The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an annual event created and produced by AC Entertainment and Superfly Presents. Since its inception in 2002, this four-day event takes place on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, known as the Great Stage Park. Typically, the festival starts on the second Thursday of June, and its main attractions include multiple stages that feature live music with a vast array of musical styles including hip-hop, Americana, jazz, rock, world music, classic rock, gospel, reggae, and many other genres of music.
Manchester, Tennessee is located between Chattanooga and Nashville. Although Chattanooga is close to the festival grounds, if you are arriving by plane, the best option is to fly into Nashville International Airport. Nashville has more flights than Chattanooga, and it is also more affordable than flying into Chattanooga.
1. From Nashville International Airport
From the main airport road, head to State Highway 255. Turn right on Donelson Pike and stay south until you get to Interstate 24. When you reach Interstate 24, go eastwards towards Chattanooga and keep going until you reach State Road 55 (Exit 111). Turn right on Highway 55 and after the I-24 East intersection, make a right onto Ragsdale road. On Ragsdale Road, stay right until you reach New Bushy Branch Road which will take you to the Bonnaroo main gate.
2. From Chattanooga Airport
Get from the main airport road to Airport Connector Road, which will lead you to State Highway 153. Highway 153 will lead you to Interstate 75. Head south on Interstate 75 towards Atlanta until you reach the Interstate 24 junction. From there, head west on Interstate 24 until you reach Exit 114 (Hillsboro Boulevard/State Highway 2). Turn right onto Hillsboro Boulevard then make a quick left onto Campground Road. This road will take you to the Bonnaroo main gate.
3. Arriving by Car or RV
Most visitors prefer to drive themselves to Bonnaroo and camp next to their car or RV. It is a tradition and it's fantastic since there are lots of things going on in the campgrounds. Thus, if you and your loved ones are coming by car or RV, ensure you have the necessary parking and camping passes for your vehicles. To get to the grounds, open your Google Maps and search for Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival, Manchester, Tennessee, then just follow the signs. As you get close, the signs will reroute you on the best way to arrive while evading traffic congestion.
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Top Tips to Know Before You Go to Bonnaroo
Before embarking on a Bonnaroo adventure, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind; such as useful items to bring along, and how to make your stay comfortable and more enjoyable.
1. Bring your camping gear
Bonnaroo offers accessible campgrounds for its visitors. So remember to pack your tents and sleeping bags as well as sturdy tent stakes and tarps just in case of inclement or windy weather. However, if you choose to stay in a hotel, get the latest information about Bonnaroo hotels from a reputable website. If you intend to go to Bonnaroo with your family, friends, or loved ones, you may also consider Bonnaroo vacation rentals.
2. Bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes
Since you will be on your feet for long periods, it is essential to wear comfortable footwear. You also need to protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
3. Check the weather
If you anticipate certain weather conditions, you will need to pack wisely. Tennessee summers can be intensely hot. Thus, bring protective accessories such as hats and sunglasses. But if the forecast predicts precipitation, prepare ponchos or raincoats and extra towels. Luckily, all Bonnaroo hotels will come with air conditioning if you need to cool down after the show.
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Most Epic Performances in Bonnaroo History
Since 2002, Bonnaroo has hosted many performances, and here are three of the most memorable in the history of this event.
1. 2010: Jay-Z Opens the Door for Hip-Hop
After Kanye West’s disastrous 2008 performance that was a big blow for a genre that was trying to break into the festival game, Jay-Z made one of his most memorable performances that saved the future of hip-hop at this event. It was such an exciting performance, and both Jack White and Stevie Wonder stayed to watch.
2. 2009: Beastie Boys Played Their Last Live Show
Beastie Boys’ set ended up being the last performance for the trio, although nobody knew it at that time. One month later, Adam Yauch “MCA” was diagnosed with cancer, which forced the group to cancel their remaining shows.
3. 2007: Questlove Gathers a Supergroup
The Roots’ drummer Questlove, Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones, and three-time Grammy Award winner Ben Harper came together for over 90 minutes of extended Zeppelin jams.
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