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Guide To MIXFest 2011

The secret's out on MIXFest 2011. It's going to be FREE -- and this year, everyone is invited. The concert is at the DCR Memorial Hatch Shell on Saturday, September 17 and promises fun for the whole family.In fact, MixFest will feature a second stage just for kids & families. Here's a guide to everything you need to know about surviving (and having a blast at) MIXFest 2011.

Main Stage Lineup:

Here's the tentative lineup, though times are subject to change:

  • 3:40pm Javier Colon
  • 4:00pm Michelle Branch
  • 4:40pm Sara Bareilles
  • 5:45pm Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
  • 6:50pm Lifehouse

For more on MIXFest 2011 artists, visit the official MIXFest 2011 page.

The Family Stage:

The MIXFest Family stage will offer all kinds of free family fun: games, arts and crafts, and music that's just for kids. The Family Stage will include performances by the Rockettes, Shushybye, David Grover and tons more.

The first act goes on at 2pm.

lifehouse
Lifehouse performing onstage for VH1. (Photo by Michael Caulfield/Getty Images for VH1)

COME PREPARED

MixFest will be held rain or shine, check the forecast.

There's an old saying in New England: If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes. It can fluctuate like crazy. The temperature on any given day in September is anybody's guess, not to mention thunderstorms tend to pop up at a moment's notice.

The WBZ Accuweather team will keep you updated with Weather on the 3s on WBZ NewsRadio 1030, forecasts on WBZ-TV and right here on CBSBoston.com.

If you're spending the day at the Esplanade, you'll want to be dressed appropriately…

On Dressing Appropriately: No shirt, no shoes… no one's going to say anything. But, the later in the evening you stay, the chillier it can get: a sweatshirt or jacket may be in order.  Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat might not be a bad idea depending on the forecast. If there's rain in the forecast, an umbrella or rain coat might be a smart move.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

potter
Grace Potter and The Nocturnals (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images For Live In The Vineyard LLC)

FOOD– There are plenty of food concessions with everything you'd expect to find at a free concert.

The money-saving option:  Bring a picnic – a cooler with sandwiches, chips, fruit, pretzels, cookies, juice, and water.

COMFORT – Sunscreen, bug spray, blankets, chairs, etc.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Grills & BBQ equipment are not permitted ANYWHERE on the Esplanade.

No backpacks will be allowed. All bags will be subject to search.

Alcoholic beverages, glass containers, and sharp objects (e.g., knitting needles, metal tent spikes, can openers, metal utensils) are not permitted.

GETTING THERE

There's typically a two-hour limit on street parking in Boston, which is why we highly recommend taking public transportation. There is also a 4 p.m. Red Sox game, which will add to traffic on Storrow Drive and the surrounding area.

Michelle Branch
Michelle Branch rocks out in Los Angeles. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Public Transportation

The two closest T-stations on the Boston side are Charles-MGH on the Red Line, and Arlington Street on the Green Line. Each is about a half-mile away, so wear comfy shoes.

The Arthur Fiedler Footbridge crosses over Storrow Drive at the Hatch Shell. There are other footbridges east and west of the Hatch Shell.

Driving

Directions
From the North:
Take I-93 South toward Boston.
Take exit 26B, to Storrow Drive west.
Once on Storrow Drive, follow road while keeping the Charles River on your right.
You will approach the Arthur Fiedler (small orange) footbridge and Copley Square exit.
The Hatch Shell will be on the right along the Charles River.

From the South:
Take I-93 North to Boston.
Take exit number 26B, to Storrow Drive west.
Once on Storrow Drive follow road while keeping the Charles River on your right.
You will approach the Arthur Fiedler (small orange) footbridge and Copley Square exit.
The Hatch Shell will be on the right along the Charles River.

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