Bonnaroo Planning & Survival Tips

Whether you have been attending Bonnaroo since the beginning, or this is your first season at the summer music festival, you likely know that there are several versions of Bonnaroo survival guides floating around online. There are basically two flavors for these guides: the first is kind of an underground publication prepared by seasoned Bonnaroovians who share tips on how to engage in all kinds of illegal activities and avoid getting caught, and then there are the common sense guides, like this one, that advise you to just aim to have fun, be safe, and steer away from illegal drugs and too much alcohol.

The event producers have developed the “Bonnaroovian Code,” which is just a compilation of suggestions on how to have the best, safest experience without compromising your health and safety or that of your fellow concert attendees. Some of the essential elements of the Bonnaroovian code include:

• Preparation
• Being a team player
• Radiating positivity
• Being respectful of the venue
• The warning to not be “that guy, or gal”
• And finally, to stay true “Roo,” which is about bringing your positive vibes from Bonnaroo back to your regular life.

While it is in the spirit of Bonnaroo to gather in the sweltering sun (or pouring rain) with thousands of your best friends, relish fabulous music and simply enjoy life, for some, that enjoyment can only reach its peak when aided by banned substances such as illegal drugs. Each year there are drug arrests at Bonnaroo. In 2015 there were 132 citations issued by sheriff’s deputies, which is down from 258 in 2014. Manchester police issued 83 citations, which is up from 45 citations in 2014, and there were 76 arrests, which is up from 60 last year according to the Tennessean. The Manchester Times reports that there were two simple assaults; seven shoplifting; 48 drug/narcotic violations; seven drug equipment; three disorderly conduct; two DUI; two open container; 12 “non-specified offenses.” There was also the death of a man who died of an apparent heart attack

Tennessee law enforcement logged more than 7,536 hours patrolling the festival grounds, and on festival-related incidents and patrols. People will always try to get away with breaking the rules, and some of them will get away with it. Our advice, of course, is to play it safe and just enjoy the festival while you leave the drugs and other contraband at home. For those who do end up getting caught, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to help. If you have been charged with a drug offense such as possession of marijuana or other illegal drugs, you need aggressive legal representation to help you deal with the consequences. Our experienced attorneys will do whatever they can to keep a minor indiscretion from ruining your future.

If you have received a citation during Bonnaroo or another local summer music festival, you are welcome to contact the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates for an aggressive Columbia or Franklin DUI and drug charges defense attorney today.