How do I get into the Main Stage Area?
The main entrance for GA, All Stages and Priority Access wristbands to the Jay Paul Company Main Stage area (including McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage and PG&E Latin Tropical Stage) is adjacent to the Ticket Booth located on the south end of the Plaza Park (San Carlos and Market Streets).
This year an Express Entrance and exit will be located on Market Street at Paseo de San Antonio walkway, adjacent to the fountain inside the Park. You must be wearing a wristband to use this entrance; no ticket services are provided in this location. All bags must be smaller than 12”X12”X6”; those with larger bags must enter at the main gate. Everyone is subject to Security and those with large bags will be directed to the main entrance at the south end of the park.
There is a VIP entrance directly into the VIP Pavilion across from the Circle of Palms for VIP wristband holders only. VIP wristband holders must first pick up their wristbands at the Ticket Booth at Market and San Carlos Streets and then proceed down Market Street to that entrance. Please enter the admission queue with your wristbands on and fastened and all bags and purses open for inspection.
What can I Bring Into the Fest?
To learn what you can, and cannot, bring into the festival, download our handy guide. Prohibitions are strictly enforced.
May I bring a pet to the Fest?
Only ADA-defined service animals (dogs) individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed and must be on leash at all times. No pets or emotional/therapy/comfort support animals are allowed.
What is the Security Experience like?
At the main entrance, watch for three sets of admissions lines, L–R:
• BAGS LINE — For those with larger belongings, subject to the parameters below.
• EXPRESS LINE – For those with CLEAR bags or backpacks 12” X 12” X 6” or smaller, waist packs and purses up to 6” X 9” in size ONLY
• PRIORITY / VIP / ADA LINE – Quick entrance to those with Priority Access and VIP wristbands and those with a disability
What time do gates and stages open?
Fri, Aug 7
Main Stage Area Including Jay Paul Company Main Stage, McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage, PG&E Latin Tropical Stage:
Main Gate: 5pm
Express Gate: 6pm
(Start times on these stages vary; check your schedule)
SJZ Break Room Stage: 7:30pm
Montgomery Theater Stage: 6:30pm
Applied Materials Community Swing Stage: 5:30pm
Signia Club Regent Stage: 6:30pm
Sat, Aug 8
Main Stage Area Including Jay Paul Company Main Stage, McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage, PG&E Latin Tropical Stage:
Main Gate: 12:30pm
Express Gate: 1:30pm
(Start times on these stages vary; check your schedule)
Applied Materials Community Swing Stage: 12:30pm
ASML Next Gen Stage at SJMA: 11:30am
Montgomery Theater Stage: 12:30pm
SJZ Break Room Stage: 6:30pm
Signia Club Regent Stage: 12:30pm
Sun, Aug 9
Main Stage Area Including Jay Paul Company Main Stage, McDonald’s Blues/Big Easy Stage, PG&E Latin Tropical Stage:
Main Gate: 11:00am Express Gate: 12:00 pm
(Start times on these stages vary; check your schedule)
Applied Materials Community Swing Stage: 12:30pm
Montgomery Theater Stage: 12:30pm
SJZ Break Room Stage: 5:30pm
ASML Next Gen Stage at SJMA: 11:30am
Signia Club Regent Stage: 12:30pm
Can I get into the Main Stage area early to place my seat?
General admission patrons may enter through the entrance at San Carlos and Market Streets from 7–9am on Saturday and Sunday to place their blankets and chairs. After 9am the area will remain closed until the stage’s official opening times.
In order to allow viewing for everyone, chair backs must be no higher than 28” with legs no higher than 8”. Umbrellas are not allowed. Patrons may take up a space with their blankets no larger than 6′ x 8′ and this space needs to be covered with chairs. VIP and Priority access wristband holders will not be allowed in early to reserve seats, but must come in when the doors open for that day. VIP and Priority wristband holders will be provided folding chairs, but must stay in their seats or they will be opened to other patrons. GA Chairs and blankets must be cleared each evening.