set up at either end of the baggage claim area of the Nashville Airport to assist you as you arrive. Once you have claimed your luggage, go to the help desk for directions to the shuttle buses on the lower level of the airport and to pick up your official Bonnaroo Festival program.
The shuttle will drop off at the corner of Woodland Ave and South 1st Ave and pick up at a nearby location on the Bonnaroo festival grounds on Monday.
More information and Shuttle reservations >>
Can we bring alcohol?
Yes, provided you’re 21 and observe Bonnaroo’s alcohol and beverage policy:
• No glass containers of any kind are allowed into the campgrounds or concert areas.
• No kegs are allowed into the festival.
• There is a limit to what you may bring: 2 cases of beer per person per car, and 1 1.75 liter of hard liquor per person per car, and 2 boxes of wine per person per car. (Really, that’s plenty for a weekend, don’t you think?) Anything more than that will be confiscated when we inspect your vehicle on arrival.
• No outside alcohol is allowed into Centeroo and the What Stage Venue.
Where are the closest Greyhound bus stations?
We love public transportation! There are two bus stations in the area:
1. Manchester (A one-mile walk to the festival)
617 Woodbury Hwy.
Manchester, TN 37355
(931) 728-6348
2. Murfreesboro
2029 South Church St.
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 893-5531
How does General Admission camping work?
You’ll find it all spelled out in the 2013 info guide. But here are the highlights:
• GA camping is included with your GA ticket. There are other camping alternatives for an additional charge.
• You’re campsite is assigned based on when and through which Tollbooth you’re routed to.
• Every campground has a nearby POD—a community center that has sanitary facilities, security, information and medical stations.
When can I arrive?
The parking lot and General Admission campground open at about 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, June 12, and will close around noon on Monday, June 17. The VIP campground opens at 8:00 Am on Thursday, June 13.
You may enter anytime after the gates open, and they stay open 24 hours a day.
Where will I be camped?
You’re campsite is assigned based on when and through which tollbooth you’re routed to. Imagine creating a city of nearly 80,000 people overnight. That’s the logistical challenge. So Bonnaroo has a rocket-science plan to park cars as quickly and efficiently as possible—and it involves giving you a site based on the time and tollbooth of arrival. But we promise this: You’ll park on the same farm as the show, and the longest you’ll have to walk is about 20-30 minutes. Research shows a good time is had in every corner of the campground, so wherever your site is, be glad you’re here at the festival instead of back home doing laundry.
How much camping space will I be given?
Getting people settled safely and quickly is a mind-bending logistical engineering challenge. So, to make it easy for you and your fellow Bonnaroovians, please—
• Arrive with those you plan to camp next to. You may not save spaces for groups that haven’t shown up yet.
• Proceed to the camping spot Bonnaroo parking staff directs you to. And please stay put, no moving around to find a better spot or expanding yours! Be respectful of your camping neighbors and their property.
• Stick to your designated space. Campgrounds are laid out for emergency vehicle access, and any “territorial expansion” is a safety hazard.
• You will be parked with camping space in front of your car. This space will be the width of your car and provide at least ten feet in front of it for your tent and gear.
• Reminder: Camping in the Emergency Lanes is a serious safety hazard. If you plant yourself there you will have to pull up stakes. This will be strictly enforced by Mounted Patrol throughout the event.
What should I bring?
You can find a complete list here of what you should bring, could bring and what’s totally verboten. But here are some guidelines:
• It’s June in Tennessee. So it’s hot. Bring light clothes, sunscreen, hats for shade, plastic or metal bottles for water. There are bugs, so bring (non-DEET) spray. And, it can rain. Be prepared.
• Bring extra. It’s better to have it and not need it than vice versa.
• Bring lots of food for yourself and some to share, because that’s the kind of people Bonnaroovians are.
• Necessary: Lanterns or flashlights with extra batteries, extra trash bags, blanket for sitting, toilet paper (you never know).
• Useful: Balloon or flag to mark your site, ear plugs, pen and paper, portable radio, small grill for cooking.
What type of facilities are there?
Throughout the campgrounds you’ll find community centers we call PODS. Each has toilets, hand-wash stations, showers and drinking water. For supplies and sundries, there is a General Store
Bonnaroo-approved vendors will sell a variety of reasonably priced foods, beverages and snacks. There is a cell tower, but due to heavy usage service may come and go. ATM’s spew cash, but lines can be long, so we recommend you bring enough for your stay.
Can I bring my kids? Do they have to pay?
