As a first-timer to the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, there have been countless sights, sounds, and smells that have freaked me out, but in the best possible way. If you’re considering attending the festival next year for the first time, which I definitely suggest you do, here are a few things you can expect. 
1. Parking is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma
The few signs that exist around the festival grounds are small and easy to miss. This is especially an issue for people who aren’t familiar with the area, like myself. I’m proud to say that by day 2 of the festival, I had it figured out. The general admission lots are hidden and most people park on the side of roads surrounding City Park. Unless you arrive before doors open, expect to walk at least a mile or more to get to the festival doors from your car.
2. Wrist bands 
When you arrive at the door, you’ll receive a wrist band that will get you into the festival for each day you have access. Unfortunately, I pulled my wrist band too tight and almost cut off circulation to my right hand. Since I couldn’t figure out how to undo the clip on the band, I was forced to cut it off with a knife. The next day, I was told I would need to pay a $25 fee for a replacement band. Moral of this story: make sure your wrist band stays just loose enough so blood can flow, but tight enough so it won’t fall off. You don’t want to be forced to pay $25 for a cloth wristband you’ll never use again.
3. Costumes
Even though Halloween only fell on the first day of the festival, people were still decked out in a wide variety of costumes on Saturday as well. I’m used to the basic festival fashion like flower crowns and panchos, but Voodoo takes it up a few notches. I’ve seen everything from Fred and Daphne to a group of friends dressed up as superheroes from DC Comics. If anything, it’s the people dressed normally that get funny looks. Don’t be surprised if you end up in a mosh pit somewhere in between a zombie and Chewbacca. 
4. Smoke
From people smoking cigarettes (and certain unmentionables) to artists and their smoke machines, you’ll feel like you’ve been standing in a chimney all day. There aren’t many places you’ll be able to avoid all the smoke, but your best bet for a break would be near the center of the festival grounds, away from the main stages.
5. Interactive art as toys for adults
 
There are multiple sculptures around the festival grounds that also serve as interesting interactive objects for adults to play with and/or ride. Like this metal statue of a bird-like animal that you can climb and “fly” in. It was pretty amusing to see grown men and women hanging off of these objects like they’re back on the playground. 
As intimidating as this all can be to someone who has never been to Voodoo before, or any other music festival for that matter, don’t let it scare you away! The music, the food, and the sense of community make even the weirdest elements of the festival a can’t-miss experience.

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Javier Fern‡ndez

Fans walk towards main stage to watch Slayer Perform Friday, October 31, 2014 in New Orleans Louisiana.