Answers to Questions

What does a $30 ticket get me?

Everything except access to the VIP Stage at the OB Hotel.  You get to see all of the bands at all of the stages (except for the VIP OB Hotel Stage).  So with your $30 ticket you get a festival wristband that will allow you entrance into the Main Stage, Gallagher’s, The Harp, Hodad’s Tent Stage, Nickʼs at the Pier, Electric Ladyland, Winston’s, and you can see the entertainment at the Community Stage, as well.  You can also go into the Craft Beer Garden at the Main Stage (if you are over 21).  Art Row is free so everyone can peruse this section of the festival.

I have a ticket, where should I take it on the day of the festival?

To one of the ticket booths located at the Main Stage entrance, on the corner of Newport Ave. and Bacon St., or on the corner of Newport Ave. and Cable St.  At these locations you will exchange your ticket for a festival wristband and pick up a program for the festival.  The ID checks will be at the Main Stage ticket booth and the Craft Beer Garden entrance – it is here you will get your ID checked and receive another wristband that allows you entrance into the Craft Beer Garden.  This is a free wristband if you have a festival wristband.

How does it all work?

The festival is designed to be on a flow basis.  Acts will be playing at the same time on all of the stages starting at 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.  With the $30 ticket, guests are allowed into all of the venues and are encouraged to bounce around through out the day from venue to venue seeing a multitude of bands.  Art Row is on Newport between Bacon and Cable St. – this is a free section and open from 10 AM to 7:30 PM.  Check out the “Possible Itinerary for the Day” page on this website for a better feel.

Is there seating?

There is seating at all of the venues, but it is all on a first-come-first-serve basis.  If you would like to get a seat for one of the acts I suggest going to that stage as the act before your preferred act is finishing.  That way the flow of the festival will most likely clear a seat for you.  Preferred seating at the Main Stage is provided for attendees with the VIP ticket/wristband.

Is there shading?

There is limited shading provided at the Main Stage and umbrellas at the Community Stage.  Hodad’s Tent Stage is covered by a, well, a tent.  And Gallagher’s, The Harp, and Winston’s are all indoor stages.  Still bring sunscreen and a hat though!

When do Ticket Booths open?

The Ticket Booth at the Main Stage will open at 8 AM so that people planning on getting breakfast before the Festival can first get their wristbands so that they get a discount at a participating restaurant!  The other two Ticket Booths will open at 9:30 AM.

When does Art Row open?

10 AM.  We suggest arriving even earlier to find good parking and to have breakfast at one of the discounted participating restaurants (check out the “Feast” page of this website for those restaurants).

Will art be for sale?

Of course!  And these are some of the most sought after artists in southern California.  Please come down early to this free section of the festival and enjoy the art, and pick up a piece for the living room!

Should I bring a blanket to put down or a chair?

There is space at the Community Stage to throw a blanket and listen to the music with the fam.  You will also be able to hear some of the music from the beach so if you would like to bring a blanket or chair and stay at one stage or at the beach than that is totally fine.  However, you won’t get the most out of the festival by staying at one stage the whole day, so we suggest cruising around for the day without a chair.

How early should I get to the festival before the act I really want to see?

Arrive at least at the stage 30 minutes before an act that you absolutely want to see.