15 Lessons I Learned At Bonnaroo
By Bailey Zeigler
I’m just going to level with you all. I didn’t go to my first legitimate concert until I was 18. I’m from a small town in the Midwest, where I grew up with parents who didn’t see the point in spending almost $100 on a two-hour show. Since then, I’ve learned so much. As I’m typing this, I’m working Bonnaroo for the first time, and needless to say, this is the largest event I’ve ever been to. I thought it would be fun to share with you what I’ve learned during this experience thus far.
1. Please don’t share what hand you wipe with when getting your wristband put on.
NO ONE WANTS TO KNOW THIS. NO ONE! Accept that it is going on the wrist it needs to and get over it. The people working credentials DO NOT care.
2. Everyone thinks they have parking, which is not true.
Unless you get something from the festival telling you so, don’t assume you have parking.
3. Don’t be an ass about not having parking.
People are just doing their jobs. If they can’t help you, they just can’t. Chewing them out or jumping over the table to steal a pass will not win you any sympathy.
4. Personal space is not a thing.
This is the biggest point I will stress. When I was rocking around last night, I was struck with a large sense of claustrophobia, which is ironic considering I was walking through a wide-open field. You also quickly learn who showers and who doesn’t.
5. Drink mostly water.
It gets really hot and you need to stay hydrated. Soda and booze will not help in these scenarios. On top of that, water is free. I’m not saying don’t drink soda or booze, but limit it. Plus, it’s free where as the other two aren’t.
6. Take your allergy meds and inhalers with you (if applicable).
As an asthmatic, it’s really hard to be around people who are constantly blowing smoke (literally). It sucks to worry about it, but it will save you from some heightened health risks.
7. Watch your step!
I think I accidentally stepped on five people who were just lying on the ground completely asleep IN THE MIDDLE OF CENTEROO. Props to them for being able to sleep whenever and wherever, but make sure you don’t step on them because they will yell at you.
8. Bring flashlights or a headlamp.
You will thank me for this when you have to use a porta potty in the middle of the night. Trust me. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in some deep shit.
9. Dry shampoo is your friend.
When you’re way too tired to go take a shower but your hair feels absolutely disgusting from the sweat and heat, dry shampoo becomes your best friend. It’s just a nice time saver as well.
10. Have a game plan.
Know where you want to go before you get to the festival grounds. If you want to see a specific band, get there early or you won’t be able to see. Also, have a plan B in case things don’t work out.
11. Go with good friends.
Make sure you go with extremely good friends— ones you could camp with for a few days and not want to murder at the end of it. It also helps if you have similar taste in music. I will say that it’s better to go alone than with shitty friends, but the best case scenario is being there with your closest bosom buddies.
12. If you go alone, bring something to make friends.
Here’s an example: one friend of mine met a guy who came completely alone, but he brought a hacky sack. The guys who were camping next door busted theirs so the lone wolf let them use his. Now, he actually has moved into their tent and has been hanging out with them the entire time. You will meet people no matter what.
13. People are really weird.
And I mean extremely weird. I was riding back in the shuttle last night when I saw (and I kid you not) a man walking a goat in high heels and a tie-dye kimono. The sad part is that probably won’t be the weirdest thing I see all weekend.
14. Power naps are your friend.
There is no way in hell you will get a full night’s sleep unless you’re staying in a hotel room off site. Though you should get as much sleep as you can, I highly recommend taking two-hour power naps. It’s the best way to recharge without missing 8 hours of fun. Don’t let your FOMO keep you from taking care of yourself. You need to get rest.
15. Be you.
This ties into the whole “People are really weird” point that I made earlier. Bonnaroo is an experience where you can let loose and be yourself in ways that would otherwise cause judgmental looks from those around you. Here, if you want to walk around with a stuffed lobster head for four days without judgment, you can. You are part of an open community without the stress of everyday life so you should make the most of it.
