Roots Picnic Need to Know

Happy Sunday! Going to the Roots Picnic? Here’s your need to know. Whether you are going solo or with a group here’s my tips to help navigate you along your day.

Getting through security at the Roots Picnic

Go over the list on their site on items you aren’t allowed to bring. Leave them at home. The amount of people who still attempted to bring in items made no sense. In addition don’t get mad at security doing their job. Pack some patience. The general admission lines are long. Either opt for VIP or simply power through. Take items out of your pocket. This isn’t the first time you have gone through a metal detector. Use wisdom.

Can you navigate the Roots Picnic Alone?

Yes. I went by myself and then found friends to hang out with once there. Don’t let going by yourself stop you from enjoying your time. Not just for the Roots Picnic but any event. I know how mentally challenging it can be to show up alone. However here are some of the perks:

• You can get closer to the stage as one person
• Food and drinks don’t have to be a group discussion
• Able to enjoy it without others in your ear discouraging you to have a good time

It may not be ideal to go to a music concert alone but it can be done. I had a great time both by myself for hours and when I met up with others. Nothing like exploring the entire area alone and when I wanted to. You can do it trust me!

Food options at Roots Picnic

There are a lot of amazing food eateries. From vegan to meat eating and more. I loved how versatile the food options were. Also stop by Bailey’s and Dunkin for some free treats and activations. The Roots sponsors definitely represented themselves well. Drinks are delicious too. Here’s my pro tip: get a shaker that is made in front of you. The prices are about $24 dollars. I wouldn’t get one at a stand alone spot that may have been sitting.

Wait in line and get a shaker that is made in front of you. There are other canned items to enjoy too. All food, merchandise, drinks, and more are all cashless. You will have to show your identification for all alcohol options. There wasn’t a wristband to make it easier to identify those who were verified for alcohol.

The Acts at Roots

Day one had a lot of amazing options. From Mary Mary, Fugees who came out with Lauryn Hill and more. The crowds were a lot. Even with my anxiety they weren’t unbearable. There were a lot of folks with blankets. Do not step on them. I didn’t see one fight or argument happen. Everyone just wanted to have a good time. If you are bringing children which I would caution be mindful that there will be a lot of smoke from cigarettes and more. It’s an adult theme festival so language will not be censored. Ticket prices for kids are the same as adults and I seen quite a few kids there including a baby with noise cancellation headphones.

Sound Quality

I wasn’t there last year when sound was an issue. This year it was perfectly fine. No matter where you stood you could hear. It was a good time. The acts that I heard sounded amazing in every way.

Few Observations at Roots Picnic

Pass yourself with the drinking. Several people had overdone it and got sick. Ciroc is one of the main alcohol choices available. It can and will sneak up on you. It got surprisingly cold there. Bring a sweater or light jacket to prevent it. Also most people wore comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking including hills at some points, plan accordingly.

Uber Rides at Roots Picnic

They wanted all Ubers to be picked up and dropped off at George Hills Drive. That is not the case. Drop off was at the Avenue of the Arts. Getting dropped off wasn’t the issue it was the pick up. I had to walk almost a block up to get ab Uber. Many people were having issues getting one. Expect cancellations of Uber and more.

What’s in my Bag?

I had my clear tote which is what they want you to bring. I had 3 back up chargers, hand sanitizer, lotion, chapstick, medicine, cords, wallet, rain poncho, lipstick, and tissues. Bring ad much as you are willing to carry. Keep it light!

I’ll be headed for Day 2 with the same things and energy as Day 1. There was no crowd issue or drama unfold. People wanted to have a good time and they did. I danced, sang, and enjoyed my 2 cocktails. I didn’t eat anything but that was because I ate heavy before I came. Today I expect to get food. Have a good time tonight, be watchful, and be courteous to those around you! Download the app and be aware that your cell phone service may not work as well. Have fun!

A few things you will need to bring with you:

• Portable Batteries
• Extra charging cords
• Sunblock
• Clear bag or small bag-see the website to get clarification on what you can and can’t bring
• Wear Comfortable shoes
• Tissues
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wipes
• Ear plugs for sensitive ears
• Download app
• Hat
• Blanket
• Water Bottle
• Cash but be prepared for cashless system
• Bug Spray
• Hair Ties
• ID
• Small first aid kit