Stacy Nick

The Coloradoan

An estimated 100,000 people will be in downtown Fort Collins this weekend for Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest.

To help readers navigate the festival's seven stages, 100 performances and 250 vendors, the Coloradoan put together a guide on everything from where to find water to how to choose a band to check out.

How to get there

Between the throngs of people and the multiple street closures (see below), street parking within a mile of downtown Fort Collins will be challenging this weekend. If possible, take the bus, bike or walk to the festival.

• Temporary bike parking will be located on Walnut Street northwest of Linden Street, on the corner of Peterson and Olive streets and at the former Elks Lodge location at Oak and Remington streets. But beware, bikes left at the temporary bike parking after the conclusion of the festival will be removed at owner's expense.

• The Downtown Transit Center is located two blocks from the festival and word is that it will be the best (and least crowded) place to hop on all weekend. The MAX rapid-transit bus system will operate for free during the entire festival, including from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday (Sunday service does not include other Transfort routes).

• For those driving, the parking garages on LaPorte Avenue and at the corner of Mountain Avenue and Remington Street will feature a $5 deal for the whole day Saturday and free parking Sunday.

• These streets and lots will be closed from Friday through Sunday: Chestnut Street, Walnut Street (from Mountain to College avenues), Linden Street (from Walnut to Jefferson streets), Oak Street (from Remington to Peterson streets), Mathews Street (from Mountain Avenue to Magnolia Street), Olive Street (from Remington to Peterson streets), Mountain Avenue (from College Avenue to Jefferson Street), Peterson Street (from Mountain Avenue to Oak Street).

What to leave at home

While dogs are a common site at the festival, event organizers strongly encourage attendees to leave pets at home. The hot pavement, along with the packed crowds and loud music, can be very tough on our four-legged friends, who have much more sensitive hearing than people.

While outside food is allowed, outside alcohol is not. Attendees' bags and personal effects may be searched. Organizers also ask that attendees do not bring coolers to the event. They will not be allowed into the main stage area. Lawn chairs also will not be allowed at the headliner events, and blankets will be allowed at the Library Park Stage only.

How to stay cool, protected from the sun

This weekend's temperatures are expected to be in the high 80s, so make sure to dress for the weather and bring a hat or umbrella and sunscreen. Need a respite? Hit Library Park for some shade.

Forgot your sunscreen? Don't get burned. Head to one of the information booths where sunscreen will be available.

Pack a refillable water bottle so you can fill up at one of five free water stations throughout the festival. Look for the blue and yellow water banners above the stations.

Where to eat

Dozens of local food and beverage vendors will be at the festival, so head for Food Row, on Oak Street between Peterson and Mathews streets.

Festival Bucks are required for all food, beverage and carnival purchases and are available at all festival entrances and ticket booths located on Walnut Street and along Mathews Street. But purchase wisely, as these tickets are nonrefundable and good for this year only. ATMs also can be found at most major street intersections of the festival.

Where to get information once you get there

Use Bohemian's mobile and iPad app to coordinate your Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest experience by visiting www.bohemiannights.org/mobile. The app will allow you to schedule your day, link up with friends and share photos and social media moments. It also has a fun lighter image so you can have your anthemic concert moment without having to flick your Bic.

With more than 70 bands performing, there are sure to be some that you aren't familiar with. This is a great opportunity to try out some new music. Get some guidance at the Ask Me About Local Music Station on Walnut Street between Linden and Chestnut streets where volunteers from the Northern Colorado Musicians Association can help you discover some great new bands.

Feeling lost? Information volunteers will be wandering the festival, and information booths will be located along Mathews Street at Mountain Avenue and Oak Street. You also can pick up maps there. The festival's lost and found will be at the information booth at the intersection of Oak and Mathews streets.

Need something for the kids?

Library Park is the place to be. The Kids' Music Adventure Stage features family-themed music acts and hands-on music workshops, along with children's activities. The park also will have restrooms, water stations and a first-aid booth.

What you need to know about the Mountain Avenue Stage

The main entrance at Mountain Avenue and Mathews Street is the only entrance to the Mountain Avenue stage. Queues will be used to lead into five sections, which are all general admission. All personal items are subject to search — prohibited items include glass, illegal drugs, weapons, outside alcohol, strollers, chairs and coolers. After 5:30 p.m., water, select beers and port-o-lets will be available in each section. Festival Bucks and cash will be accepted for beverages (no credit cards). All sidewalks lining the Mountain Avenue Stage Area (between Mathews and Peterson streets) will be closed at 5:30 p.m. except for ADA access.

What about access for those with disabilities?

There will be designated ADA-accessible sections at the Mountain Avenue Stage on the south sidewalk toward the east end of the venue; at the Linden Street Stage to the west of the sound-mixing tent and at Library Park on the north side of the park directly off the sidewalk. Each of these three areas will have Event Safety Staff and/or Accessibility Volunteers who can help attendees access these areas.

First aid and law enforcement resources

First aid stations will be located at the southwest corner of Mountain Avenue and Mathews Street, and at the northwest corner of Library Park.

Report any suspicious or illegal activity to Event Safety Staff (wearing lime green event shirts) or the police.

Want to avoid the crowds?

Head for Library Park, where the headliner performances will be simulcast on large live video screens. One will be at Library Park Stage and the other will be located just behind the stage, in the northwest corner of Library Park.

Colorado band performances will be broadcast live on KRFC 88.9FM and can be streamed live online at www.krfcfm.org. Headliner performances will not be broadcast.

How to get merchandise

All profits from the sale of band merchandise will go directly to the artists. After each set, artists will have merch booths during and immediately after shows, as well as at the central music merchandise tent on Walnut Street between Mountain Avenue and Linden Street.

Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Downtown Fort Collins

Cost: Admission is free

Information: (970) 484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com or www.bohemiannights.org