Summertime means music festivals and what’s better than the nearby-ish Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival?!
NOTHING!
Whether you’re a first-timer this year or have been before but always feel like you’re missing something . . .here are some tips on how to survive the ‘Roo and have that much more fun! (It doesn’t matter if you’re camping for the weekend, or a day-tripper . . . the tips below will help you while you’re on the grounds with items to keep on your person.)
1. FRIENDS . . . Yes, first and foremost, bring along a group of friends! OK, so it’s not actually a product or item, but there are some unsavory people around anytime you get into a crowd, and music festivals are no different. Grab your trusted friends and you can all protect each other with an awesome buddy system. No ONE should go anywhere on their own.
2. WATER . . . it gets hot. Real. Hot. You can never have enough water and the best way to keep getting your hydration on without the need to tote around a water bottle is to go get a CamelBack. They come in different sizes and colors, keep your water chilled and are so easy to keep with you and refill as needed.
3. SUNSCREEN . . . Sun’s out, skin’s out and primed for sunburns. Nothing kills a stellar time like crispy burnt skin that hurts with a fiery passion. So keep that sunscreen applied and keep applying it. The more you sweat, the more you need to reapply . . . including the waterproof stuff. (This also means chapstick with SPF)
4. WET WIPES . . . With all the water you’re drinking to keep hydrated, you’ll also be hitting the porta-potty on the regular. Stock up on the cleaning wipes and keep them handy anytime you use the bathroom, and especially before you eat. Liquid hand sanitizer works, too.
5. MAKE UP REMOVER WIPES . . . This isn’t just for the ladies! It’s not about removing makeup, it’s about wiping off all that sweat, dirt and grime that clogs your pores. Use them to wipe off your sunglasses, too. Keep them on hand and don’t forget to reapply that sunscreen each time you wipe down your face.
6. A BELT BAG . . . what says music festival style more than a fanny pack? It lets you hold all your items in one easily accessible location, keeping your hands free to toss up those rock horns or shaka sign!
7. OLD, BUT SOLID SHOES . . . You WILL be on your feet for lengthy periods of time, and the festival grounds are pretty massive so there is A LOT of walking. You’ll want a good pair of shoes that hold up and can keep your tootsies comfortable . . . but, not too good of a pair – because your shoes WILL get trashed! It’s a music festival . . . things get muddy alpha foxtrot.
8. BAND-AIDS . . . Blisters happen more often than not, and nothing makes walking those festival grounds more miserable than a blister on your foot.
9. DEODORANT . . . It will be a long, sweaty day, and you will be glad you brought deodorant. (Additionally, grab a roller ball tube with some kind of essential oil you like the smell of so you can rub that on your wrist and sniff on it when you’re in an area of people who did NOT bring deodorant.)
10. PHONE CHARGER . . . It’s important to keep that phone charged for the ‘Gram and other personal photos/videos you want to take, but also in case of any emergencies. Bring along a phone charger, but also splurge to get an extra battery or other tech items to help you charge on the go.
11. MEDS . . . Music festivals are loud, and you’re on your feet A LOT! Grab the Advil and keep it handy. Don’t forget about the allergy meds if you tend to fall victim to the summertime seasonal allergies. Also, toss some Vitamin B in that fanny pack as well . . . you can thank me later.
12. HAIR TIES . . . It’s a small need, but super nice to have when it’s sweltering out and a little relief from getting your hair off the back of your neck can be HUGE! Grab one for your wrist and then a couple extras to keep in your bag in case one breaks or a friend needs one. They’re small and malleable so they don’t take up much room. I carry about 5 on me – even though my girls have their own, some of my dudes with longer hair don’t think to bring any and wind up needing the hair up relief.
13. A HAT . . . Keep that top of yours sunburn free with a cap. Nothing ruins a good time like a sunburn – anywhere on your body!
14. A HAND FAN . . . It’s not a super necessity, but it is super nice to have when you do have it. If you take one, you WILL use it.
15. FACE MIST . . . Yes, it sounds like someone being simultaneously Basic and Extra, but there is something truly refreshing that gives you that boost with a spritz of rose water or something with lavender and chamomile. You don’t realize you’ve been needing this your whole music festival lovin’ life until you’ve tried it.
GUESS WHAT!! The Beaver 100.3 has your chance to win a pair general admission tickets AND a car camping pass!! You could be seeing Morgan Wallen and Jason Isbell. Plus, the Thursday night headliner is The Grand Ole Opry with special guests!! There will be so many other great artists, too — like Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, The 1975, Grace Potter, Nelly and MORE!!
You only have until the end of the day on January 26th to register for your chance to win, so don’t hesitate!! Get in on it HERE!!