Bonnaroo is for humans of all ages! Children are welcome, but if they’re 6 or older, they’ll need a ticket. If you are bringing your kids, we have a quiet family camping area along with select kids activities like Kidzjam.
How do I get to family camping?
Follow the smell of dirty diapers. Just kidding—when you arrive at the Tollbooth, tell the Tollbooth staff you want family camping. Your car will be flagged so the parking staff can direct you there. Space in family camping should not run out, but it is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
What’s considered an RV?
Our definition: Any vehicle equal of, or larger either in length, width or height than an average 15-passenger van (230.8″ x 79.3″ x 82.3″). This includes all towed campers, pop-up campers and motor homes, as well as buses and all other oversized vehicles that will fit inside a 20’ X 50’ spot. (If it won’t fit in a 20-50 spot, what’s it doing on the road?) By the way, box trucks are not allowed at Bonnaroo.
Uh-oh, I’ve already bought my ticket and I need and RV pass.
No prob. To purchase an RV Pass, or RV + Companion-Vehicle Pass, please email bonnarootix@musictoday.com for instructions. Please note you must have already purchased tickets for the Bonnaroo Music Festival 2013 to use this purchase method for your RV or RV + Companion Pass.
Can my friends park their cars next to my RV?
One vehicle may park with your RV and that accompanying vehicle must have an RV Companion-Vehicle Pass. An RV pass plus a Companion -Vehicle Pass costs $225 (including fees). The Companion Vehicle Pass must park next to the RV in its designated area. The Companion Vehicle must arrive with the RV so it can be parked in the appropriate corresponding area. Fair warning; Companion Vehicles will not be allowed to park in the RV area fire lanes. Any vehicles or obstructions will be removed at the owner’s expense.
Can I buy a RV pass for my regular car or truck to enter the RV campground?
No, only RVs or other vehicles considered to be RVs will be allowed to enter the RV campground. Companion vehicles may enter with an RV and park close by, but you must purchase a pass for that in advance.
Can we park RVs from our group next to one another?
Sure, as long as you all arrive at the same time in line. Unfortunately, you will not be able to reserve spaces or hold spaces for later arrivals in your group. So if you want to park together, make sure to meet up before you arrive.
Where are the RV campgrounds located?
There are two main RV campgrounds on the festival site.
Can I buy more than one Companion-Vehicle pass? Even if it’s a Mini Cooper?
Sorry. Due to limited space in the companion vehicle campground, each RV will only be allowed one RV companion pass.
Will there be RV hookups or dumping areas in the RV campgrounds?
No, there will not be any hookups or dumping areas. But cheer up—an on-site company will gladly empty your holding tanks and refill your water for a reasonable fee. In the Program Guide you’ll find a phone number to call for service. There may be a wait time during peak hours, so plan ahead and think before you flush.
Can I park an RV in the Accessible Parking area?
Sure. You will need an RV pass and handicapped placard to enter the area as well. Please review the 2013 Access Guide for more details.
Will we be allowed to move our RV once it is parked?
Can you imagine hundreds of RVs trolling around for better spots? Chaos! All RVs must remain parked until they exit the festival for good. If you move your RV, you give up your spot.
Are generators allowed?
Yes, but only small, portable generators—4KW or less, and (important!) 70 db or less. That’s more than enough for your lights, your blender and even a microwave. If you bring one larger than this we will give you a receipt to claim it at the end of the festival on Monday. If the generator is built into your RV, you may exceed this limit.
Can I bring gasoline?
Yes, but only if you have a generator. No generator, no extra gas. You must use approved gas cans. You may bring up to two 5-gallon cans, for a total of 10 gallons per generator.
BTW—there are no gas vendors on-site. Make sure you fill your vehicle’s tank before you arrive.
Will there be quiet hours in the RV campgrounds?
There are no designated quiet hours, and you will be allowed to run your generators as needed. But (big but) please be respectful of your neighbors and don’t make a racket just because you can.
What is the address of Bonnaroo?
123 Magic Palace Land. Joking. If you are asking on behalf of your GPS, just type in Manchester, TN. As you get close to the festival you will be directed by traffic signs and highway patrol and swept along by the Force.
Is there a map of the festival I can see before I arrive?
There is. It will be posted as the festival approaches, so you can get familiar with the lay of the land and exude that “been here” vibe when you arrive.
How do I sign up for a press pass?
First, get a job with the press. Then contact our publicist Ken Weinstein about press/publicity: publicity@bonnaroo.com.
Can I make a campfire?
NO OPEN FIRES WILL BE PERMITTED. (Please note the bold, underlined italics.) Small grills and camping stoves are okay, though, as long as you follow the rules:
• You may use gas/propane fuel or charcoal, but scavenging for wood on site is a big no-no.
