Like any major fest, the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival can be a confusing event to prepare yourself for if this is your first time attending. Below are some of the top suggestions we've discovered from veteran Bonnaroo fest-goers...

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for Bonnaroo is very carefully review the official list of restricted items, so you will know what you are allowed to bring with you onto the festival grounds. You can visit the "What Not to Bring" page at bonnaroo.com for full detail on the festival's rules. The rules are strictly enforced. Items not allowed on the festival grounds include ANY live pet (!!!), glass containers, fireworks, styrafoam coolers, plastic grocery bags, and professional photography equipment. http://www.bonnaroo.com/info/what-not-to-bring.aspx

If you plan on camping, acquaint yourself ahead of time with the amenities and rules that are specific to the various camping areas. The official site has a camping page that can help you with this aspect of your planning. If you'll be buying a brand new tent for Bonnaroo, be sure and assemble it a few times at home so you are comfortable with how to do it ...you'll avoid the frustration of trying to figure out how to pitch your tent while in the festival's camping area. http://www.bonnaroo.com/info/camping.aspx http://www.poorvin.com/roo/

Be sure to drink plenty of water. The weather will be HOT, and medics working at past events have cited heat stroke and dehydration as two of the most common reasons people required medical attention while attending the fest. Bottled water will be available for purchase at festival vendors, but there is no need to spend money on drinking water ... you'll find water stations at each of the stages and camping areas. Bring along a plastic, aluminum or stainless steel water container (no glass allowed!), and you can refill it anytime at the water stations. http://www.poorvin.com/roo/

Consider bringing along a personal stash of food, cold drinks and beer if you prefer to avoid having to always purchase these things in the vending area. You might want to also bring along a small charcoal grill for cooking out in the camping area. If planning to bring beer or non-alcoholic beverages with you, be sure that what you bring is NOT in glass bottles. http://www.poorvin.com/roo/

At bonnaroo.com, there is a very helpful page entitled "What to Bring." Before leaving home, be sure to visit this page to double check that no necessary items have been forgotten ... bringing along the items on the list will save you the expense of having to buy them (or just go without them) at the festival site. http://www.bonnaroo.com/info/what-to-bring.aspx

Bonnaroo's main gates open on Thursday at around 9am. In the past, arriving early on Thursday has been a good strategy towards getting the best possible camping spot. http://bonnaroo.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=logistics&action=display&thread=4378

Bring plenty of cash. There will be ATM's on the festival site, but the lines to use them are often long.

No need to panic if your cell phone isn't working ... there are pay phones on the event grounds. But be prepared to use them by calling collect or via a credit card only. http://www.bonnaroo.com/info/telephones.aspx

A flag or balloon over your tent can be a great marker to help you find your way back to your campsite. If you have GPS on your cell phone, you might also find it helpful to save your campsite as a favorite.

Expect hot summer weather in the daytime, but be prepared for cooler evening temperatures and the possibility of a summer storm. Be sure to pack plenty of lightweight summer clothing, a hoodie or light jacket for evenings, and rain gear. http://www.poorvin.com/roo/

Still have questions or concerns? Don't hesitate to visit the message boards at bonnaroo.com. Festival veterans share lots of good info and tips, and you'll usually get a friendly, helpful response if you post a question there. But before asking your question, you might want to see if it has already been answered on the "First Time Roo-er FAQ," a great reference compiled from the wisdom of many who have attended the fest in years past. http://bonnaroo.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=logistics&action=display&thread=4378