Actually Getting My Media Pass & Getting in Line

The first one I ran into? Actually getting the freaking pass. Media credentials are picked up in a different location than Will Call. This year Media/Artists/Guests weren’t able to pick up their passes until 6 pm on Wednesday. I was surprised, to say the least, not to mention there were several ‘hiccups’ along the way.

The Issues

1. The campgrounds almost always open early (even though they’re not supposed to open until 8pm on Wednesday). This year was no different. Doors opened around 3pm ET. This meant that there were 3 hours of people already getting in line before I could even get my media pass. 
2. When attempting to pick up my media pass, I was actually told by the Sheriffs guarding the entrance that there was no media check-in (even though I was showing them the email from Bonnaroo directly). Eventually, I had to turn around in traffic and sneak past the Sheriffs because they refused to let me through (where’s the communication at Bonnaroo and TDOT?)
3. When I tried to get into the campgrounds, I was sent to not one, but TWO totally different entrances. I was searched twice and then was told after almost an hour of waiting and being pointed in different directions, that I couldn’t come in through any entrances we had been waiting at. I. WAS. SHOOK. 
4. Once we finally made it to someone who knew what was going on, they informed me that I would be able to camp in Guest Camping, however, anyone else that was in my car with me would need to stay back at the entrance and weren’t allowed to enter since I was the only one with media credentials.. Which meant.. where were my guests supposed to sleep? 

The Lack of Communication

What made this so disappointing was the overall lack of communication. Not only between Bonnaroo and TDOT, but also between Bonnaroo and those who were given media credentials. It would have been nice to have the Sheriffs ‘in the know’ about where specific check-ins were taking place. As well, it would have been nice to be able to get my ticket at a reasonable hour to still have time to get in line, without having to wait for everyone and their mother to get in line before me.

During Check-In

The actual media check-in was also another experience. The line moved quickly, I would say there were at least 20-30 other members of media there with us. After watching the lines for a little bit, I started to hear the same response from the Bonnaroo team when they were asked questions “Well.. This is actually a learning process for us because we don’t really know what we’re doing…”. I could understand if this was the first year allowing media/press/photography on site, however, this was not their first rodeo.

To top it off, I started to also notice that everyone carrying a photography bag, were running into issues. Several, if not most, of the photography team, had turned in paperwork to get their bags tagged to get into Centeroo, however, Bonnaroo wasn’t able to actually find that paperwork? So most people had to carry their cameras willy-nilly. SMH Bonnaroo. SMH.

Inside The Venue

Once we finally made it into the venue, things went much smoother. The volunteers at the tollbooths were able to easily direct my car over to Groop Camping. The search was light (especially considering I had already been checked twice at other entrances previous).

There was a media/press tent within the venue that was where they held all of the press conferences and what not that was accessible to me. They had free waters, food, and even free wifi and air conditioning. I didn’t spend a ton of time in the media tent though- I rather found myself trying to push into the press areas at the fronts of the stages. Typically security was pretty lax, however, that was dependent upon the artists. Some had stricter requirements to get into the photo pits.

How It Could Have Been Better

Every year, Bonnaroo is the one festival that I look forward to over any other. Not only do I enjoy coming home, but I enjoy seeing the beautiful installations and works of art that the Bonnaroo team creates. Even with an additional influx of 20,000 people, the festival this year more or less went off without a hitch.

There was only ONE death announced (WOW, so awesome), and yes, we had some issues when it came to traffic. Of course, traffic is always an issue. However, I feel that with communication on the interweb being as easy as it is, posting something on Reddit, Instagram, Twitter or even email, would have been nice. They could have let the festival attendees know which exits they can take, where those exits are going to route them, and what the wait times are looking like in certain lines (I.E. 6 hours for interstate shoulder line, 5 hours for exit 127 line, etc.)

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Master’s guide to traveling to bonnaroo

BELOW I’M PROVIDING ALL THE TIPS, TRICKS, AND TOOLS THAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY (AND STRESS FREE) PLAN YOUR TRAVEL TO BONNAROO!

DRIVING

This is one of the the most popular options for Bonnaroovians. Most people will drive in, either in their cars, RVs, uHauls, etc. There are tons of perks to camping on The Farm, primarily that there’s good vibes 24/4 and music that whole time to boot. However, there are certain things to know when it comes to camping at Bonnaroo.

