In just a day or two, a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tenn., will draw up to 80,000 people from all over the world for four days of music, art, film and entertainment.
The name “Bonnaroo” is slang for “a really good time”, and was chosen both for its literal meaning and to honor the rich Louisiana music tradition. As the annual festival enters its 11th year, it’s now one of the most widely recognized “good times” on the planet.
The lineup is always diverse, and this year is no exception. Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers headline. Phish returns just 3 years after their epic 2 nights, where rock-legend Bruce Springsteen joined them on stage.
Want old school? The Beach Boys take the main stage on Sunday, and Kenny Rogers follows.
Grammy-winning (and my personal favorite) Bon Iver continues their summer of music festivals with a Sunday evening set.
Anyone who’s been to Bonnaroo will tell you it’s not just about the music, though. There’s comedy, movies, art and incredible food. And, there’s heat. If you’re a first-timer heading to Bonnaroo, you’ll find that the Tennessee sun and humidity is relentless. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and head over to Inforoo for tips on camping.
If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still enjoy it from home—with the added benefit of showers and air conditioning. You can: