VOODOO FEST PREVIEW: Survival Tips

It’s that time of year again, when the temperatures threaten to drop below 70, midterms are upon us and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Yes, it is finally fall in New Orleans, and with fall comes the best music festival experience in Louisiana — the Voodoo Experience. The festival’s 11th year will take place Halloween weekend, hearkening back to the event’s original dates and giving you an excuse to wear your costume all day. While you may think there isn’t much to attending a festival beyond purchasing a ticket and wearing your new Wayfarers, a little planning goes a long way when you plan to be inebriated for three intend straight.

Transportation: Voodoo Fest is located in Mid-City, amidst the massive City Park. If you drive, prepare to park far away and spend some time walking in. The truth is that the further away you are the better, because the closer you park the better chance there is of your car being blocked in by an F-150 by dusk. A hipper, more environmentally-friendly option is biking. City Park is only five miles from campus, and there is a complimentary bike valet located near Will Call. Of course, there is always handy public transportation, with the Carrollton street car taking you straight to the park.

Food and Drink: Needless to say, refreshments at the festival are pricy, but like Jazz Fest, much of it is worth it. Popular eats include Cajun favorites such as a crawfish-infused spinach and artichoke dip inside a bread bowl and spicy jambalaya. Beer prices run at costs similar to those found in the Superdome, and the same goes for daiquiris. Sneaking in snacks can be done, but be wary. Security guards will search your bags prior to entering the gates, and their roving hands will check anything from a pack of cigarettes to your pockets. You may get lucky and the security will wave you by — it happens.

What to Wear: As with any large-scale event taking place in a field, there will be mud. Boots are the most popular footwear, but if you’re really adventurous, simply go barefoot. Just be prepared to get a little dirty. Late October tends to provide nice weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night, so layers are key. Whatever you do bring, make sure it works with your Halloween costume on Saturday.

What to bring: The days are long at Voodoo Fest. If you want to last until KISS, Meat Puppets or Justice, then plan ahead. For daytime, bring sunglasses and sunscreen if you’re UV-conscious. A light blanket is great for between-set naps and can also keep you warm once the sun sets. More importantly, bring a tattered bag to stash everything in. It can double as a pillow once you pass out.

Remember: If you have a weekend pass, you can leave and reenter the festival as often as you please. But do not remove your wristband — they are not replaceable. If you’re a single-day ticket holder, however, you cannot leave.

Schedule: http://www.thevoodooexperience.com/2009/schedule.php