CAR TRAVEL DO’S

• Designate a place about 30 minutes-1 hour away to stop, re-arrange your car and goods to ensure a quick and easy car check (coolers accessible, glass thrown out, etc.). This is also a good time to meet up with your group. See below
• Ensure that everyone that wants to camp together get in line TOGETHER and stays TOGETHER. If you come to an intersection or break in traffic, make sure that WHATEVER car is leading the group, tells the officer/person controlling flow that you have “X” number of cars to they don’t cut you off!
• Be prepared to wait it out. Unless you’re going to camp out at the entrances, you’ll likely have at least some wait. For 2020 our Bonnaroo-Gods have added a second entrance so ‘hopefully’ this year it won’t be so long!
• The campgrounds fill from front to back, so the earlier you arrive the closer to the entrance you will be. No more guessing and praying that you don’t get stuck in one of the far pods. (RIP though because it will happen eventually!)
• Once you make it to the turn styles (aka: the gates to the festival) be prepared for security checks. Worry not, we’ve planned for this! Be PLUR, you’re being checked by one of your fellow festival-goers!
• Make sure you pack snacks and accessible toilet paper for the wait in the car. Depending on how long you’re in the car… you’ll thank me.

CAR TRAVEL DOn’tS

• PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT CUT PEOPLE OFF IN LINE! When you see the line, please drive to the back. We’re all waiting in line- don’t cut others off, pretty please.
• Avoid taking back roads unless being directed there by Bonnaroo security. There are a lot of random roads that lead to… well… no where.
• Do not expect to be able to ‘save’ camping spaces once you’re inside the grounds- the Bonna-crews are on their shit when it comes to filling the grounds. This ain’t their first rodeo and they’ll close any gaps that arise.
• Don’t freak out about security at the gates. Every year bomb dogs, and drug dogs, are on-site walking through the lines. They do randomly pull people for full car checks, however, these are very few and far between! More about all of this here.

GETTING YOUR GROOP TOGETHER

Outside of just organizing yourself, most people tend to run in groups. This means that you have several cars that are trying to coordinate together. The good news? It’s easier than you think! With some key tools/applicatons, as well as a little fore-thought planning to organize your group will be easier than EVER!

ORGANIZING YOUR GROUP

• When it comes to getting everyone ‘together’ I recommend utilizing GroupMe. Outside of several other great reasons, this application allows you to add as many people as needed and create moderators/admins. You can add, like, 150+ people to one Group. You can even get a share-able link!
• If you’re camping in GA, you’ll need to meet up with your group before getting in line! No saving spots- yanno!
• For those of your taking multiple cars, designate one person that will be responsible for communicating updates on TOA to the group/any set-backs/delays, etc. All these people should be in an independent group chat to prevent miscommunciations/etc.
• For those of you Groop Camping you’re able to show up whenever which is great. but make sure you plan out HOW you want to organize the campsite (cars around the outside tents in the middle, cars on one end tents on the other, etc.) so you have a plan as people arrived staggered
• Groop camping, unlike GA, has assigned spots for each Groop so make sure you know which number you are so you can tell the Roo Ground Teams for assistance.

SHUTTLES

This is a GREAT option when it comes to traveling between Nashville and the Farm. These are perfect for either getting a ride to and from the Airport (BNA), or commuting from Nashville every day of the festival. When it comes to travel to Bonnaroo, the creators of the festival have pulled out every stop they can to make it easy and dependable to get to and from the festival. You’ll see when you get there that they have this system down to a science. Continue learning about Bonnaroo below!

(click for more information)

Airport shuttles

These will pick you up and drop you off from the Nashville Airport (BNA)

Shuttles & Tickets

Essentially these will bring you to the farm and back from Nashville every day of the festival (GA & VIP options available). More in-depth about this option here.

Ride Share

Every year Bonnaroo offers buses from different cities throughout the Southeast and Midwest! Not only do they have buses, but they also set up a carpooling service! So dope, I know. We’re still waiting to hear about how it’s going to be for 2019 so subscribe so you’ll know when they give us those deets!

(airport shuttle schedule from previous years)

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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!

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