Bonnaroo Security & Car Checks

If you’ve ever attended a music festival then you know that car checks and security are just the way things go. We appreciate that festivals take the time and effort to not only bring in people to keep us all safe, but that they also offer it as an opportunity for people to volunteer in exchange for a ticket!

At Bonnaroo everyone goes through the same turn-style ‘esk‘ car checks. During this period, you’ll see not only fellow volunteer Bonnaroovians, but you’ll also see bomb dogs and cops walking around. There are random police car checks, and unfortunately, you can’t predict when/if it will happen.

Getting In & Staying Together

The lines to get into Bonnaroo will be long and there will be some waiting. Typically the closer to the actual Farm exit that you get, the less of a wait though! Pick going through the back roads at your own risk! Sometimes you’ll get close, most times you’ll wind up in the very back. If you’re GA camping, you NEED to be in line with the people that you’re camping with. If you come at different times, or get separated too far apart then you will not be able to camp together. The attendants at Bonnaroo are on their game and will usually shut down any chance at saving a spot for someone coming late.

Turn Styles & Car Checks

Once you’re in the front of the line, you’ll see the turn-styles. These are where you’ll have your car searched, as well as get a map of the festival grounds along with bags for trash and recycling. 

PLEASE USE THESE. SAVE THE EARTH.

At this point, there are going to be several different things that the volunteers or security members will be looking for. My biggest, and best, suggestion is to be friendly, chat them up and ask them which shows they’re excited about! Chances are they’re fellow Bonnaroovians too!

Prohibited Items

Check out the official list of allowed and prohibited items here (See ‘Getting to the Fest, #4)

Security & Med Safety on the Grounds

After attending several different festival, it’s a safe bet to say that the Security and Medical staff are amazing. Obviously, with any festival there are going to be people partaking in recreational drugs, however there are also families, sober members, etc. all over the festival grounds. Security does an amazing job of allowing festival goers to do them, without having to get too involved in everyones business. The Medical Tents are amazing. If you, or someone you know or see is struggling, take care of them! The medical stations and staff throughout the festival are don’t ask, don’t tell. You can go in there having a bad trip, having alcohol poisoning or just needing sunscreen. They got you.

Keeping campers and fellow festers safe is the number one priority when it comes to Staff and Safety on the grounds. If you, or someone you know/see, needs someone, don’t leave. Be that someone who takes them to the medical tents. It truly could be the difference between saving a life sometimes. Dehydration, drugs, and alcohol are all factors when it comes to festivals in general. Don’t be shy to ask someone if they’re okay. Chances are- they’ll appreciate it.

Learn more about what to expect at Bonnaroo!