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Sitting at my computer this morning, waiting for the post-Bonnaroo fog to lift, I’m guessing this is how Dorothy must have felt when she woke up from her Land of Oz dream. Did I really just spend three days hanging out with 100,000 of my closest, sweaty friends, sleeping –if you can call it that, given the bugs and the drugs and the M-80’s firing at 4 AM– on a blowup mattress out in the middle of Coffee County in a tent? Nope, we’re definitely not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy, but boy, was it ever fun!
Flying high on top of the RV
I realize most of you will never make it to Bonnaroo (perhaps a good thing, or maybe not) so I thought I’d share some of the highs (certainly wafting through the grounds) and the lows (any Porta-Potty in the general admission area) of my trip.
Mr. Potato Head on Steroids
Signs are key to finding your campsite
Bonnaroo is one of those experiences where you think you know what you’re signing up for until you go.
Early morning respite in preparation for a BIG day
Too long of a wait, too long of a night
And I am sure I did what most people do their first time there: find a hillside, gaze incredulously at the sea of humanity (tents, trucks, rv’s, tour buses), which stretches for miles and miles and think, “what I am seeing at this moment completely blows me away.”
Bonnaroo’s appeal is broad reaching: at this three-day music festival, you’ll find young, old, black, white, rednecks, preppies and Jerry Garcia fans alike, all crammed into 700 acres near Manchester, TN. Bonnaroo promises to titillate your senses beyond anything you’ve ever experienced.
Who knew fried chicken was controversial?
From the smell of Black Angus burgers grilling on food trucks, to the gorgeous visuals flashing on Jumbotrons at the main stage, to cell phones lit in unison (yes, like the lighters we used to hold up à la Freebird waaay back) while Eminem urges the crowd to scream profanity to the complete stranger next to you, to feet so grimy and black, it seems completely normal to hit the showers at 3AM — all of this is the experience of Bonnaroo.
Bob and the Girls
I spied cute, young girls, topless with daisies painted on their, um, petunias, as well as plenty of Nashvillians who you might not necessarily expect to bump into in the aromatic, earthy mosh pit that is Bonnaroo. (Really, I didn’t know So-and-So was so into “music.” Not to worry. Vegas rules apply. What happens at Bonnaroo, stays at Bonnaroo. Scout’s honor.)
If this is one of your daughters...sorry.
A serious Dip n' duo
America's youth, eager and ready to become wage earners.
And oh, the tattoos—intricate and gorgeous, raucous and angry—and they’re everywhere. I found myself wondering more than once, “Did your Mother approve of this?”
ouch
more ouch
I can attest, Bonnaroo is one of the most well-run organizations I’ve ever seen. The food is astoundingly delicious, the grounds maintained daily, the music is phenomenal and everyone has a great time.
Gorgeous salads
Food Truckville
Without doubt, the highlight of the festival for me was the performance by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. She commanded the stage and owned the crowd. But for this Bonnaroo neophyte, you can’t beat dancing to the Scissor Sisters at 2AM to finish out the evening. If you want to see their magic tune in:
Bonnaroo is the only reason Coffee County isn’t dying on the vine like so many other small, rural towns in Tennessee. Bonnaroo supports the local theaters, the churches, the school bands and brings a whopping 24 million to the area.
Feel the love
Hanging out on the lawn
When I think of Bonnaroo, first I start to smirk, then smile, then laugh hysterically. Forever changed, for the better, having experienced it.
Free shampoo and everything
Enjoy the ride!
My Bonnaroo family
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21 Responses to “Bonnaroo. I do. Do you?”
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So envious, I have vowed I will attend next year. I am a huge, huge fan of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, so I am not surprised she rocked the house. Thanks for the awesome post…
It is a must do–the grubbier you are the better! elizabeth
Our first time, too! We didn’t get to see GP, but Mumford & Sons was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. We’d been saying forever that we were going to go and kept putting it off (for at least 6 of the 10 years). Now that we’ve been we have vowed to go every year! And spring for VIP next time!! Great post!
VIP is the ONLY way to go!!!
Elizabeth,
You are a true style diva, even when you go grub. It comes naturally, with or without labels or accessories. Thats why readers like myself trust you implicitly. Love it.
next year you get to go with me! xoxox
Grace Potter is incredible! I went four years ago and want to go back every year! Maybe next year will be the year! So glad you enjoyed your time. It’s like summer camp for adults :)
Elizabeth, you are brave in my book!
Great post, Elizabeth! Felt like I was there with you, except maybe this post needed a scratch and sniff element! So relieved not to see photos of my daughter in your post…..
ummm, what kind of scratch and sniff would you like to add? best,
You are the BRAVEST mom/career girl/wife/sister/friend I have known in pretty-much-my- whole-life…….Three cheers to you! Not sure I have the guts to do it, but have always wanted to. I’m positive I wouldn’t miss it if I were still in my 20′s…… and now I feel like I’ve been thanks to you. Go Girl!
love you too.
Elizabeth! I’m so happy to be party of your Bonnaroo family. What good times!
Elizabeth,
I feel like I was there without having to go. Looked like you created great memories!! FUN!
Fun and exhaustion.
Great post! GREAT photos! It looks like you all had a great time. Bonnaroo is the ultimate socio-cultural experience! I would go every year if I could.
Greg, Don’t hold back see you there next year! elizabeth
I am so impressed that I am speechless!!
come on and go with me next year!
Elizabeth,
great write up. I know we saw each other but cannot remember when! Can you make it two years in a row?
So funny! I found you on Pinterest (Mexican corn, here I come) and see a post about my hometown! I am one of the people of Manchester who love when Bonnaroo comes to town. So many different people! I have never been to the festival, I can hear it from my porch. :) y’all are always welcome to shower here!!