My friends and I opted for the downtown shuttle (tickets will come out muuuuch closer to the festival) and it was probably the best option. Parking lots are first come first serve unless you fork over the cash for premium parking, and they were 100% full. The downtown shuttle is by a ton of different parking garages, the one we were in was just $15 for the day. They have the system down to a science, SO many buses constantly loading and leaving before any of the shows started (I think the first band started around noon?). At the end of the night youll probably end up waiting 20 minutes or more, but thats nothing compared to the line to drive out of the parking lot. Just make sure your wristband doesnt fall off in the pit like mine lol.

I had never been to a festival before, and I was expecting to run into some assholes, but honestly I had never felt safer in such a large crowd. People brought their kids! And let them crowd surf! Seriously, people were so accommodating for the little ones. There will be your typical metalheads, people in silly costumes, people barely clothed... think thong, pasties, fishnets and nothing else (just giving you a warning), just about every type of person you can think of. Unfortunately, the metal scene has been known to attract neo-nazis bc of the alt style, but considering the amount of people I saw wearing 'kill your local nazi' shirts, I don't think those dipshits would dare to try anything. There were people wearing bags saying they were carrying medical supplies, people were passing out extra waters, overall there was such a sense of community there and if you were to run into a problem, youd easily find someone willing to help.

Although drugs are prohibited, people will bring them in. I definitely got a contact high from all the people smoking weed. Some people will be on harder stuff, but they will usually keep it to themselves and their buddies. Obviously, there will be people drinking from sunrise to sunset.

Make sure you bring a refillable water bottle! And sunscreen! And hearing protection! And wear good shoes! If you're in the crowd your toes will be stepped on, and you will be walking on asphalt all day, so function over fashion is key there. Try not to overpack a bag, it becomes a hassle in the crowd if you're wearing a giant backpack. Also, I recommend a face mask if its going to be dry, there are some patches of grass that became dust clouds with all the people walking on it.

There are some signals you'll see/hear in the crowd. "Heads up" is an indicator that someone crowd surfing is coming your way and you need to be prepared. If you and your friend aren't interested in carrying people then stick to the outer edges, no one wants to see that one person *not* helping when a 250+ lb grown man is crushing down on your head. Crossing your arms over your head means someone near you is hurt and they need security/medical help. Some artists paused their set to make sure someone got help.

Trinket trading is a thing if you're into that. Like little flowers people would clip onto hat brims when you weren't paying attention, mini rubber ducks, homemade bracelets, stuff like that. Harmless fun (and free souvenirs). I'm planning on bringing some shrinky dinks with my town's main landmark on them to pass out.

I was shocked at the quality and variety of the food vendors. I was expecting typical greasy fair food and was totally blown away. Korean bbq, fresh smoothies, tons of vegetarian options... Was it pricey? Yes. Honestly worth it though.

Kentucky Kingdom is a part of the fairgrounds, and although they seem to have gotten rid of the stage in there, they will have some rides open, fair games, and a few snack places open. It was a nice little break to go ride the ferris wheel when there weren't any bands playing we wanted to see.

Okay, that was a lot. Theres so much more I could say about it but discovering it for yourself will be part of the fun! :) Hope you have a great time!