• You may bring up to 40 pounds of charcoal per grill per car.
• You may bring up to two 5-gallon propane tanks per car.
• The fire must be ENTIRELY CONTAINED AND OFF THE GROUND.
• Air quality is important in our little city of Bonnaroo. Please keep the fires as small as possible and extinguish them as soon as you are finished.
• When you’re done cooking with charcoal, put it out with water before going to the show or sleep or leaving your camp. Don’t just let it burn out.
• In any case, DO NOT DUMP COALS ON THE GROUND (ever) or in the trash until they are entirely cool.
• After the coals are COMPLETELY DEAD (meaning completely cold to the touch), dispose of them properly as garbage. Putting hot coals in the garbage is an invitation to disaster.
Can I ride my bike into the festival and ride it inside the festival grounds?
Yes—in fact we think that would be exceedingly cool. But you will not be allowed to ride your bike inside the festival. There will bike racks at every festival entrance. The festival is not responsible for your bike (or scooter) and you will not be able to move it unless you are leaving the festival grounds. So bring a good lock.
Can I bring a scooter?
The rule is this: No devices that take you faster than a walking pace are allowed. That rules out your bicycle, scooter, ATV, powered skateboard, golf cart, snowmobile, Quidditch broom or any other personal motorized vehicles. If you use a scooter for a mobility disability, that’s a different story. Please contact access@bonnaroo.com for details.
Will there be any electricity in the camping area?
Lots of energy, but no electricity—except what comes from your generator. You’re roughing it.
Can I buy necessities in the campgrounds?
Yes, and also non-necessities. A General Store in the campgrounds is where to go for personal hygiene products, batteries, disposable cameras, ice, beer, water, soda, food items and all kinds of stuff.
What facilities are there for people with disabilities?
Please check the Access Guide.
Are service animals allowed in the campsite?
Service dogs and service miniature horses (really) that are trained to assist an individual with a disability are allowed. Other types of animals and pets are NOT allowed.
What is Centeroo?
Oh, Centeroo—that vibrant, pulsing theme-park of limitless joy. It’s why you’re here—the main festival area, where you will experience music, explore the food and craft vendors and discover all the many activities and delights arrayed for your endless enjoyment. Centeroo is home to Which Stage, That Tent, This Tent, and the Other Tent and every other tent.
What is the Main Venue?
The Main Venue is adjacent to Centeroo. It’s where the What Stage lives.
What can I bring into the show?
We encourage you bring at least the essentials: sunscreen, a hat, and an empty clear plastic water container.
You may bring reusable water bottles (non glass) or clear plastic bottles containing water only to fill at Centeroo. Camelbacks will also be permitted into Centeroo but may be subject to a “sniff” test- we want to make sure you’re hydrating! Also, small snacks are okay. Small, like trail mix or carrots. Not like a club sandwich or whole pizza.
To sit on, bring a blanket or low concert chair (seat a foot or less off the ground). Leave the big camping chairs back at your campsite.
You can schlep your stuff in backpacks without frames, tote bags, fanny packs and so on. Keep in mind that your belongings will be searched (politely) each time you enter Centeroo or the Main Venue. To speed the process, you should leave non- essential items at your campsite or secure your valuables in your car.
What CAN’T I bring into the show?
Please leave these behind, because we will have to take them away from you (we reserve the right to add to this list if necessary):
• Cans, beverages, alcohol, bottles (other than factory-sealed or empty, clear plastic water bottles). Beer is for sale inside Centeroo.
• Food (with the exception of small snacks)
• Video recording devices or cameras with detachable lenses (detachable lenses shorter than two (2) inches are ok)
• Laser pens or similar focused-light devices
• Full-size lawn chairs, beach umbrellas or any other items that might impede the sight of fellow spectators.
• Flags or totems which contain metal pieces or are capable of being pounded into the ground (or your neighbor)
Upon entering Centeroo or the Main Venue, your personal stuff will be searched by security staff. Please be advised that the security company, facility, promoters and performers will not be responsible for any items confiscated during search procedures.
Can I leave the show and come back?
Yes, your wristband is a magic passport that will allow you to go back and forth between Centeroo/Main Venue and the parking and camping areas as often as you please—but note that you face a search each time you come in.
What kind of camera can I bring?
Small personal and disposable cameras without additional or detachable lenses are fine. Fancy SLRs and professional cameras with detachable lenses longer than two (2) inches will NOT be allowed into Centeroo where the music takes place, but you can have them in the campgrounds. Always lock your valuables away when you are not using them.
