With Bonnaroo officially canceled, fans are pivoting fast to Bourbon & Beyond (B&B) for their summer festival fix. If you’re arriving as a first-timer or just switching gears, here’s a no-fluff guide to what you’re in for — plus tips vetted by the community.
Festival Vibes & Crowd
Unlike Bonnaroo’s sprawling, party-centric energy, B&B offers a tighter, more city festival feel with a mature, cocktail-loving crowd. It’s smooth, chill, and centered around great music and good drinks rather than all-night chaos.
Mint VIP Perks
A must-consider upgrade. Mint VIP guarantees pit access, shade, and air-conditioned restroom access. Keep in mind it fills up fast and personal space in VIP can be tight, so manage expectations on crowding.
Hydration Rules
No CamelBaks allowed — go old school with a factory-sealed water bottle or a clear refillable plastic bottle. Loads of hydration stations are scattered around, so stay hydrated without the gear hassle.
Getting There & Camping
Shuttle service varies widely by hotel location. Many opt for Airbnbs or book one of the festival’s camping packages, which unlock perks like free showers and easy re-entry. Note that this year, reserved chairs must stay in designated zones to keep pathways clear.
Stages & Sound
B&B runs five stages but mainly cycles three for smooth artist transitions, keeping downtime low. The compact layout means some sound bleed, but overall it’s manageable.
Community Sentiment
While some attendees miss the unique Bonnaroo magic, overall reactions praise the lineup’s strength and the inviting atmosphere, especially for fans of ’90s alt rock and related genres.
Bottom Line
If Bonnaroo’s absence leaves a hole in your summer, Bourbon & Beyond is a refined, less hectic alternative with strong music creds. Grab Mint VIP for the best experience.
Keep it locked here for lineup recaps and schedule updates as the festival dates draw nearer.
Source: r/BourbonAndBeyond