By: Emily Costantino

June 21 officially marks the first day of summer on most calendars, but if you're anything like me, summer starts with festival season. You know, that time of year where some of today's greatest bands converge in one place to put on some of their most epic performances ever. I personally decided to kick off my summer by heading to Bonnaroo, a four-day music and arts festival that takes place every June in Manchester, Tennessee.

Now, be warned: Bonnaroo is not a quest for the faint-hearted. Between the 14-hour road trip, four days of camping, grueling heat, and a night of nonstop thunderstorms, it's pretty exhausting. But on top of that, concerts take place throughout the day and late into the night, and five or six could be going on at any given time at any one of several venues, which all have hilariously confusing names (What Stage, Which Stage, This Tent, That Tent, and The Other Tent). Often, you will find yourself torn between two (or more!) shows taking place at the same time and will have to make some tough decisions. I liken it to taking a two-day trip to Disneyworld and desperately trying to fit everything in.

But if you're prepared for the challenge, you'll find that it's well worth it. Artists rarely disappoint, and every show is full of surprises. If you get bored at one concert, no worries, just head to another stage. And besides the music, there's a comedy tent, art shows, and tons of vendors selling all kinds of interesting wares from hula hoops to fairy wings. You'll meet some of the nicest (and craziest) people from all over the country - and sometimes out of the country. Plus, you get a pretty kickass wristband.

Bonnaroo's lineup this year, while filled with some of my personal favorites, boasted such a vast array of genres that it seemed to have something for everyone. From virtual unknowns just breaking into the indie scene to, well, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnaroo felt like it could have been five festivals rolled one. And between the shirtless, dreadlocked hippies and the scenest of the scene kids with hair that somehow defies the heat (seriously, how is that possible?), these differences showed within the crowd as well. But somehow, despite a slight rivalry between the Phish heads and the Springsteen fans, everyone managed to somehow get along and even stand in civilized lines for the Port-O-Potties.

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