Yes, you can leave Bonnaroo and return, but the specific policies depend on whether you are re-entering Centeroo (the main festival grounds) or the broader campgrounds, especially with updated rules set to take effect for 2025.
Bonnaroo's re-entry policy is designed to manage crowd flow and vehicular traffic efficiently while allowing attendees flexibility. Understanding these distinctions is key to a smooth festival experience.
Re-entering Centeroo (Main Festival Grounds)
Access to Centeroo, the primary area for stages, vendors, and performances, is straightforward:
- Unlimited Re-Entry: You are permitted to enter and exit Centeroo as many times as you wish throughout the festival.
- Wristband Scan Required: Each time you leave or re-enter Centeroo, you must scan your wristband at the entry/exit points. This ensures that only credentialed attendees are granted access and helps track capacity.
Leaving and Re-entering the Campgrounds
The campgrounds encompass the vast areas where attendees park their vehicles and set up their campsites. The policy for leaving and returning to the campgrounds addresses external trips, often referred to as going to the "real world" outside the festival site:
- Discouraged External Trips: While re-entry to the campgrounds is generally allowed, leaving the campgrounds in a vehicle to go off-site for external errands or trips is heavily discouraged.
- New for 2025: Additional Fee for Vehicles: Starting with the 2025 festival, any vehicle that chooses to leave the campgrounds and then return will be charged an additional fee upon re-entry. This measure aims to reduce unnecessary vehicle traffic in and out of the festival perimeter once attendees have settled in.
Summary of Re-Entry Policies
To clarify the differences, here's a quick overview:
| Area | Re-Entry Permission | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Centeroo | Yes, unlimited re-entry | Always scan your wristband. This allows freedom to move between stages, explore different areas, and take breaks back at your campsite if it's within walking distance of Centeroo access points. |
| Campgrounds | Yes, but with restrictions for vehicles leaving entirely | Heavily discouraged for vehicles leaving for the "real world." For 2025 onwards, vehicles re-entering the campgrounds after having left the Bonnaroo property will incur an additional fee. This policy encourages attendees to stay on-site once they've arrived, planning for essentials before entering. |
Planning ahead and bringing all necessary supplies for your entire stay can help you avoid the need to leave the campgrounds and incur potential fees. For detailed and updated information regarding policies, it is always recommended to check the official Bonnaroo information sources.
