The Bonnaroo Survival Guide

Fear-not first timers, here is an extensive list on how to prepare for Bonnaroo (described with the help of Workaholics, because, just because)!

Last year when I was preparing to go to Bonnaroo, I found the world wide web to be seriously lacking in information. So consider this my gift to you fellow rooers...

1. Get Organized!

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I'm sure there are several rooers such as myself that take a certain go-with-the-flow attitude towards life. However, as far as Bonnaroo is concerned, trust me on this one, and plan the hell out of everything BEFORE you get there. This means making a checklist, checking it not once, not twice, but three times lady (Lionel Richie, anyone?). And as an extra bonus tip, get your tent and whatnot ready to grab in your car so as soon as you are acquainted with your miniature-sized plot, you can get everything set up quickly.

Anyways, if you don't forget anything vital, as soon as you get your tent set up you can be all...

2. Get Ready to Sweat... and Shiver?

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I'm sure you're aware that it's going to be mind-numbingly hot. That you're going to have to wake up with the sun, unless laying in a pool of sweat is your thing. That you can just thank your lucky stars it's totally acceptable to walk around more-or-less naked. I'm sure you're aware of all this.

But a mistake that I made was not bringing enough warm clothing. It does get cold at night. However, if you're planning on being what the kids are calling "turnt up" every night, then maybe this won't be such a problem for you...

None the less, humor yourself by bringing a pair of pants and a warm sweater.

3. The $5-$7 for a Shower is an Investment You (and those around you) Won't Regret

I get it, I'm poor too, but seriously man, you gotta do it. The roo showers were $7 last year, whereas there were also two independent guys who charged $5 (I went to the latter). While the "showers" consisted of a hose, some plywood and a curtain, it is completely necessary. It will be the best $5 you've ever spent.

Paying to use the washrooms instead of using the porta-potties (which, mind you, are often completely disgusting) though, psssshhh, to that I say live a little.

Which leads me to the next tip...

*speaking of water, by the end of the festival, you will notice the water of the mushroom fountain go from clear to, well... not so clear. Proceed with caution.

4. Embrace the Dirty

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Following the previous tip, I get that this sounds like a contradiction. But even if you do shower, you're still going to get dirty... and it'll happen pretty much immediately thereafter. So do yourself a favor and embrace it. Do yourself another favor and introduce yourself to your new best friend, hand sanitizer. And bring toilet paper. And baby wipes (for daily maintenance). And rain boots - this way you'll just glide right over that mud like it's not even there.

But it is there. It's there...

5. Don't Be Afraid to Dress Up

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Wear something crazy or different or just stand out in general... it will make you more approachable!

I wore my fair share of crazy outfits, but I wish I would've brought Canadian paraphernalia (you know, like a Canadian flag or a crack pipe) so other Canadians could excitedly approach me the way they did when they saw our license plate.

However, I did make about a gazillion bracelets that I gave to random people I met on the farm. People love a good free bracelet.

SO, dress-up, or make some bracelets or something! This is your chance to meet your newest potential friends 4eva!

6. Make the Right Food Choices

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So this is totally subjective, but I personally never felt like cooking a full course meal throughout the four days at roo. The best food choices are easy and protein packed. Cliff bars, nuts, peanut butter, hummus, protein chips, pre-cut veggies and dip, protein powder, all are great. Let's face it, you're there to see a shit ton of artists and you're going to be busy doing just that from noon until the wee hours of the night.

The food is expensive in Centeroo, but there are plenty of places outside for affordable fare if you find yourself running low ($1 grilled cheeses, $5 pizzas etc., etc.).

Anyhow, just don't put the food issue on the back-burner to avoid some serious food FOMO as you watch your totally prepared roo-veteran new bffs mow down on deliciousness in front of you at breakfast.

And oh yes, how could I forget, BRING ENOUGH WATER FOR A SMALL VILLAGE.

7. Shade is Your Friend... You Have So Many New Friends!

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I've heard that in previous years shade was hard to come by in Centeroo. Last year, this wasn't the case, so don't forget to take some shade breaks and re-charge!

Also, bring some rope and tarp to attach to your tent so you have some shade in the morning while you're waiting for the acts to start... your tent will be absolutely unbearable as soon as the sun rises.

Seriously, you're gonna want to live in your underwear.

8. Invest in At Least One CamelBak for Your Group

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Especially if you're the type to get as close as you can, you're going to need lots and lots of water to keep you going.

With crowds as big as they are at roo, I would suggest picking the artists you choose to go to the front for wisely. Cause once you're in it, your only option of getting out is basically passing out or making a big scene until somebody helps you. Get a camelbak! And, if you need to, sit down amidst the crowd if it's chill enough to do so.

As an extra side tip, if you're at the front of a super huge crowd and want to leave before the next act goes on (and a new swarm of people rush the stage), crowd surf your way out!

9. Pretty Much Forget About a "Strategic" Arrival

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If you're a roo veteran, I'm sure you will have better insight on this. But, as a general rule of thumb, if you get there on Wednesday, you'll be close to Centeroo. If you get there late on Thursday, you won't be close to Centeroo.

No matter what, you're going to wake up every morning and be within a ten minute walk to a handful of your favorite artists on the planet... so I wouldn't sweat it.

10. See as Much as You Can

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The chances are, you won't get to see everyone you had your heart set on. I suggest making a yes, maybe and no list and going from there. Hopefully, you'll be lucky enough to not have to compromise with your friends and will always have someone to go with. If not, considering going by yourself if you think the experience will be worth it.

Plan a meeting place (you don't even have to know the time since the acts run on schedule 99% of the time). Another smart thing that I saw someone do was bringing walkie-talkies! While not only fun, this is really a genius idea since you absolutely will not get cellphone reception.

Beyond the music though, consider seeing a comedic act (which you have to line up for on a first-come first-serve basis a couple hours or so before the show to get tickets), checking out some of the art set-ups and, of course, the shops on "shake-down street".

11. Don't Let Anything Kill Your Vibe

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Don't let the horror stories scare you. Be smart. Hydrate. Don't forget to eat. Hydrate. Hydrate some more. Surround yourself with good people. Get weird. Don't end up in the chill-out tent. Hydrate. You'll be fine! You'll be more than fine.

But most of all, don't let anything kill your vibe, because before you know it the four days of smoldering hot bliss will be up and the farm will look pretty much exactly like this...

Did I miss anything important? Add it in the comments!

Happy rooing!