Beyond the Music: Everything Else You Can’t Miss at Bonnaroo 2025
When most people think of Bonnaroo, their minds go straight to the stacked music lineups — and fair enough. With a history of hosting everyone from Radiohead to Kendrick Lamar, the Roo stage schedule is legendary. But to anyone who’s actually stepped onto The Farm in Manchester, Tennessee, the true heart of Bonnaroo beats in all the weird, wonderful, and life-affirming experiences happening beyond the music. This year’s edition is shaping up to be no exception.
Outeroo Parades: March to the Beat of Your Own Drum
What’s better than a parade? At Bonnaroo, absolutely nothing. Picture it: a marching band jamming at full tilt, a sea of umbrellas spinning, glitter flying, and thousands of grinning, costumed Bonnaroovians waltzing through the Outeroo grounds in perfect, joyous chaos. These impromptu, anything-goes parades are a core part of Bonnaroo’s charm, and this year they’re upping the ante with even more chances to join the march. Whether you’re decked out in a neon onesie or just waving a rainbow flag, you’re invited to help take this tradition higher, louder, and weirder.
Soberoo: A Sober Sanctuary in the Middle of the Mayhem
Music festivals can be intense spaces for those choosing to stay clean and sober — and Bonnaroo’s Soberoo community is here to prove that you don’t need substances to have a transcendent festival experience. This incredible, tight-knit crew of music lovers hosts multiple daily meetings in Centeroo, creating a safe, welcoming space for sober Bonnaroovians to connect and recharge. There’s even a dedicated Soberoo camping area for those looking to build community from sunrise to late night sets. It’s one of the purest expressions of Bonnaroo’s inclusive spirit, and a must-visit for anyone seeking a substance-free refuge on The Farm.
Planet Roo: Where the Groove Meets the Greater Good
Need a breather between sets? Planet Roo is the oasis you didn’t know you needed. This vibrant corner of Centeroo is dedicated to sustainability, wellness, and global consciousness. Dozens of nonprofit organizations will be on-site offering workshops, exhibits, and experiences designed to inspire positive action both on and off The Farm. From yoga flows to climate justice panels, Planet Roo is a sanctuary of education and good vibes, offering a chance to both recharge and reimagine the world you want to live in. Word is, this year’s programming includes some can’t-miss collaborative art installations and surprise guest talks.
Campground Plazas: The Festival Within the Festival
Forget everything you thought you knew about festival campgrounds. At Bonnaroo, the Plazas are where the real magic happens after hours — and sometimes before. Strategically scattered throughout the campgrounds, these public gathering hubs are equal parts chill zone and adrenaline spike. Expect secret acoustic sets from your favorite bands, pop-up dance parties that last ‘til dawn, celebrity cameos, mind-bending art installations, wellness workshops, and who-knows-what-else. Each Plaza has its own unique flavor and theme, but the common thread is pure, unfiltered Bonnaroo magic. No matter where you’re camped, one will be nearby, ready to surprise you at any hour.
While the main stages promise monumental moments, it’s everything happening in the spaces in between that makes Bonnaroo so addictive, year after year. The parades, the plazas, the unexpected connections, the pop-up parties at 3AM — it’s a 24/7 celebration of community, creativity, and unrelenting good vibes. So when you’re mapping out your set schedule for 2025, leave room to get gloriously lost in all the weird, wonderful, and deeply meaningful adventures that make The Farm more than a festival. It’s a way of life.
See you in Outeroo.
For all other Bonnaroo activities outside the festival, visit this link HERE!
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