Bunbury Music Festival
Planning your next RV road trip? Head to Cincinnati to enjoy world-class music and delicious food at the Bunbury Music Festival.
Event information
The Bunbury Music Festival is a three-day event that takes place in Cincinnati, Ohio. Yeatman's Cove and Sawyer Point Park serve as the venues for the festival. Since the performances take place on the banks of the Ohio River, attendees can take in the scenic views while enjoying some great music.
The festival was founded by Bill Donabedian, who is the co-founder of the MidPoint Music Festival. He also came up with the name "Bunbury," after being inspired by the Oscar Wilde's play, "The Importance of Being Earnest." The word, "Bunbury" has come to stand for having a made-up excuse to get out of undesirable or annoying situations.
The inaugural event was held in July 2012, and the festival has grown in strength since then. It was taken over by PromoWest Productions, an Ohio based entertainment company in 2014.
Several stages are set up across the venue to showcase the performances of over 100 acts every year. Some of the artists who have performed at Bunbury Music Festival in the past include Jane's Addiction, Death Cab for Cutie, The National, Fall Out Boy, The Flaming Lips, The Black Keys, The Avett Brothers, Florence and the Machine, Wiz Khalifa, The Chainsmokers, Fall Out Boy, and Post Malone. Travelers can enjoy adding some music to an existing RV trek or easily build one around this centrally located festival.
Tickets
You can choose from three-day General Admission, VIP, or Ultimate VIP Passes. They range in price from $180 for the General Admission tickets to $1300 for the Ultimate VIP tickets. The VIP and Ultimate VIP Passes will give you access to special perks like separate entrances, exclusive viewing areas, lockers with charging stations, and complimentary food and drinks.
Kids under the age of 6 can enter the festival for free as long as they as accompanied by a ticket holding adult. Take a look at the official festival website for more information on tickets and pricing for the Bunbury Music Festival.
Explore Bunbury Music Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
To get to Cincinnati, you'll likely use I-71, I-74 or I-75. Once you get into the city, there are a few major routes that will lead you to the venue, which is located along the Ohio River. This natural state line between Kentucky and Ohio curves and meanders to its own tune, so do not be alarmed if you jump between states and cross a few bridges before arriving at your destination. You can direct your GPS app to the site or chart a course using Google maps.
Parking areas
Paid parking is available a short walk away from the Bunbury Music Festival. You can buy parking passes online, through the festival website, or purchase them directly at the box office. It's a good idea to book them in advance to avoid missing out and make use of the early bird discounts.
Public Transportation
You can get to Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove by bus. There are a few routes that will get you close to these sites. Be sure to check the bus schedules and hours of operation. You could also hop on the streetcar, the Cincinnati Bell Connector, which has several convenient spots all over downtown Cincinnati.
Where to stay
Onsite
Bunbury Music Festival is not set up for onsite camping or parking your vehicle overnight. Your best bet is to book a spot at an RV park or campsite nearby.
Nearby
There some well-equipped campsites in the region, although you may need to move a bit further away from the downtown area. These give you the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and still be close enough to enjoy the events. They also come with useful facilities like big-rig access, cable TV, and full hookups.
Getting around
You'll need to get around the venue on foot. Bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, Segways, carts, scooters, or other personal motorized vehicles will not be allowed on the site. Every effort is made by the organizers to make the venue accessible for patrons with disabilities. Most parts of Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove can be navigated by wheelchair.
What to pack
Clothing
Most festival-goers will be dressed in lightweight, summer clothing. You're not likely to see many costumes or headdresses. You can't go wrong with shorts or jeans and a t-shirt. Choose light, breathable fabrics to stay cool and comfortable all day. Take a rain poncho with you in case it rains. Umbrellas will not be allowed into the event.
Gear
Some useful things to take with you into the Bunbury Music Festival are sunscreen, bug spray, earplugs, a hat, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and a lightweight blanket. Aerosol sprays of any kind will not be allowed into the venue locations. It's a good idea to carry one sealed bottle of water (20 oz.) or an empty plastic bottle or non-glass container.
Health & Safety
Make use of the free filtered water stations present all over the grounds to fill up your bottle or container and stay hydrated. You're likely to be on your feet in the sun for a significant part of the day. So slather on sunscreen, wear a hat, and put on some comfortable shoes.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cooking on the festival grounds or bringing in outside food or beverages is not allowed. Plan to take advantage of the cooking apparatus or stove in your RV. You may encounter restrictions when it comes to lighting open fires or digging barbecue pits at some camping locations. Stock up the RV shelves before arriving or stop by one of the multiple grocery locations in the Cincinnati area.
Restaurants
Guests will find plenty of great restaurants, bars, and coffee houses close to the festival grounds. Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick snack, you'll find it at one of the many eateries. Don't miss out on trying the famous Cincinnati-style chili and end your meal with some indulgent French Pot ice cream.
Vendors
A number of vendors will be selling delicious food and beverages on the festival grounds. Some of Cincinnati's best restaurants and food vendors will be represented at the event. From typical festival fare to fresh, truck-made items, you'll find it here. There will also be several vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on offer at the Bunbury Music Festival.
Safety
Security
The safety of Bunbury Music Festival patrons is taken very seriously, and security is the number one priority. Security personnel will be on hand, manning the entrances and making rounds. Attendees and their belongings may be searched upon entry and re-entry to the grounds. Anyone seen breaking the rules will be escorted out of the venue.
Weather
Bunbury takes place as spring rolls into summer, and the weather can be quite warm. However, since the performances take place outdoors, it is a good idea to go prepared for rain. Check the weather forecast and carry a rain poncho. This way, you can avoid standing in line to buy one and just enjoy the show if the sky decides to get a little wet.
Medical
An air-conditioned first aid station will be present on the grounds at a central location. Here you can find first aid services, emergency services, sunscreen, and a nursing station. Medics on site are critical care providers trained in festival medical care. Additional medical services and pharmacy options are available within a ten-minute drive north of the venue locations. Service animals will be allowed to accompany patrons with disabilities.
