Bonnaroo is officially preparing for its 2021 return Sept. 2–5 in Manchester, Tennessee. The festival, which kicks off with the Grand Ole Opry Thursday, includes a slew of talented artists such as Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Phoebe Bridgers, Lana Del Rey and Tyler, The Creator.
Similar to other festivals and concerts around the world, Bonnaroo’s 2020 festival was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This year officially marks the 20th anniversary of the Tennessee festival, and organizers have numerous health and safety plans in the works to make sure the event happens.
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On Sept. 2, a group of talented artists is ringing in the Bonnaroo weekend alongside the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Scarypoolparty, Larkin Poe, Taska Black and Sweet Crude are among the other acts performing on the Thursday date of the festival.
Meanwhile, Foo Fighters and Megan Thee Stallion are at the top of the bill for the Friday date of Bonnaroo. Run The Jewels, Deftones, Jack Harlow, Dashboard Confessional, Glass Animals, Primus, Kim Petras and recent Alternative Press cover star Orville Peck are also included in the festival day’s lineup.
For the Saturday date of the festival, Lizzo and Tame Impala are headlining alongside a slew of other talented artists. My Morning Jacket, G-Eazy, Incubus, Ashnikko, the Band CAMINO, Almost Monday and Alternative Press Power Issue: Women Rising cover star Bridgers are just a few of the other musicians performing Sept. 4.
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Tyler, The Creator and Lana Del Rey are headlining Bonnaroo Sept. 5. Brittany Howard, Young The Giant, Flogging Molly, Oliver Tree, the Struts and Julien Baker are among the artists scheduled to perform on the final day of the Tennessee festival this year.
We’re going back to The Farm. 🔥Tickets On-Sale TODAY at 12pm CT! Secure your GA, GA+, VIP or Platinum 4-Day Tickets starting at just $35 down. #Bonnaroo 🙌🌈 https://t.co/H6gIbdFpSj ✨ pic.twitter.com/oywCcWWREI
— Bonnaroo (@Bonnaroo) March 31, 2021
This year, four-day general admission tickets for Bonnaroo started at $329 with a layaway option with a $35 down payment. As well, GA+ ($549), VIP ($1050) and Platinum ($3275) four-day ticket packages are available to purchase with various layaway options. According to the website, camping is included with every festival ticket. However, those with a vehicle will have to purchase an additional pass.
The general admission package, which is available in five tiers, includes basic camping and access to the entire GA campground. As well, ticket holders will be able to watch over 150 performances across more than 10 stages throughout the weekend.
The GA+ package includes all of the general admission perks mentioned above. However, those who purchase the four-day GA+ tickets will also have access to fast-track entrances that bypass long standard general admission lines. Additionally, GA+ ticket holders have access to the Centeroo lounge with premium seating and shade. There is also a full-service bar for beer, wine and cocktails and complimentary water and soda.
The VIP option features all of the GA+ perks as well as access to the VIP Campground Plaza. The area is equipped with air-conditioning, a full-service bar, WiFi, yoga classes, live feeds of the festival performances and much more. VIP ticket holders will also be able to watch performances on the What and Which stages through exclusive viewing areas. Complimentary showers, charging stations and a Bonnaroo merch package are included, too.
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Finally, the Platinum package encompasses all of the GA+ and VIP perks and so much more. Platinum ticket holders will be able to watch all of the main stages and tents (What Stage, Which Stage, The Other, This Tent and That Tent) at up-close viewing areas that have beer and water service. The ticket package also includes entry to the artist lounge behind the What Stage and express lane access to the exclusive campground which features an air-conditioned lounge, all-inclusive drinks and food, complimentary spa service and more.
Festival goers also have the option to add-on BonnaROOTS to their ticket bundles. BonnaROOTS is the festival’s annual locally-sourced meals in partnership with Oxfam America and Eat for Equity. For Thursday and Friday only, the $60 add-ons include hearty meals and drinks while also helping raise money for charity. On Saturday, individuals can also purchase an $18 add-on for the BonnaRoots “World’s Longest Salad.”
Tickets for Bonnaroo are on sale now and are available to purchase here.
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonnaroo organizers say they are in contact with local health and public safety officials regarding the event. According to the website’s “Safety & Security” section, they “intend to abide by relevant recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival.”
As well, there’s also an entire COVID-19 warning section which states that organizers are taking enhanced health and safety measures for this year’s festival. Although the statement doesn’t go into too much detail about what those measures are, Bonnaroo reminds everyone that “an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present.”
As the festival approaches, organizers will be sending out periodic health and safety updates. Those updates will be shared on Bonnaroo’s website, social media platforms and through an email list. Head here to sign up for the festival’s email list.
More on Bonnaroo and the 2021 festival season
Bonnaroo 2020 was set to feature performances from the likes of Tool, Vampire Weekend, the 1975, Wallows and Miley Cyrus. However, in mid-March, the global pandemic led to the festival first being postponed to September 2020. Eventually, the entire event was canceled outright in June 2020. Finally, in September 2020, organizers announced that Bonnaroo 2021 is taking place this September.
Bonnaroo 2021 joins a slew of other festivals planning to make a return this year. Inkcarceration is scheduled to happen Sept. 10–12 in Mansfield, Ohio while Louder Than Life is set for Sept. 23–26 in Louisville, Kentucky. Meanwhile, Welcome To Rockville is expected to happen Nov. 11–14 in its new location of the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
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Additionally, Aftershock Festival is happening Oct. 7–10. My Chemical Romance and Metallica are returning as this year’s headliners. Machine Gun Kelly, Rise Against, Parkway Drive and Rancid are also among the acts playing at the Sacramento festival.
Earlier this month, both Mississippi and Texas lifted mask mandates and allowed venues to reopen at full capacity. New York venues can begin reopening at limited capacity starting April 2. As well, Arizona, Washington, Ohio and Connecticut are among the states planning to reopen some venues at limited capacities in the next few months.
What are your thoughts on Bonnaroo’s 2021 lineup? Let us know in the comments below.