When one hears “Bonnaroo”, a myriad of sensations rush to the mind—relentless drumbeats echoing all night, the mesmerizing dance of lights on-stage, vivid splashes of body paint, laughter floating in from every corner. Bonnaroo is, undeniably, an enchanting world all of its own, but what truly sets it apart?
Welcome to our vivid journey into the heartland of Tennessee, where magic, music, and merriment all come together in a potent brew—welcome to Bonnaroo. From its modest beginnings in 2002 to its current status as one of the globe’s foremost music events, Bonnaroo has always held a unique aura that separates it from other music festivals. With a sprinkle of Southern charm, a loyal and vibrant community, and an eclectic artistic lineup unlike any other, Bonnaroo stands as a testament to the power of music and human connection. Join us as we delve deeper into this unique realm and uncover the core elements of Bonnaroo that elevate it beyond the average music festival experience.
We begin unveiling the first facet—Bonnaroo’s Ethos of Community and Positivity. The festival is not merely a music event; it’s a thriving utopia where everyone is welcomed with open arms and bare feet. Attendees, fondly called ‘Bonnaroovians’, embrace love, connection, and joy, transcending norms and inhibitions. Imagine, exchanging laughter and stories around a dancing bonfire under the starry Tennessee sky. The tagline “Radiate Positivity” seems perfectly fitting, doesn’t it? From the friendliness of all attendees, to Groop Camping, to the live shows Bonnaroovians will put on right at their own camp, the community thrives every year for these 5/6 days.
Delving deeper into this vibrant community, there’s an element of unity fostered in the way Bonnaroo meticulously plans its multiple stages and activities. The festival grounds, known as ‘The Farm’, come alive as attendees make memories, not just with the melodic tunes, but also via a myriad of communal activities like yoga sessions, art workshops, and parades. There’s also an intriguing ‘Silent Disco’ where dancers groove to music heard only through wireless headphones – a sight as entertaining as it is unusual!
Moreover, positivity extends beyond merely enjoying the festival’s atmosphere. Bonnaroovians do their part to make a lasting impact, via the festival’s various activism and sustainability initiatives. Bonnaroo boasts several platforms such as ‘Planet Roo’ and the ‘Refill Revolution’ to champion environmental responsibility. Through these programs, the festival encourages visitors to reduce waste, recycle, and learn about being eco-friendly. Attendees leave not only with lasting memories of a fantastic festival but also with a sense of making a difference.
From celebrating fluid expressions of art to alleviating the ecological footprint, Bonnaroo’s ethos is about more than the music—it’s about creating a shared harmony that benefits everyone, both within the festival and beyond. Quite the unique philosophy for a music festival, isn’t it?
Moving forward, let’s dive into the incredible What and Which stage pits. These are an exhilarating, unique feature of the Bonnaroo Music Festival that truly sets it apart. What stage is the largest, and home to the headliners while Which stage is the second largest, featuring an array of quite popular acts. But what makes them even more thrilling? The ‘pits’ in front of these stages. Here’s how they work.
Before each performance, the zone directly in front of What and Which stages are cleared. Lines of eager Bonnaroovians then form, waiting to be let into the pit. And guess what? It’s a first-come-first-serve system. This means you could be at the front for your favorite artist.
Something many festival-goers don’t realize is that Bonnaroo extends an inclusive experience — even when it comes to these stage pits. Specifically, the What and Which stage pits are not restricted to VIP ticket holders or distinguished guests only. Surprisingly, the pits are open to General Admission (GA), encapsulating the festival’s democratic spirit.
Too many times people shy away from even approaching these areas, assuming they are intended solely for exclusive access or the artist’s entourage. Rest assured, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The stage pits at Bonnaroo are designed to include everyone, anchoring the ethos of unity and shared enjoyment that the festival is known for.
Locating the pit lines at Bonnaroo may not be as mystifying as you first assume, nonetheless, the Bonnaroo organising team hasn’t exactly made these access points blatantly obvious. Typically, you’ll find no conspicuous signage stating “What Stage Pit Entrance” or similar. It’s also consistently challenging to visually distinguish between distinct pit lines allotted for artists performing consecutively on the stage, and ones with their respective pit lines.
Now, this is a tip from my own festival-going experience: to get the scoop on the current pit lines, strike up conversations with the folks around you in the queue and those tough-as-nails but pretty friendly security personnel. They’ll help you know which artist line is which, and whether to hang tight or hit this line after enjoying another show. Been there, done that – works every time! (But watch out for those that may not have correct information, sometimes there are people waiting in a non-existent line.)
To secure a prime spot in the pit, it’s essential to line up early. Remember, Bonnaroo operates on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. Therefore, the earlier you arrive, the closer you’ll be to the stage. However, the festival coordinators don’t always ensure orderly queues with clear delineations, so when you’re in line, always watch for the line moving forward or for the dreaded ‘cutter’.
When you’ve secured a premier spot in the pit, note that you won’t be able to stay there for several performances in a row. This is because at the end of each set, the pit is emptied to provide fair chances to other festival-goers. However, once you’re out, you’re free to get back in line for the upcoming sets, starting the experience all over again.
So, the next time you find yourself amidst the Bonnaroo crowd, don’t hesitate to step towards the pulsing energy of the pit. Who knows, you might just find yourself right at the heart of your favorite performance, creating unforgettable memories!
And there you have it, folks! Next time you’re conquering the exhilarating universe that is Bonnaroo, make sure these top unique features are on your must-experience list. Remember, the spirit of Bonnaroo lies in these intricate details, and experiencing them will etch this festival into the deepest corners of your heart.
Like I always say, Bonnaroo isn’t just another festival—it’s a cultural movement that leaves an unforgettable mark. So, break from the norm, take a plunge into the unexpected, and let yourself be swept off by the Bonnaroo magic. Until next time, keep exploring, keep reveling, and most importantly, keep loving music.
– Corey Watson; IG: @thecorywatson