For what it’s worth, Bonnaroo isn’t just a getaway for new-gen hippies and vegan-forward townies that adore psychedelics. Okay, maybe it is, but it’s still an adventure for music fans that prefer watching their favourite artists perform in an offbeat environment. This year’s lineup is like every other year – stacked and barely poster-able – but if you’re headed to Tennessee, then you need to be aware of the various sights/trips that are available. The Farm can be an intimidating thrill ride so to help every Roo-goer out there, we’ve compiled a list of what to check out when you’re not unlocking the swag at This Tent.
Bonnaroo’s finally here so check out their schedule and livestream, and follow them at @Bonnaroo
THEIR NEW HAVEN: “THE GROVE”
The Grove is a fairly new addition to Bonnaroo but new equals win. The open space is being hailed an “immersive environment filled with illuminating lights, spacious soundscapes and hammock seating” and in our opinion, it might be the perfect place to take in some groovy art and zone out in the sun.
THE BILL NYE-APPROVED LEARNING ACTIVITIES
If you’d much rather “learn” than “do”, then you’re in luck. Whether it’s attending a botany class in the Bonnaroo Garden, sitting in at a talk at The Academy, or finding out about ways to reduce your carbon footprint at Positivity Park, you’re bound to leave the fest feeling like the smartest person in your group.
THE CLEAN VIBES INITIATIVES
Feel like making Mother Earth smile? Represent the Three R’s by being a part of the Refill Revolution or taking recyclable items to the Clean Vibes Trading Post. The latter can help you collect points for redeemable swag and even give you the chance to win tickets to Bonnaroo 2016. One word: SWISH.
THE ENDLESS SUPPLY OF FESTIVAL FOOD
Disclaimer: There’s no such thing as “basic” festival food. In total, Bonnaroo will feature over 100 food vendors spread across initiatives such as the Food Truck Oasis, BaconLand, and the fest’s BonnaROOTs Community Dinners, and a few of the top vendors include: Bulls BBQ, The Big Cheese, Savory & Sweet, Rolling Oven, Roti Rolls, Puffs Of Doom, and newcomers Meadow Maid and Poutine Your Mouth.
THE “WORK IT OUT” PROGRAMS
Worried about your ‘ceps and lats? The Farm has you covered. Their “work it out” activities range from Dancercise to Yoga-Roo to the Third First Annual Roo Run – a 5K trek that will take you through the woods and over the hills. As the Hulkster would say, Friday isn’t Friday; it’s arms and legs day, brother.
THIS YEAR’s BONNAROO CINEMA
The seated, air-conditioned haven known as the Bonnaroo Cinema is back and it’s a must if you need a break from jamming out with your toast. Don’t believe us? This year’s edition features Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck, The Ultimate Corey Feldman Party, Clueless/Mean Girls/Zoolander Quote-A-Longs, a long “Trapped In The Closet” Sing-A-Long, and of course, the Game Of Thrones Season 5 finale.
THE 12TH ANNUAL BROO’ERS FESTIVAL
Bonnaroo’s Broo’ers Festival is now in its 12th year and is set to feature 25 American craft breweries – meaning there’s something for everyone! The 2015 lineup is set to include Brooklyn Brewery, Lagunitas, Blue Moon, Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, Sweetwater, Starr Hill, Bearded Iris, and Kentucky Ale.
WHATEVER “CAMP OVER THERE” IS…
We’re not entirely sure what Camp Over There is or who it’s inhabitants are, but according to Bonnaroo, “it’s not all pom poms and Mom jeans”. At night, it gives way to the strange and “excitingly eccentric” so if you venture out there, be on your guard for anything – including randoms tripping on shrooms.
THE BONNAROO COMEDY THEATRE
If you’re trying to cure a bad trip (or a sunburn), just remember everything is always funnier IRL at the Comedy Theatre. Seriously.This year’s edition is packed with Nerdist/Meltdown-friendly names such as Chris Hardwick, Nick Thune, Natasha Leggero, Ari Shaffir, Cameron Esposito, and Big Jay Oakerson.
THE FERRIS WHEEL
What you do up there is totally up to you…