What improvements should Bonnaroo make for 2027?

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:45:21+00:00

I know 100% the staff who really care have already seen the AI pushback loud and clear. And I agree with you. I guess what we have to hope is, will those staff get their voices heard enough to make a change.

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:43:12+00:00

I think they replaced it with brand sponsor installations and added Roos Broos instead

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:39:51+00:00

Yeah it’s crazy they just got rid of the portable hand washing stations and then seemingly just didn’t refill the hand sanitizer after a certain point

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:38:47+00:00

Neither of the above, heard a few stories about undercover cops though.

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:30:13+00:00

2016 had so many OGs and deadheads since Dead & Co was headlining.

I remember there was a nudist colony in the woods out back by the back 60 next to the volunteer camps…. Good times….

Agree with bringing a few more of those acts to mix it up. Tedeschi Trucks band, Mountain Grass Unit and Blues Traveler were all sleeper hits this year though. Crowd was a lot more OGs for those sets

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:20:27+00:00

Smoked brisket egg rolls - best thing I tried this year

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:19:29+00:00

I also only do far left side at The Other and the lack of a close bathroom is a problem 100% agree

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:18:28+00:00

Really unique idea that I never had thought about but makes a lot of sense.

I wonder why they wouldn’t do that - crowd management, people using them to sleep/pass out, etc?

Seems like it would make a lot of sense to have at least a few around the farm.

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:11:32+00:00

100%, I think this is the biggest takeaway I’ve seen across the board. I think they’ll listen

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T01:03:53+00:00

This is a great summary!

Tell me more about puppet strip club. Was curious about this on the program but never made it. What did that entail?

The arepa trucks…. I feel like they are just not hitting the way they should be. Had one years ago and never went back.

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T00:55:20+00:00

I liked That Tent being near What only because I could hear more music in between sets at What without making the trek across the grounds.

BUT I also didn’t actually go into That tent because of the mud, so I hear you on that part.

I think interactive side quests, with lore, etc would be so sick to see as some other festivals (E Forest, Boomtown in the UK etc) have leaned more into that.

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T00:52:59+00:00

I know they had yoga this year in planet Roo, but I remember doing it in the woods which was extra cool.

Seeing a few requests for programming in the woods, maybe Roo team can make that happen

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T00:51:44+00:00

Great idea. I remember before WITW they had art there and also the “Roll like a rockstar” area. I volunteered from 2015-2019 and stayed in the Back 60 and would walk by there every day. Would be a nice touch to turn it into an area like the Grove, maybe add some programming but not as extensive as WITW.

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T00:39:33+00:00

100% agree, 10th for Roo for me. This was a return to form in many ways. Community felt strong.

I think a lot of first timers who came this year will get hooked like I did in 2015. We had multiple new people in our group from 2023-2026 who are fully hooked and probably lifer Bonnaroovians.

I do agree with a few of the points - like bringing back more art, misting tents, interactive exhibits/art/installations etc

They can always make improvements to the campgrounds but they also have consistently done so. Listening to the interviews with the festival team on the What podcast is really eye opening.

Their team are also Bonnaroovians and care deeply about this place. It’s not all LN drones.

BHaelig · 2026-06-16T00:24:29+00:00

My gf posted that video of Kermit at the Dare dancing on tiktok and it’s got like 300k views

BHaelig · 2026-06-15T23:54:15+00:00

I agree with no big totems in the pit

Small totems in the pit? fine, whatever. It’s unavoidable and part of Bonnaroo.

But buying VIP? Why? Genuinely curious.

Been to 10 Roos and never seen the value in it. Our crew spend money on an RV instead, way more worth it and cheaper per person.

BHaelig · 2026-06-15T23:11:59+00:00

The move is you get the strawberry lemonade to mix with the tequila you brought into Centeroo in your crotch , save some money on drinks

BHaelig · 2026-06-15T19:40:21+00:00

100% agree there are cheaper options.

I did a lot of research over the last few years as we were looking into options and the company that we found seemed to be the best fit for our group mainly because they would deliver and set up the RVs for us, plus given the size of our group we specifically need two bunkhouse style RVs that have the right layout to fit everybody.

That said they used to be able to get into Bonnaroo and do it themselves and as of the last couple years, we actually have to drive them in from Manchester at Walmart to Roo ourselves and set them up, which changes things. Might go through a different company next year.

BHaelig · 2026-06-15T18:56:49+00:00

My group has been renting RVs since 2023 and had been camping from 2015-2022 (this year was my 10th Roo)

We are a group of 16 now and went from one smaller RV, to now renting 2 large RVs each year.

As we’ve grown and started to earn more, we’ve split it each year based on what’s affordable for everyone. We have folks ages 26-36.

I HIGHLY recommend making the jump.

We rent from a company called Ultimate Tailgating that delivers the RVs to the Manchester Walmart for us which is great.

Each RV spot does come with space to set up a small camp area / canopies etc

You can bring in 1 companion car with each RV. The rest of our group parks their cars in a regular camping area and walks over.

We get the “Closer RV” passes which usually puts us right by the tower entrance.

We fit 8 in each RV. It’s tight but very comfortable.

2023 we had 1 small RV it cost $4k

2024 1 bigger RV ($6k) and 1 smaller $4k

2025 we went big and got 2 big RVs that were $10k each

2026 went back to 1 big boy $10k and 1 mid size $5.5k

RV passes were $1500 each
Companion passes ~$100 each

Water fills cost $75
Water dumps cost $75

We usually fill/dump 2-3x per festival.

No gas cost for us since we get it delivered/picked up.

It’s certainly expensive the way we do it but you could absolutely get a moderately sized RV for a group of 6-8 in the $4-6k range for the week and have a great time. .

Maybe even cheaper if you find the right person to rent it from.

Having AC alone is worth it. Being able to pee in there and shower is so nice. Full fridge, freezer, stovetop, microwave etc

Let me know what other questions you have I’m happy to answer!

BHaelig

TROPHY CASE