Is there cell phone service available throughout the farm?
There is a big honking cell-phone tower on the property, but there are also 80,00 fans calling and texting their friends back home, so service may not be consistent.
Will there be good old-fashioned payphones?
Telephones for emergencies will be available at the Info Booth in Centeroo.
I am staying at a hotel off-site and plan on driving to the festival each day. Is that cool?
Cool. You will be what we call a “day parker” (sounds like a soap opera character name). You’ll enter and leave only through the West Tollbooth each day. To get to West Tollbooth use Exit 111 from I-24 and follow the signs to the festival. If Exit 111 is closed, follow police instructions and then follow the signs to Day Parking. Please note that because of the flow of patrons to the festival site on Thursday and Friday, it may take a while for Day Parkers to exit the site on these days.
I will not be able to get there till 2am on Friday, can I still get in?
What, you couldn’t get Friday off? Yes, the entrance to the campgrounds will be open 24 hours once the gates officially open.
What is the weather like in Manchester TN?
Summer days in Tennessee are hotttttt. Summer nights are coooool. Bring sunscreen, hats, and light clothes for the daytime. For night, bring pants, close-toed shoes and a hoodie. Also, a feather boa, if so inclined.
Are you hiring or accepting volunteers to work at the festival?
We do accept applications to volunteer in exchange for entry to the festival. There will be pre-, during, and post-festival shifts. Please visit our volunteer FAQ page for more info.
Will there be drinking fountains?
Yes! In fact, every faucet you come across has water safe for you to drink—tested and certified to meet drinking water requirements in the state of TN. Certain water stations (those in the shape of a fountain) are specially filtered for your drinking pleasure. But if lines there are long, fill up at the regular wash stations, those are filtered too. The water is just as healthy and safe to drink. Water is everywhere throughout the festival grounds including Centeroo and the Main Venue and will be noted on your map. Drink up and stay hydrated.
Will there be Lost and Found?
Yes, Lost and Found will be located at Pod 4 in the campgrounds. If you found something or someone, or lost something or someone, check here.
Where are the information booths?
There are two. One inside the Main Venue once you enter through the arch, and one in Centeroo across from the Ferris Wheel. Both will be noted on the map. Also, in the campgrounds each POD housing an information booth. The Info Booths will close at 3pm on Monday June 17.
What if I need medical attention?
There are medical booths located around the site, staffed around the clock with EMTs, nurses and physicians. If it is an emergency flag down any staff person with a radio, or look for mounted security.
If you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, act like it is.
Can I upgrade my ticket?
No, all sales are final so we do not offer upgrades.
Can I get a refund of my ticket?
Sorry, all sales are final.
Where I can check the status of my ticket? How can I change the mailing address?
For customer service, contact Musictoday via email at bonnarootix@musictoday.com or call 1-800-594-TIXX (8499).
When will the tickets (wristbands) be sent out?
Orders will ship from late April through end of May. Remember to ship yours to an address where you or an authorized representative will be present between April and May.
When your order is shipped, you will be notified via email. Expect your order to arrive approximately 10 days later. If do not receive your order after 10 days, please contact Musictoday.
Will tickets be available for purchase at the front gate?
Mmmmmmaybe. If the event is not sold out, tickets will be available for purchase at the off-site official Bonnaroo box office. More information on the location and hours of the official Bonnaroo box office will be posted at a later date. But do you really want to take chances?
What do we do with our trash?
Okay, pay attention: Every arriving vehicle receives two bags: The clear one is for trash and the blue one is for recycling. Any glass, aluminum, #1 and #2 plastic beverage containers and cardboard can be recycled in the blue bag. You can also pick up a green bag at any of the campground pods. The green bag is for food waste and paper products that can be composted.
We will have extra bags at the campground PODS, as well as Got Bags stations around the site. In the Main Venue, look for the five large recycling centers for your plastic, aluminum and green-bagged compostables. At the end of the weekend, tie off your full bags of waste and bring them to the edge of any road in the campground for curbside pickup.
Please leave your campsite as you found it, empty and clean, ready for next year.
Any words of wisdom?
Pace yourself! Eat enough, drink enough water (it’s really important to stay hydrated), and get enough sleep so that you can enjoy the second day as much as the first.
Bring patience and a sense of humor—it will be a great gift to yourself as well as those around you, and it will help you to get the most out of your experience.
Be a good neighbor—get to know your little community, watch their stuff and they will return the favor.
Learn the Bonnaroovian Code, it will keep you happy and wise.