What can I expect at my first fest?

The first year there was a disaster in long lines getting in, even for early arrivals (before opening) then last year it was a breeze.
Once you're in, you can hear the bands while setting up; go see a favorite then come back and resume setting up; wait until dark when you are incapacitated and amuse your neighbors setting up. Lots of options!

I think the Thursday bands started in the afternoon last year? Could be earlier this year. often the earlier bands are OK to miss.

Like other events, there's a beat-the-rush strategy and a come-after-the-rush strategy. I don't see much advantage as far as places to set up by coming early but others can speak to specific camp areas better than I (forest camping would be one to get to early).

The set you up at the "next available" space so if you want to set up near friends, arrange to drive in together.

Sunrise waiting in line pictures 2013



Sunrise waiting in line 2014

all depends on the individual. both years i came in around 2 or 3am and hung out in the field until the gates opened. there's lots of partying going on out there to keep you entertained. drinking and whatnot. they had porto's out there last year, so that's good. i did car camping both years and never had a problem seeing the first act. they filled back to front last year, which actually worked out amazingly  for me as i was a 2 minute walk from vendors/showers (not that i use them)/triangle stage. 

First thing that came to mind when when I saw this post was "wake and bake". Hehe, good times.

on the other hand, there's something to be said for not starting the 4 day fest exhausted from an all-nighter and a couple of cat naps. That's another advantage to the after-the-rush tactic.

Whoops.

Guess you could say that I am a "Full-Service" hugger...

so you hug from behind and have long arms?

R. Lee Ermey

are you saying you can actually sleep the night before lockn? freak

Hi all,

This will be my wife's and my first festival/ first Lockn', so we're really looking forward to it. As she does not camp (and to be honest, for 4 days, probably neither would I because we're getting kind of old for that sort or thing! ) we're staying at Wintergreen.
Also, we know nothing about the process, so I'll probably come up with more questions as the weeks progress. (hopefully less stupid questions as we go along!)
So, are we allowed to bring chairs/wagon/ along on the shuttle bus? And/or onto the grounds? Are you allowed to bring beverages or do they limit what you can bring in to some water? (I think I read that somewhere here, maybe on the 9 page Ultimate Festival Checklist thread about that. I mean, I see that there are posted rules, and I see that they are fairly easygoing about them.
Are non-campers allowed to fraternize with those in the camping area? I mean, we're not over-the-top friendly, but we're not assholes either!(usually) by the way...what time do the group hugs begin???

And depending on what we bring along, does anybody recommend the luggage lock to the fence things for overnight, and then we can just find our stuff the next day when we come back? ( I saw that idea recommended for campers and it strikes me as a pretty good idea for commuters too.)

Anyway, this ought to be awesome!

Thanks! Not sure any of the VIP's would have us anyway.