For the Modest Human Being:
Essentials for the Louisvillian:
1. Alcohol
Yep, that’s right you won’t have to leave the bourbon in Kentucky. Bonnaroo allows alcohol in the camping areas under the stipulation you don’t bring it in a glass container. So look into investing in a flask. Revelry [4]carries a unique selection of glass free flasks. For the craft beer drinker check out Louisville Beer Store [5] and Bottled Liquors for your favorite craft beer in cans.
2. Jerky, Granola, and All the Healthy Stuff
Food options are endless inside of Centeroo, but most of us aren’t going to fork over a huge chunk of change on gyros and pizza every day. Ideally you want to pack foods you won’t have to cook, will give you energy and a taste of home. The best kinds of foods to fuel your days at the Roo are healthy ones. Jerky, granola, carbohydrates, fruits and veggies will sustain and hydrate. Check out Louisville Vegan Jerky Company, [6] Rainbow Blossom [7], and Please and Thank You [8] for local food items. For stocking up on carbohydrates visit Wiltshire Bakery [9], Nords [10], and Blue Dog [11].
3. Footwear & Other Useful Accessories
Take care of those tootsies! Packing the proper footwear might be the most important essential besides water. Flip-Flops are Flip-Nos. Pack another sturdier form of footwear like worn in tennis shoes or rain boots. Not just for rain, but the mud and other muck you might find yourself encountering.
Sunglasses, hats, and bandanas are not only necessary for protecting yourself from the sun, but also the dust the farm tends to kick up. You could risk bringing your favorite sunglasses or lucky hat, but there is a likely chance with all the fun you'll be having they will get broken or lost. Visit local thrift stores like The Nitty Gritty [12] or Vintage Banana [13] to pick up funky items to protect and add to the lively, creative atmosphere.
4. Camera
May seem like a hassle, but your phone WILL die. The only way to capture the Roo experience is through a camera. No need for professional, reality defying equipment. You can pick up disposable cameras or check out Murphy's Camera [14].
Additional Items for the Highflyer:
1. Portable Shower
If you can’t handle a sponge bath and aren’t willing to pay $7 to take a shower on a trailer, then purchasing a portable one is the only solution.
2. Yoga Mat
This could be useful in more than one way. Good cushion, but also needed if you want to attend any of the morning yoga classes in Centeroo.
3. Glow Sticks, Flags, Banana Suit...
At night the farm is one big party and maybe you need the additional accessories to get your party going. Glow sticks are classic and flags help you find your friends in huge crowds, but what's trending are costumes. Go head and pack your banana suit or best Colonel Sanders and prepare to photo bomb the night away.
See you on the farm!
Photos Courtesy of Bonnaroo Music Festival