Bonnaroo Music Festival

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an annual four-day music event that takes place on a 650-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee. The name is Creole slang meaning “a really good time.” The festival was created to honor the rich New Orleans music tradition that founders Ashley Capp, Kerry Black, Rick Farman, Richard Goodstone, and Jonathan Mayer enjoyed whilst in college. They were also inspired by the music festivals of the early ‘90s including Coachella, Glastonbury, and those held by the band Phish.

Bonnaroo started in 2002 with a focus on jam bands and folk-rock, but it has diversified since then. They play host to a wide range of generational music groups including U2, Neil Young, Childish Gambino, Primus, Arcade Fire, and ZZ Top. It has long been one of the most popular music festivals. In their first year, using just their website, they sold out tickets in about two weeks. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named the event one of the “top 50 moments in rock & roll.” Aside from music performances, there are also comedy acts that take place.

Bonnaroo has made itself a staple among the best music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza. USA Today has referred to the event as “The culmination of a musical movement.” It is sold out nearly every year and has become known for historical performances comparable to the Woodstock Music & Art Fair or the Monterey International Pop Music Festival. In 2009, three years before the death of Adam Yauch, The Beastie Boys made their final performance. In 2012, D’Angelo marked his return after a twelve-year performance hiatus with a surprise show. In 2014, Bobby Womack gave his final performance before passing away soon after.

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival also has a wide range of activities for visitors. They take place all throughout the week in multiple tents. Some of the tents include the Silent Disco Tent, the Comedy Tent, the Cinema Tent, and the Broo’ers Festival Tent. Additionally, the subgroup, Planet Roo, offers a variety of non-profit organizations seeking to share information on healthy lifestyle choices and resource conservation.

Buying Tickets to Bonnaroo

Since their very first event, Bonnaroo has sold its tickets faster than you can say “Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.” If you want to attend the widely beloved Tennessee event, you need to be on the ball. All tickets can be found above in the listings. Look for VIP access passes to make your experience that much better.

There are six ticket tiers. Each tier represents a different price point with limited quantities. When one tier is sold out, the tickets get more expensive. Nonetheless, the prices are fair given the quality of the four-day event featuring over 150 performances. Make sure to get yours today!

More Details

Bonnaroo is a densely packed event with plenty to see, do, and hear. There is a large number of area venues with interesting titles including Centeroo, What Stage, Which Stage, This Tent and That Tent, The Other, and Who Stage. When strolling around the event’s locale, you’ll encounter craftsmen and artisans selling artsy products, food and drink vendors, and the many activity tents.

The festival takes place in Manchester, Tennessee, where there is a range of hotels nearby, but there are also a variety of camping options. Car and RV camping is the most popular option. You’ll need a Car Camping Pass or a Day Parking Pass, and you’ll have access to a small plot. There are also Le Bon Tents for rent. It’s only fifty dollars a night, and it provides a colorful tent, two sleeping bags, and two air mattresses. There are also Group & Themed Community Camps where twenty-four or more people can bunk together. There are shuttles to and from hotels and the nearby Nashville airport.

The suggested pack list includes a cooler with water jugs and bottles, lanterns or flashlights, camping chairs or tables, rain gear, warm clothes for the chilly evenings, bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, and earplugs if you’re camping. You can read all about concert safety so you are fully prepared.

The Bonnaroo Experience

Experience the exciting and inviting atmosphere of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. See what past attendees and reviews have been raving about year after year. The four-day event is sure to feature many of your favorite artists performing at their peak. This is the best time to buy Bonnaroo tickets and have an amazing time. There are a lot of things to consider before going so get the ticket purchase out of the way early.