by Daniella Otalora

It’s that time of year again. Time to strap on your Chuck Taylor’s and black t-shirts and get ready for a weekend full of music and lots and lots of spilled beer. No Idea Records is hosting the sixth installation of The FEST VI on Oct. 26, 27 and 28. For those who haven’t attended before, don’t expect the typical festival or show setting. The Fest not only caters to locals but attracts people from all over the country for a celebration of music, Gainesville style.

This year there are more bands than ever (over 180) gathering downtown for three straight nights of loud, adrenaline-rushing fun. It’s easy to get caught up in the brouhaha, but especially for those who’ve never attended, it’s necessary to make to proper preparations.

“Remember you are coming to the Fest,” said Tony Weinbender, the festival’s organizer and creator. “This isn’t Mardi Gras.”

If you’re from out-of-town and still don’t have a place to crash for the weekend, finding a hotel may be out of the question by this point. Special rates were given at the official Fest hotel, better known as the University Holiday Inn. Although it’s sold out, this is where headquarters will be for picking up your pass.

Weinbender suggests campgrounds in town as an alternative for those who didn’t reserve in advance and don’t want to sleep in a car. However, Erin Tuzuner, 22, a Pensacola native who has recently relocated to Gainesville, recommends finding a friend’s couch above all else.

Other hotels in town are not looking forward to the sea of sweaty out-of-towners parading the streets. Past incidents (such as jumping from the second floor office into the first floor pool of the Gainesville Lodge) have left a bad taste in the mouths of some locals. However, as long as laws are respected then the Fest’s name will remain untainted.

“If you observe the rules and are polite, it’s amazing,” Tuzuner said. “It doesn’t just pander to the indie crowd.”

Remember simple rules of decency (no fighting or walking around with open containers on the street) since they could lead to getting your pass revoked or an encounter with police.

Time management is the key to juicing the pass to its last drop. Don’t try to run from show to show trying to see every band you came for. Linger around venues and stay for bands you may not be familiar with and you could find someone worth remembering. If you do want to attend the bigger shows then make sure to arrive early since venues do reach capacity.

“It’s a choose-your-adventure type thing. It’s really up to you how much you want to get out of the Fest,” Weinbender said.

With so much going on, taking advantage of the pass can sometimes seem like a harrowing task. Although the major shows are put on at night, the city doesn’t only run on a nocturnal schedule. Afternoon shows have been a staple, and if you don’t have enough motivation to get out of bed before 3 p.m. just see it as a chance to start drinking early.

In you are in town early, visit the first FEST art show, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Atlantic. Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. the Fest flea market will sell band merchandise, along with other finds, at the Fest hotel.

As far as transportation is concerned, bicycles are the best way of getting around during the weekend, especially with the lack of free parking downtown.

“Every conceivable group is united by a love of music. It’s a really good deal,” Tuzuner said.

The Fest isn’t only about getting to see good bands, but it’s also about the camaraderie felt among all the fans. If you’re a local, make a few friends and show them what this town is about.