There are a lot of rules and tips at Bonnaroo that are commonly known and also common sense. For example “Radiate Positivity” is more than just a slogan or mantra, it’s a reminder to stay upbeat, encouraging, and to have a great time. The word “Bonnaroo” itself is Cajun slang for “Good Time” anyways!
But there are also a lot of unwritten knowledge of Bonnaroo. Usually it takes a Roo or two under your belt to know some of the traditions, hacks, tips, and unwritten rules.
At other festivals or in other situations, you might have to learn these things on your own. But Bonnaroovians are nothing if not helpful and encouraging to each other.
With that in mind, we asked the Roo community on our social media feeds what some of their favorite unwritten tips and rules are. (Credit to @2ntense74 for helping us spark the idea!) One big one that we talked about that we’d really love to stress is the unwritten rule about sequins on the arch. While officially, we probably shouldn’t take a sequin, everyone has developed a tradition of taking one or two on the way out after the Sunday night headliner has finished. Don’t be That Guy or That Gal and take one before then!
Let’s take a look at what you guys had to say. First off, “Play as a Team” is another part of the Bonnaroo Code that’s much more than just a mantra. It’s a reminder to watch out for your neighbor.
Keep a lookout for other patrons who may be suffering from heat exhaustion, dehydration, overdose, etc. Offer help to anyone who looks like they might need it.
— Fully Loaded Poet (@milehigh_native) November 26, 2018
Then there’s advice from a veteran about soaking up as much Roo as you can. The schedule may say that things start Thursday afternoon and end Sunday nights, but we all know that the party goes on longer than that.
Always go Wednesday through Monday! Your body might hate you after but your brain will thank you for the (lack of) memories! Also some foods that are a must: Amish donut, Spicy Pie, and my personal favorite that DANK $12 TERIYAKI BOWL IN POD 3 WITH ALL THE CABBAGE AND RICE ❤️
— Jeffaroo (@JAyers1990) November 26, 2018
Roo is much more than just the performances and crazy happenstances. There’s also awesome food to be had, and Roovians know the spots that you have to hit up at least once. (Their new name is Peachy’s, by the way!)
You have to have an Amish donut at least once (the company has a new name but they’re still there).
— Lady Bug (@maggiexxpress) November 26, 2018
This one is pretty clear. Roovians come in all shapes and sizes and from all kinds of backgrounds. Enjoy the diversity in your new family!
Keep everywhere judgement free🌈
— Shaylee (@_Shay_Bay_Bay) November 26, 2018
Another part of the Code is to “Respect the Farm.” Let’s all work together to leave it a better place than we found it.
Leave your camp site as clean as possible to help those that come through and pick up the trash.
— AJ Briner (@ajbriner) November 27, 2018
You staying hydrated? Don’t just down water frequently yourself, play as a team and help your fellow Roovian.
SHARE YOUR WATER!!!
— LeeAnn (@leanwidner) November 26, 2018
If you’re a rookie, you’ll catch on to this one pretty quick. OH BABY YOUUUUU….
One must join in when the crowd is singing “Just A Friend” by Biz Markie
— Kam Taylor (@Kameron_Taylor) November 26, 2018
Here’s another one that the boys will learn pretty quick. If you have to just go number one, head on up towards the bathroom door!
One is crucial, Somebody drawing two lines in the men’s bathroom. One for #1 one for #2. These save so much time for the boys of roo
— larrytuna (@hightidegang) November 26, 2018
(No comment.)
I guess technically it’s “written” but there’s always “Fuck Kanye” somewhere on the Centeroo wall
— Sean McCain (@BusterLandru) November 26, 2018
Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice! Go on an adventure and find something unexpected!
A must I always tell people, wander off on your own at least once during the weekend. Some of my favorite moments have been finding new people and/or taking on solo wanderers into our group for a night.
— Sean McCain (@BusterLandru) November 26, 2018
The volunteers that you see at the Centeroo gate and throughout the festivals are Roovians just like us. They’re getting through their shift so they can see the show they want to see too. Spread some positivity their way and make their shift fast and fun!
High five a volunteer every time you scan in duhhhh
— send me dog pics (@huliajauser) November 26, 2018
Good point from Larry here. The water fountain has some filters, but it can only filter so much from Roovians with days worth of grime on them!
Dont go in the mushroom fountain after Sat. The water is filthy at that point!
— Larry Fisherman (@Roman_Vuk) November 26, 2018
We also got a few great tips on our Facebook page as well:
Have any other tips, rules, or hacks? Watch out on our social media feeds leading up to Roo, we’ll want to share them with the Roo community even more as we get closer to June of 2019!
The Real Roo Bus 