Socializing

Bonnaroo is a great place for socializing.  You can make friends that will last a life time, friends that you'll offer a place to stay in your a hometown if they ever decide to visit, and friends to camp with the following year. Conversations vary on the level of intelligence, but everyone is polite and enjoyable.

On the first night, I met a few people during one of the shows.  We chatted up a bit, discussed shows we were excited to see, suggested other performances to catch, offered places to stay in our hometowns if the other is ever travelling through, but never so much as exchanged names or information.  When the show ended, we wished each other a 'Happy Bonnaroo' and said maybe we'll see each other at one of the other shows. Now obviously this is not one of those 'life time friendships' I mentioned above, but it was nice while it lasted.  Bonnaroo is judgement free and everyone is just looking to have a good time and make sure others are having a good time too.

Mike, Conor, and other 'Rooers in front of the graffiti wall
(Not sure if I should be proud or embarrassed)

On the last night, my friends and I befriended a group of kids, one in particular who has kept in contact with Danielle (the prior 'Rooer mentioned) since the festival ended.  I am currently excited because he will be visiting this coming week to celebrate the birthdays of myself and my other fellow 'Rooer, Mike. This is the type of friend that will last and expect that we will be camping beside his group of friends at Bonnaroo 2011.

Now for a quick tip -
Befriend your neighbors!

Bonnaroo Betty - A Surprise Gift!

Not only do you have to smell them over the course of four days, but it is a great way to get input on who else to see, where to go, and in the event that you forget something, they can help. Being first time 'Rooers, my friends and I forgot just about everything necessary for the Bonnaroo experience.  Luckily, we had the best neighbors you could ask for.  Surrounded by experienced Bonnarooers, we had anything we could ask for.  They even surprised us with a decoration to adorn our pitiful campsite - Bonnaroo campsites go all out - from wind chimes to the jersey of your favorite sports team.

Now - back to having to 'smell them.'  While Bonnaroo is an overnight festival, there is no real shower available.  Some, like our neighbors (luckily), bring tent showers, which may seem silly now - but you'll be wishing you had one.  The farm on which the festival is held, gets filthy - and after spending four days there, so do you.  Befriending your neighbors is great because they offer to let you use their shower - though that will probably more for their benefit than your own.

Us and the neighbors

My advice:

Talk to anyone and everyone you can at Bonnaroo.  Whether it is just for the initial encounter or to create a friendship, you will meet some very unique and interesting people that are bound to influence you in one way or another.